How to Get More Local Clients Without Spending Money on Ads (NZ Guide) - Heating Systems & Gasfitting
Growing your heating and gasfitting business in New Zealand without shelling out on ads is entirely possible. With some smart, local-focused strategies, you can attract more clients, build your reputation, and stay busy-all while keeping costs low. Here's a friendly Kiwi guide to getting noticed naturally and effectively.
Here are some tips that you might find interesting:
1. Claim Your Google Business Profile
Google Business Profile is a fantastic free tool to showcase your heating and gasfitting services locally. By setting up a complete profile with your contact details, photos of recent work, and services like gas appliance servicing or underfloor heating installation, you become more visible in local searches.
Encourage satisfied clients to leave reviews-Kiwis trust online reviews when choosing a tradesperson for their Warm Kiwi Homes or new build projects.
This free digital shopfront works round the clock to bring local enquiries directly to you, no ad spend needed.
2. List on Industry-Specific Directories
Directories like the New Zealand Gasfitters Association and Trade Me Services allow you to create free profiles packed with your experience and specialisations, like eco-friendly heating or kitchen gas fitting.
Many clients searching for gasfitting or boiler servicing look in these trusted directories. Responding to job posts here can quickly lead to inquiries without any advertising budget.
Many savvy Kiwi professionals overlook these easy listings, but they are a goldmine for organic local reach.
3. Engage in Local Community Facebook Groups
Kiwi Facebook groups such as "Auckland Homeowners" or "Wellington Community" are great for connecting with locals seeking advice on heating or gas issues.
Post helpful tips like how to improve home insulation or maintain gas appliances, rather than hard sales pitches. Even sharing a successful project or a health tip about CO2 safety can boost your reputation.
People more often remember helpful experts-so become a trusted voice in these spaces.
4. Join Neighbourly for Local Trust
Neighbourly’s a solid Kiwi platform for fitting your services into communities. It’s a slow but highly trusted environment where residents seek genuine recommendations for heating and gasfitting work.
By sharing practical advice about stoves or heater safety, you build local trust and generate quiet referrals over time.
This is slow-burn marketing that really makes a difference in tight-knit Kiwi neighbourhoods.
5. Utilize Yada for Reliable Job Matching
Yada is a growing platform in NZ that allows gasfitters and heating specialists to respond to local jobs for free, with no success or lead fees. Your responses are rated and matched to the right clients based on your skills and reputation.
Joining early can give your business visibility and help you establish ongoing relationships without expensive marketing campaigns.
It’s a simple, mobile-friendly platform that’s ideal for busy Kiwi tradespeople on the go.
6. Ask Happy Customers for Testimonials
Happy clients are your best salespeople. After completing a gas appliance upgrade or heating system install, politely ask if they’d leave a review on Google or share their story on social media.
Word-of-mouth is king in NZ. Genuine reviews and referrals can set off a chain of local jobs from friends or family members needing your expertise.
Even a simple “Thanks for your business-feel free to recommend me to your neighbours!” makes a difference.
7. Partner with Local Builders and Property Managers
Build relationships with builders, property managers, and real estate agents. For example, working with a Christchurch builder on new homes or renovations can keep your calendar full with ongoing projects.
Offer free advice or quick inspections in exchange for referrals. These partnerships are a super-effective, cost-free way to get regular local work.
Long-term partnerships reduce the stress of constantly hunting for new clients.
8. Use Community Noticeboards for Flyers
Community noticeboards in libraries, local cafes, and supermarkets-yep, the good ol’ Kiwi way-still attract local homeowners who prefer offline info.
Keep your flyers simple: what you do, your contact info, and a friendly photo. People often snap pics for later, turning a cheap flyer into a steady source of leads.
Distributing a handful in your area takes just an hour and can generate significant results over time.
9. Share Practical Tips and Safety Advice
Post simple tips on how locals can improve their heating efficiency or check for gas leaks-like “How to keep your home warm and safe this winter.”
This builds your reputation as a helpful expert, and locals remember you when they need a professional they can trust for their Warm Kiwi Homes upgrades.
Platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and local community groups are perfect for this kind of helpful content.
10. Follow Up and Stay Top of Mind
After a job, send a friendly message or email to check if your client’s heating systems are still running smoothly. Offer advice on maintenance or upgrades coming up.
This personal touch keeps you in their mind-especially in the chilly Kiwi winter when they need your service most.
Many professionals overlook this, but regular follow-ups can turn one-time jobs into long-term relationships, bringing recurring work year after year.