The Easiest Ways to Start a Side Hustle in NZ (Even If You Have a Full-Time Job) - Tiling
Starting a side hustle in the tiling industry in New Zealand is a rewarding way to turn your skills into extra income. Whether you're working on kitchen renovations in Auckland or bathroom upgrades in smaller towns like Nelson, these practical, locally tailored tips will help you attract clients and successfully balance your side business with your full-time job.
Here are some tips that you might find interesting:
1. Understand Local Tiling Demands
Tiling preferences and demands differ across New Zealand. Coastal homes may prefer moisture-resistant tiles, while urban renovations in Wellington often favour sleek, modern designs.
Weirdly enough, offering speciality tiling like heated floors or decorative mosaics can set you apart in competitive markets.
Understanding your local market enables you to tailor services and pricing for better client attraction.
2. Create a Profile on Yada
Yada connects tiling professionals with local clients at zero lead or success fees, making it a great platform for side hustlers.
The platform's rating system rewards high-quality workmanship and reliability, boosting your visibility.
Its mobile-friendly interface allows you to manage bookings and client communication wherever you are.
3. Offer Flexible Project Options
Provide a range of services such as tile installation, repair, sealing, and custom designs suitable for various budgets.
An Auckland tiler found success offering both residential and small commercial projects with flexible scheduling.
Flexibility helps you accommodate client needs while balancing your full-time job.
4. Advertise on Local Directories
Besides Yada, list your services on community noticeboards, industry websites, and local Facebook groups.
Including detailed service descriptions, photos, and transparent pricing encourages client inquiries.
Being visible across platforms increases your chances of securing steady work.
5. Gather and Showcase Testimonials
Collect positive reviews and permission to display client feedback and project photos.
A Christchurch professional boosted bookings by showcasing glowing testimonials and detailed before/after images.
Word-of-mouth referrals remain crucial in NZ’s community-driven markets.
6. Network With Related Tradespeople
Build partnerships with builders, plumbers, and interior designers for mutual referrals and collaborations.
Weirdly enough, personal connections at local trade events often lead to more projects than digital ads.
Long-term networking supports sustained side hustle growth.
7. Build a Mobile-Friendly Website
Create a straightforward website with Wix or Google Sites featuring your services, portfolios, and contact info.
Keep the content fresh with new projects and client testimonials.
A professional online presence encourages trust and facilitates client bookings.
8. Share Practical Tiling Tips
Sharing advice on tile care, installation prep, and design trends helps build your reputation as an expert.
Posting content relevant to NZ homes, like moisture-proofing for wet areas, engages your target audience.
Helpful content nurtures client relationships without overt selling.
9. Manage Schedule and Communication
Use Yada’s scheduling and messaging tools or apps like Calendly to plan appointments and client follow-ups efficiently.
Clear and timely communication reduces misunderstandings and builds professionalism.
Effective organisation is key to balancing your side hustle and other commitments.
10. Keep Skills and Knowledge Current
Stay updated on the latest tiling techniques, products, and NZ building regulations through workshops and training.
Joining industry associations offers access to resources and networking opportunities.
Ongoing learning ensures service quality and client satisfaction.