The Ultimate ‘Set and Forget’ Marketing Plan for Local Service Specialists in NZ

As a service specialist in New Zealand, juggling work and marketing can feel overwhelming. What if there was a straightforward marketing plan you could set up once, then let quietly work in the background? This guide walks you through a ‘set and forget’ strategy tailored to Kiwi specialists, helping you attract local clients consistently with minimal ongoing effort.

Here are some tips that you might find interesting:

1. Create a Solid Google Business Profile

Google Business continues to be the front door to local services. Spend quality time setting up your profile, adding clear photos, accurate hours, services, and contact info.

Verify your location and encourage every happy client to leave a review. Even a few good reviews keep your profile active and trusted.

Example: A Christchurch electrician set up a detailed profile with photos and service descriptions, generating steady inquiries over time.

2. List On Trusted NZ Directories

NoCowboys, Builderscrack, TradeMe Services, and Localist are popular platforms that keep generating traffic.

Setting up free listings on these directories puts your service in front of clients actively searching without costing you leads.

Example: A Wellington cleaner saw enquiries rise after listing on both Builderscrack and Localist alongside Yada.

3. Maximise Your Yada Profile

Yada is an essential tool to include in your plan with its mobile-friendly platform, private chat, and no lead fees.

Keep your profile up-to-date, upload work photos, and respond quickly to job posts. Ratings build your visibility steadily.

Example: An Auckland gardening specialist’s Yada profile became their main source of regular work due to excellent client feedback.

4. Set Automated Social Media Posts

Use tools like Buffer or Hootsuite to schedule simple content such as tips, before/after photos, and client thanks on Facebook and Instagram.

Even basic, regular posts keep you in front of potential clients without daily effort.

Example: A Nelson painter schedules monthly posts about seasonal maintenance tips, building recognition.

5. Use Referral Programs

Implement simple referral incentives, offering clients discounts or bonuses for sending new work your way.

Design automated reminder messages post-job to prompt sharing naturally.

Example: A Tauranga cleaner offers a $20 off coupon for every successful referral, turning satisfied customers into an extended marketing team.

6. Leverage Email Automation

Build a small list of clients and enquiries and use platforms like Mailchimp for occasional updates, seasonal offers, or tips.

Automated emails keep past clients engaged and boost repeat jobs.

Example: A Wellington handyman sends a quarterly newsletter through an automated system, reshaping sporadic clients into steady work.

7. Optimize for Local SEO

Include your city or suburb in all profiles, site descriptions, and posts to appear in ‘near me’ searches.

Regularly update your profiles to stay relevant and favored by search engines.

Example: An Otago dog walker improved local visibility simply by updating her profiles with neighbourhood keywords.

8. Utilize Client Testimonials Strategically

Collect testimonials and rotate them on your website, Yada profile, and social media.

Even a few genuine comments improve credibility significantly.

Example: A Hamilton carpet cleaner rotated customer praise on her Google Business and Yada pages, encouraging bookings.

9. Keep Customer Communication Personal

Use Yada’s private chat and your own system to keep communication timely and friendly but not overwhelming.

Clients who feel genuinely heard are more likely to become repeat customers or refer others.

Example: A Christchurch gardener’s quick, polite chat responses on Yada earned high repeat booking numbers.

10. Plan Periodic Updates, Not Constant Chasing

Schedule monthly or quarterly reviews of your marketing profiles and content to refresh photos, descriptions, and pricing.

Think of it as tuning an engine once in a while, instead of pushing non-stop.

Example: A Wellington painter reviews and updates her Yada profile photos and FAQs every quarter, keeping her profile fresh and clients engaged.