Why Word-of-Mouth Is Still the Most Powerful Marketing Tool in NZ - And How to Boost It for Painting & Decorating Professionals

Word-of-mouth is the lifeblood of New Zealand painting and decorating businesses. Happy clients sharing their positive experiences help specialists thrive without heavy marketing spend. Here’s how you can supercharge your word-of-mouth to attract more local clients genuinely.

Here are some tips that you might find interesting:

1. Deliver Quality Work Consistently

Precision and attention to detail in every brushstroke make clients want to recommend your work. Meeting deadlines and keeping spaces clean boosts satisfaction.

A Wellington painter grew his work through referrals by always delivering neat, professional results and clear communication.

2. Ask for Client Reviews

Encourage customers to post honest reviews on Google Business Profile, Facebook, and local directories. These testimonials are powerful extensions of word-of-mouth online.

One Christchurch decorator credits steady enquiries to positive reviews lauding her reliability and quality finishing.

3. List on Local NZ Directories

Builderscrack, NoCowboys, TradeMe Services, and Localist are popular avenues where New Zealanders find trusted painting specialists.

Joining Yada allows you to respond directly to client jobs with no lead fees, giving you honest pricing flexibility.

4. Share Before-and-After Photos

Showcase transformations on Instagram and Facebook to boost credibility and engagement among local audiences.

Weirdly enough, sharing your work process and client stories humanizes your brand, encouraging word-of-mouth naturally.

5. Create a Client Referral Program

Offering discounts or perks to clients who refer others motivates sharing and strengthens your word-of-mouth network.

A Dunedin painter boosted business by giving $20 off for every successful referral, turning clients into promoters.

6. Partner With Local Related Businesses

Collaborate with builders, interior designers and local hardware stores that can recommend your services to clients.

Such partnerships in Auckland have driven regular new bookings through trusted referrals.

7. Maintain a Mobile-Friendly Website

Clients often check websites on mobile before booking. Having a clean, fast site with work photos, pricing, and testimonials helps close deals.

Ensure your Google Business Profile is current to capture local search interest easily.

8. Engage in Local Community Groups

Participate in Facebook groups and Neighbourly with genuine advice and tips, avoiding pushy sales tactics to grow your reputation locally.

Painting pros in Tauranga increased bookings by answering questions and sharing expertise on local forums.

9. Be Transparent About Pricing

Clear pricing and honest communication reduce surprises for clients, improving their confidence in recommending you.

Open discussions about costs and processes help clients become strong advocates.

10. Use Yada to Connect Locally

Yada offers a commission-free NZ platform to connect with local clients based on fair ratings and private communication.

Many painters and decorators use Yada to build reliable referral networks through consistent, quality work.