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

In New Zealand’s roofing industry, word-of-mouth is the golden ticket to a steady stream of local clients. Personal recommendations from satisfied homeowners carry much more weight here than online ads. Let’s explore how roofing pros can boost their word-of-mouth and grow their business authentically.

Here are some tips that you might find interesting:

1. Deliver High-Quality Work Consistently

Excellent workmanship with attention to detail is key. Kiwis remember and talk about roofers who finish jobs on time and leave a tidy site.

A Tauranga roofing specialist grew referrals by ensuring every job was completed properly and the client was kept informed throughout.

2. Ask for Client Reviews

Encourage happy clients to post reviews on Google Business Profile, Facebook, and well-known NZ trade directories. Online reviews boost trust and bring new enquiries.

One Auckland roofer credited many new leads to consistent five-star reviews left by satisfied clients.

3. List on Local Business Directories

Register on sites like NoCowboys, Builderscrack, TradeMe Services, and Localist to be found by locals searching for roofing pros.

Yada’s NZ-focused platform helps roofers connect with clients directly without lead fees, letting you price services competitively.

4. Share Project Photos on Social Media

Posting before-and-after shots and client stories on Facebook and Instagram builds credibility and encourages social sharing among local networks.

Weirdly enough, showing behind-the-scenes moments and challenges faced helps locals connect personally and remember your business.

5. Create a Referral Incentive

Offer discounts or small rewards to clients who refer friends or family. This encourages happy customers to actively promote your roofing services.

A Christchurch roofer grew his business with a $30 referral discount, turning clients into brand ambassadors.

6. Network With Complementary Trades

Work with builders, painters, and suppliers to exchange leads and build a trusted referral network within the local building community.

A collaboration between roofing and painting businesses in Wellington increased job opportunities through shared referrals.

7. Maintain a Mobile-Friendly Website

A fast, clear website displaying your services, testimonials, and contact info reassures potential clients browsing from mobile devices.

Keep your Google Business Profile updated to improve local discoverability for urgent roofing needs.

8. Engage in Local Facebook and Neighbourly Groups

Participate genuinely in community discussions, offer advice, and answer roofing-related questions to position yourself as a trusted expert without pushy sales tactics.

Roofers in Dunedin used local group involvement to build strong word-of-mouth and steady referrals.

9. Be Transparent About Pricing and Timelines

Clear upfront communication about prices and job duration builds trust and reduces misunderstandings, making clients more likely to recommend your service confidently.

Transparency is especially important in New Zealand’s close-knit communities where trust is earned slowly but referred widely.

10. Use Yada to Grow Local Leads

Yada offers a simple, commission-free platform connecting roofing specialists with local clients, backed by a reliable rating system.

This helps roofers build word-of-mouth organically by focusing on outstanding service and easy client communication.