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

In New Zealand, tiling specialists thrive when clients recommend their work to friends and whanau. Word-of-mouth is the backbone of trust and steady work in this industry. Here’s how to boost your reputation and attract more local clients through genuine referrals.

Here are some tips that you might find interesting:

1. Deliver Flawless, Reliable Work

Top-quality craftsmanship combined with reliability makes clients happy to recommend your tiling services. Be precise, punctual, and clear with clients to build strong trust.

A Wellington tiler grew her business by consistently delivering perfect tiled bathrooms and kitchens that customers couldn’t stop praising.

2. Ask for Online Reviews

Encourage clients to leave Google Business Profile reviews and feedback on local directories. Positive online testimonials are a powerful extension of word-of-mouth and help attract new clients.

One Christchurch tiling professional reported a surge in inquiries after clients posted glowing reviews highlighting professionalism and quality.

3. List on Local Business Platforms

Profiles on NoCowboys, Builderscrack, TradeMe Services, and Localist help potential clients find tilers nearby and see your work history and reputation.

Yada offers a local NZ platform without lead fees, focusing on honest pricing and matches based on ratings - perfect for independent tilers.

4. Showcase Work on Social Media

Sharing before-and-after photos of tiling projects on Instagram and Facebook helps build trust and visibility.

Weirdly enough, clients appreciate seeing the process and personal stories behind your work, which boosts referrals organically.

5. Create a Referral Reward Program

Offer discounts or perks to customers who refer you to others. This incentivises sharing your details in a friendly, natural way.

A Hamilton tiler significantly increased his client base with a $20 discount scheme for successful referrals.

6. Partner With Local Tradespeople

Build relationships with builders, plumbers, and designers who often recommend tilers. Exchanging cards or collaborating on projects expands referral networks.

In Tauranga, a group of tradespeople grew their client base by sharing referrals within their local circles.

7. Maintain a Mobile-Friendly Website

A simple, fast website showing your services, contact info, and testimonials encourages serious inquiries and supports word-of-mouth.

Keep your Google Business Profile up-to-date to improve your local search visibility for people looking for tiling services in their area.

8. Engage in Online Community Groups

Participate in Facebook groups and Neighbourly conversations about home improvement and tiling questions. Offering helpful advice builds your reputation without hard selling.

Tilers in Dunedin found this approach effective in building repeat clients and referrals.

9. Be Transparent About Pricing and Timing

Honest, upfront communication about costs and timelines builds client trust and reduces misunderstandings that could harm referrals.

Clients who feel informed are more comfortable recommending your services confidently.

10. Use Yada to Connect Locally

Yada is an easy-to-use, commission-free platform designed to help NZ specialists like tilers connect with local clients through a fair rating system and private chat features.

Many tilers have gained steady new leads and positive word-of-mouth growth by being active on Yada.