1. Tell everyone you know
Your first jobs usually come from people who already know and trust you: friends, family, former colleagues, neighbours, ex-employers. Tell them what you do, which areas you cover and that you are taking work. Give them something easy to pass on, such as a card or a message they can forward.
2. Make yourself look established
- A professional business name and a clean logo, even a simple one
- A van sign or magnetic signs, with your phone number
- Business cards in your pocket and in the van
- A simple website and a Google Business Profile, so people who search for you find something
- Your accreditations, insurance and any registrations, if they apply to your trade
3. Use local groups and community pages
Local Facebook groups and community pages are full of people asking for recommendations. Join, read the rules, and help before you promote. Answer questions honestly, share a photo of a finished job if the rules allow, and never spam.
4. Partner with people who meet your customers
- Letting agents and landlords need reliable tradespeople
- Estate agents, surveyors and mortgage brokers meet people who are about to need work done
- Other trades: a plumber and an electrician, or a builder and a decorator, can pass work to each other
- Builders' merchants and suppliers sometimes recommend trusted tradespeople
5. Do the first jobs brilliantly, then ask
Your first few customers are your most valuable marketing. Turn up on time, communicate, tidy up and ask every one for an honest Google review and for a recommendation. Take photos of finished work, with permission, and add them to your website.
A 30-day plan
| Week | What to do |
|---|---|
| 1 | Set up the basics: business name, insurance, van sign, cards and a Google Business Profile |
| 2 | Tell everyone you know. Join local groups and read their rules |
| 3 | Contact five letting agents or partner trades with a short, polite message |
| 4 | Do your first jobs brilliantly, ask for reviews, take photos and update your website |
What to say when you tell people
Keep it short and specific, and make it easy for them to pass on. For example: "I've started my own plumbing business covering Leeds and Wakefield. I do repairs, boilers and bathrooms. If you know anyone who needs a plumber, I'd really appreciate you passing my number on." Then give them a card or send the message in a form they can forward.
A basics checklist
- Business name and, if you want it, a simple logo
- Phone number and email you will actually answer
- Insurance and any accreditations or registrations your trade needs
- Business cards and a van sign
- A Google Business Profile and a simple website
- A way to record income and expenses from day one
Pricing your first jobs
It is tempting to price very low to win work. A modest, fair introductory price for your first few jobs can help, but do not go so low that you lose money or set a price you cannot sustain. Work out your costs first. See our guide to pricing a job.
6. Lead sites: use carefully
Directories and lead sites can bring early enquiries, but you pay in fees or per lead, and customers often ask several firms for quotes. Treat them as a trial. Track what each one costs and what work it brings, and stop if the numbers do not work.
What to avoid
- Underpricing so far that you cannot make a living
- Taking work you are not qualified or insured for
- Buying fake reviews, or asking friends to review work they did not receive
- Ignoring paperwork: register as required, keep records and invoice properly
Common questions
How long does it take to build a steady flow of work?
It varies hugely by trade and area. Many new tradespeople find the first few months slow and the flow builds as reviews, referrals and repeat customers accumulate.
Do I need a website straight away?
It helps you look established, but you can start with a Google profile and a social page, and add a simple site as soon as you can.
Should I advertise?
Paid advertising can bring enquiries but costs money for every click. Start with free and cheap routes first, and test any paid route in a small way.
What should I put on my van?
Your business name, your trade, your phone number and, if it fits, your website. Keep it clear and legible.
Should I do free or cheap jobs to get started?
A small discount for your first few customers is fine if you can afford it. Working for nothing rarely builds a business.
How do I get my first reviews?
Do the work well and ask every customer, once, for an honest Google review.
What if I have no photos yet?
Take them on every job from the first one, with permission.
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