How to Get More Referrals for Your Handyman Business

Referrals are the lifeblood of a successful handyman business. They bring in new clients and establish your reputation as a trusted professional. in fact, according to a Nielson Global Trust in Advertising Survey, "92 percent of consumers around the world say they trust earned media, such as recommendations from friends and family, above all other forms of advertising". In this guide, we'll explore practical strategies to get more referrals for your handyman business and ensure a steady stream of work.

Exceptional service is not just a good practice, it's the cornerstone of generating referrals. Here's how to ensure your clients are impressed:

• High-Quality Work: Always aim for perfection in every job, big or small. This commitment to excellence leaves a lasting impression on your clients and sets a high standard for your industry, inspiring others to follow suit.
• Professionalism: Arrive on time, communicate clearly, and respect your clients' homes. Your professionalism makes clients more likely to recommend you and shows them that their trust and comfort are your top priorities, making them feel respected and valued.
• Clean Up: After completing a job, ensure the workspace is cleaner than when you arrived. This simple act leaves a significant positive impression and shows your clients that you appreciate and respect their space.

Be bold about asking your satisfied clients for referrals. Here's how to do it effectively:

• Timing: The best time to ask for a referral is right after you've completed a job and your client is happy with your work.
• Make It Easy: Provide clients with referral cards they can hand out to friends and family. You can also send a follow-up email thanking them for their business and asking for referrals.
• Incentives: Offer a small discount or a free service for every referral to a paying client; doing so can motivate clients to refer you to others.

Networking with other local businesses can be a goldmine for referrals. Consider these strategies:

• Partnerships: Consider partnering with real estate agents, property managers, and other businesses that can refer clients to you. In return, you can offer their clients a discount or free service.
• Join Local Business Groups: Become a member of local business associations or chambers of commerce. These groups often have networking events where you can connect with potential referral sources.

Online reviews are pivotal in referral, as they can significantly influence potential clients. Your online presence is a powerful tool that can attract new clients and boost your business. Here's how to maximize it:

• Ask for Reviews: Encourage happy clients to leave positive reviews on Google, Yelp, and other review platforms. Provide direct links to make it easy for them.
• Respond to Reviews: Thank clients for positive reviews and address any negative feedback professionally. This shows you care about your clients' experiences and are committed to improving.

Social media platforms are not just tools, they are excellent tools for generating referrals. Here's how to use them effectively:

• Share Your Work: Post-before-and-after photos of your projects. This showcases your skills and encourages satisfied clients to share your posts with their networks.
• Engage with Your Audience: Respond to comments and messages promptly. This active engagement not only builds relationships but also increases the likelihood of referrals. It's a way to show your clients that you value their feedback and are committed to providing the best service, making them feel heard and appreciated.
• Ask for Shares: Encourage your followers to share your posts. You can even run contests or promotions where participants get an entry for every share.

Formalizing a referral program can provide structure and motivation for clients to refer your business. Here's how to set one up:

• Define the Reward: Offer a reward for each successful referral, such as a discount on future services or a gift card.
• Promote the Program: Let your clients know about the referral program by including it in your invoices, emails, and social media posts.
• Track Referrals: Keep track of who referred whom and follow up with thank-you notes or small tokens of appreciation. Trade Service Pro's CRM feature makes keeping track of customer referrals and other crucial customer data a snap!

Staying in touch with past clients can lead to repeat business and referrals. Here's how to maintain the relationship:

• Send Thank-You Notes: After completing a job, send a thank-you note to show appreciation for their business.
• Check-In Emails: Periodically send check-in emails to past clients. You can offer seasonal maintenance tips and special promotions or remind them of your services.
• Holiday Greetings: Send your clients holiday greeting cards, wall calendars, or other promotional material. These small gestures can keep you at the top of their minds and encourage them to refer you to others.

Generating more referrals for your handyman business requires a mix of exceptional service, strategic networking, and effective follow-up. By delivering high-quality work, asking for referrals, leveraging online reviews, utilizing social media, creating a referral program, and maintaining relationships with past clients, you can build a steady stream of referrals and grow your business. Start implementing these strategies today and watch your handyman business thrive!

If you found this article helpful, why check other Trade Service Pro (TSP) blog articles that can help your home service business succeed? Sign up for a free, 30-day, no-strings-attached trial of TSP today!