How to get more painting and decorating work
Painting is one of the most visual trades there is, and homeowners choose painters largely on what they can see: photos, reviews and how professional the business looks. The decorators who get the most quote requests are the ones who show their work best.
Where painting leads come from
- Search: "painter and decorator near me", "interior painting", "exterior painting", "kitchen cabinet painting"
- Referrals from past customers
- Realtors preparing homes for sale
- Property managers turning over rentals
- Neighbours who see your van and your work
Let your photos sell
Post before and after photos from every job to your Google Business Profile, with the type of work and the town. Kitchens, exteriors and dramatic colour changes are the most persuasive. Weekly posts in season keep your profile active; see what to post.
Win the comparison
- Collect reviews after every job, especially ones that mention tidiness, timing and clean lines. Our review request templates can be adapted for painters.
- List every service: interior, exterior, kitchen cabinets, wallpapering, commercial, plastering repairs.
- Reply to quote requests within the hour if you can. Speed alone wins many jobs.
Build estate agent and letting agent relationships
Estate agents need homes freshened up before the photos. Letting agents need flats repainted between tenants. Both value reliability above everything, and both can send repeat work all year.
Mark the neighbourhood
When you paint an exterior, neighbours notice. A sign outside during the job, where allowed, and a note to nearby homes when you finish can bring the next job on the same street.
Plan around the seasons
Exterior work peaks in spring and summer in most areas. Fill winter with interiors and kitchens by promoting them in late autumn, and get your exterior photos and offers ready before spring.
If you would like the search side handled, see our SEO for painters and decorators, or get your free Maps audit.
Questions owners ask
What is the best source of painting leads?
For most painting businesses, local search and referrals. Homeowners search for painters nearby, compare photos and reviews, and ask two or three for a quote. A strong profile puts you on that shortlist.
How do we win more quotes once we are on the shortlist?
Respond fast, turn up on time to quote, give a clear written quote, and follow up. Many painters lose jobs simply by being slow to reply.
Is it worth targeting kitchen cabinet painting?
Cabinet painting and refinishing is a valuable, growing niche. Before and after photos of kitchens are very persuasive, and the searches are specific enough to win with a strong page and profile.
Find out who is getting your calls
The free Maps audit shows where you rank across your service area, which competitors are taking the calls you are missing, and exactly what it would take to become the first call. The findings are yours to keep.
Get your free Maps audit