Painting Leads 101: Effective Ways To Boost Your Business

How To Leadership

Every painting business starts as a blank canvas. And having a steady stream of painting leads is how you create a lasting finish.

Painting leads are potential customers actively looking to hire a painter for their project. They’re the key to growing your painting business because they become the jobs that keep your team working and the money flowing. To do that, you need the right preparation, good tools, and a solid strategy.

This guide will show you the best ways to improve your painting lead generation. You’ll learn the tricks successful painters use to get new clients and find out how to keep your schedule full all year long.

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Why Is Lead Generation Important?

Your painting business needs a steady stream of new clients to stay strong. Good painting lead generation helps you find jobs all year, even during slow seasons. When you have enough painting leads coming in, you can plan better, hire employees (if needed), and grow your business.

The global painting industry brought in nearly $180 billion in 2023, and there’s plenty of room for growth. More people are investing in home improvements. That means more opportunities for painters and contractors who know how to hunt down good leads.

Most painting contractors focus on residential work, chasing down house painting leads—and for good reason. Homeowners need new paint periodically for as long as they own their home. This creates repeat business opportunities.

What About Lead Generation Companies?

Lead generation companies will collect the names of people who need a service and then sell their names to business owners. But companies might sell the same leads to many contractors.

While these services might seem like an easy way to find new painting jobs, they often cost more than they’re worth. The leads are usually shared with your competitors, and they’re often outdated.

You’ll often get better results by working your own system. Plus, you’ll get the painting leads for free.

If you do decide to go with a lead generation company, do your research to make sure your chosen service is reputable and worth paying for.

7 Online Strategies for Getting Painting Leads

The world has gone digital, taking lead generation along with it. Here’s how to get painting leads online:

Build a Strong Website

A strong online presence starts with a good website that’s attractive and easy to use on both phones and computers. Make sure visitors can quickly find your services, prices, and contact information. Showcase your portfolio to show off your best painting jobs.

Most importantly, make it easy for potential customers to reach you. Put your phone number and email address at the top of every page and add contact forms where relevant.

Leverage Social Media

Social media can be a goldmine for painting lead generation, especially for younger homeowners. Share your best work on Facebook and Instagram. Post before-and-after photos of your painting jobs, and spotlight your team in action. Respond promptly when people comment on your posts.

You can even run targeted advertising campaigns to reach homeowners in your service area who might be looking for a painter.

Run Email Campaigns

Email marketing helps you stay in touch with past customers and nurture new leads. And it’s very effective — 50% of marketing professionals say they get their best results from this channel. Send monthly newsletters with painting tips and seasonal specials. Share photos of recent jobs and consider offering subscriber discounts.

When past customers get regular reminders about your painting business, they’re more likely to hire you again. They’re also more likely to recommend you to friends.

Create Helpful Videos

Short videos show off your expertise and help attract new customers. Share quick painting tips on YouTube or social media. Film walkthrough tours of your most impressive completed projects. And give advice about choosing colors or maintaining painted surfaces. When people see you know your stuff, they’re more likely to trust you for their painting needs.

Use Online Directories

Don’t forget about online directories. Claim your business listings on popular sites like Angi and Yelp. Make sure your business name, address, and phone number are exactly the same across all these listings. Consistency helps painting contractors build trust with potential customers and increase visibility online.

Upgrade Your Google Business Profile

Setting up your Google My Business profile is crucial for finding local painting leads. Fill out all the information, add lots of project photos, and keep your business hours up to date. This makes sure the right information shows up when local leads search up your business.

When customers leave reviews, respond to them quickly to demonstrate your responsiveness and thank them.

Try Online Advertising

For faster results, consider online advertising. With Google Ads, you’ll show up when people search for painting contractors in your area. You can target specific demographics and locations while staying within a set budget.

Take the extra time and effort to track your results. Knowing which strategies bring in the most qualified leads lets you focus on what works best for your painting business.

4 Offline Strategies for Getting Painting Leads

Professional contractor using a spray paint gun painting outdoors

The internet isn’t the only place to find new customers. Here’s how to get painting jobs away from the keyboard:

Try Traditional Marketing Methods

Direct mail still works, especially when targeting specific neighborhoods or new homeowners. Put ads in local magazines and newspapers that focus on home improvement. You can also consider radio spots or community bulletin boards.

Build a Strong Referral Program

Happy customers are your best source of new leads. Offer referral bonuses to clients who send new painting jobs your way. This might be a discount on their next paint job or a gift card to a local store.

Bundle Services

Different customers have different needs. Custom packages help you stand out from other contractors and win more jobs.

Think about offering new homeowner specials that include multiple rooms at a discount. Create maintenance plans for property managers who need regular painting services. Or build commercial packages for business owners who want to refresh their buildings. These could even lead to lucrative commercial painting leads.

Get Active in Your Community

Join your local chamber of commerce and in-person business groups. Sponsor youth sports teams or charity events to get your name out there. Set up booths at home improvement shows where potential customers can meet you face-to-face.

And don’t forget the basics like yard signs at job sites and vehicle wraps that turn your work trucks into mobile billboards.

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Tips for Getting More Painting Leads

Getting more jobs isn’t just about your painting skills. It’s also about running a tight ship. Here are some effective ways to improve your success rate:

Build a Strong Brand. Your painting business should look as good as your paint jobs. Make sure you and your team wear clean uniforms and drive well-maintained vehicles. Keep your job sites neat and organized, and consider offering something special that sets you apart from other painters. This could be eco-friendly products or generous warranties.
Focus on Customer Experience. Great service brings more referrals. Keep customers updated about their projects. Respond quickly when they reach out. Go the extra mile by offering free color consultations or touch-ups after the job is done.
Train Your Team. Each of your employees represents your painting business. Train them in both technical skills and customer service. Make sure they know your standards for quality work, safety, and communication. When your whole team delivers, you get more qualified leads through word-of-mouth.
Use the Right Tools. Modern painters need modern tools. Use project management software to track your jobs and schedule. Set up automated email reminders to follow up with potential customers. This helps you stay organized and makes sure valuable leads don’t slip through the cracks.

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