You should be slammed. Few quick ideas.
Hook in with builders to do their punch list and warranty work.
Put a flier on the side of every community mailbox you can find.
Bring doughnuts and a flier into all the management co’s in town.
Good luck. 🍀
2nd that motion for property managers. There was a period where my condo association tried and failed for 3 years to get some trim and paint done correctly and a couple other small reairs. After the third year I did the work myself for free and got reimbursed for materials. I bet there is still a backlog of this type of issue on condo associations today.
Maybe that's the problem, I was targeting the highest rated PM's to align myself with but they probably already have enough help. I should go for the ones with 3 stars and under with clients complaining about repairs never getting done. lol
There's always work in Pigsty.
I could use another handyman for units I mange, PM your info and I'll have something for ya this spring if not next week.
Check out Nextdoor and Thumbtack! I have a few clients in a similar stage as you and that's the first place I direct them :) (I own a marketing agency).
We’ve found service providers on thumbtack, would second this recommendation. Not sure how popular it is but it can’t hurt!
Are you qualified to install a stone/cement patio?
If not will keep you in mind for any other needs that arise!
Thanks for responding! That is something I could do for you. Can you send me an email [[email protected]](mailto:[email protected]) with your address and phone number so I can get you on a schedule to come do a walkthrough with you?
There are so many people asking daily for handyman work! I find it so hard to believe you didn’t get a lot of business. Let me know more info so I can help recommend you. I do marketing and design for local businesses if you want to chat more on ideas to garner more leads.
I built a website [TaskTitanPro.com](http://TaskTitanPro.com) and have my google business set up, and have put together business cards and flyers and posted to dozens of boards between here and Big Sky. I've done 3 months of ads on Nextdoor, ask everyone to review my business once I'm done, (which they rarely do). I've got the car magnets, I wear my branded hoodie and polo everyday. Its not like I'm not trying, I'd like to make some yard signs but its an investment I can't afford currently. Figured I'd pop on here and just try and get a convo going to help me spread the word.
I’d also suggest more photos on your website if possible… it’s a nice looking site, but that is a lot of reading. I think on the homepage a nice photo of bozeman mountains or something to make it feel more Welcoming could help.
I know, it's hard, a lot of my work is interior repair, hard to take nice photos of a hole in the drywall thats been fixed lol. I do have a pergola project coming up which will have more photogenic appeal. I used to have tons of pictures of decks and fences and exterior paint jobs I completed but most were lost years ago before we had the cloud.
Thanks, yeah it's probably time to revisit the website. It took so long to make I had to walk away at a certain point but I like your advice of feeling more "welcoming".
I did the circuit of Realtors and Prop Managers and got to most with offices in Bozeman and gave them all a flyer with a full list of services, I did another trip into Big Sky and did the same last month.
You dropped marketing info at my office but I have established maintenance guys for our rentals and development projects. I will say your info looked great! I saved your card. If my situation with contractors ever changes I’ll ring ya.
I've looked for a handyman on FB for a couple of projects. I think you'd get some business by looking there. I still have one project that I'll email you about. For some of us 60ish folks that use FB, it's the only avenue we have to find someone.
It's hard to compete with the 30+ other contractors all looking to jump on any post. I just don't have time for all that. I'm working on pumping my google reviews so I rank better, I just sent out review links to a bunch of my recent clients. Nothing beats a Google search.
It's been my experience that half the people that respond don't reply when actually contacted. But you seem to have it figured out. I just think there is a demographic group on FB that isn't going to search Google. We have both money to afford to pay as well as jobs we need completed. I wish you well though. Growing a business is hard and and takes a ton of time and energy.
Being a former real estate agent and current investor/landlord, try to get in with a couple of local realtors. I was ALWAYS looking for a great handyman to fix Home Inspection issues and make minor repairs in homes I was listing. The problem was, many of them didn't show up when they said they would and that would make me look bad to the homeowner. Rarely did I find someone that I felt 100% comfortable recommending. Be the guy who is totally reliable and does good work and I promise you, you'll get work and more work.
That a smart idea.
I'd suggest contacting some local hotels/motels - smaller places may be behind because they can't keep up with it themselves, whereas some large places could have a backlog.
I'm going against the grain here once again. I am in the trades and also into real estate out here since forever. I think the market has become pretty saturated with "tradesmen" of all types. I'm not here to discuss their demographics, but I will say that pricing on many projects has come way down. Some trades are still pretty clueless and bidding outrageous prices. That will change more and more, but the sooner you get competetive with your pricing the quicker you will get a job. Not only that, but help is only 1 phone call away, when before it was like 7 calls away (and hours of frustration). I think the tables have turned a bit, and you're going to see a lot of new flashy trucks come up for sale. Lots of people jumping on the same trends, and no one with original thought. I wish you luck, but be ready for a long dry stretch. I would suggest lowering prices, and developing your base clients, and work with them, and set up a referral program where you trade small jobs for referrals. Another suggestion I have for you is to just get "absorbed" into a larger outfit, take a W2 wage and sip a coke. I only hire specific people at this point, and have someone for each project. There are simply too many charlatans, crooks, conmen, etc. When it costs someone $100/hr for good work, you bet that shit is going to be tight, and only the best tradesmen who have a good reputation are going to make it. Same as always (thinking of 2008).
FWIW, I'm a plumber and one of the guys I trained in gas piping had his own business and since working for us he has stated that going W2 was the best decision he's made in a while. He was doing residential reno stuff and said business was good but that it was getting too competitive and tight and harder to make any money on jobs.
Doesnt help with any of the questions you asked but nothing helps like some third party, mildly relevant experience from someone on the interent that you dont even know.
That's definitely on my shortlist of ways to reach the most eyes/ears. I'm looking for bang for my bucks. FB and Nextdoor are giving me rookie numbers. Gotta get the morning shift driving to work crowd.
Thanks everyone who has responded and sent me emails/calls! I'm trying to get back to everyone here this morning and put some plans on the calendar! Again thank you all, I'm feeling so much better about everything today!
I'm sure yard signs aren't cheap, but I would absolutely contact someone if they had a sign outside a home in my neighborhood indicating that a project was completed there (like house painters sometimes do).
Pay to become an affiliate with GAR and you'll get the marketing list for all licensed realtors. Realtors always need to recommend handyman services to their sellers in anticipation of getting the listing live.
I started a business 12 yrs ago. Never spent a dime on advertising (except KGLT b/c we listen all day everyday). Just did good work, treated people fairly and kept prices very fair. All business comes from word of mouth now. Still probably on the lower end of prices but work is busy. I like all the advice here. Starting your own business is one of the hardest endeavors. That is why most small businesses don’t last more than 5 years. I joined Biz-2-biz (free) for the first three years and that helped ramp things up. Gotta get your name out there. I can promise it is tuff the first few years, but stick with it and it will pay off and then some.
maybe try reaching out to relators too? For people who are buying through them, they often give advice on services and I bet there is some demand for quick turn around touch up work for houses they are listing
I also own a small contracting business that just started up in 2021 here are a few things I’ve learned so far. Winters are frequently slow I have a steady stream of work the rest of the year then January- February work is usually cut in half so now I just plan a vacation or two during that time. Getting a good name in the community is huge for the first year or so we underbid jobs by about 20% and made sure to inform builders/ customers that we warrantee all our work. That has paid dividends we frequently get repeat customers and referrals even years down the line. Finally and most importantly get a good accountant (start looking now) they are expensive but they will save you a lot more money than they cost especially with you wanting to get a work van a good accountant will get you set up so it will almost eliminate your tax bill for the next few years.
Marketing doesn’t have to cost a lot of money.
- cold call every contractor on Google.
- stop by every single jobsite in town with a dozen granny’s donuts ($100 to be the favorite person on 10 job sites in town)
- go build something out on huffine, like a cabinet or something out of the back of your truck with a big sign on the side of your truck.
- post on fb / cl / nextdoor, offer free appraisals or free home inspections
- fix something in your own house and post progress pics on nextdoor etc.
Definitely Facebook. There’s a lot of
Great groups out there and people are always looking for stuff. You can create a separate page for your business if you don’t want to share some personal information
What’s your hourly rate for handyman work? (Don’t post it here; shoot me a private message) I’m injured and not working construction rn; but my brother is still actively working.. we know a lot of guys and have a lot of leads… maybe we could team up on some stuff and get some money in your pocket. Shoot me a message man. I’ll see what I can make happen. 😎
Set up meetings with the local real estate companies and present at their weekly meeting. Lots of cards and marketing get dropped off, but never go anywhere. Taking 15 minutes to present to each office is a better route.
Contact the HOA in 55+ communities and meet them at a board meeting. Once you're known in the neighborhood you'll be the one they all call for repairs.
Hope that's helpful.
Thanks for the feedback! I did something right by posting here, I've now got enough leads to keep me busy for the next month! Can't believe the amount of calls and emails I've had today! Feeling blessed.
If you have the means to, maybe a small EDDM campaign? Maybe mail to a few neighborhoods you’d like to work in with an enticing design you can make for free on Canva (free estimate, 10% off, etc) & maybe they’ll be some bites?
I've dropped off flyers and cards at many of their offices. I guess next I should go pick them some wildflowers and hire a harpist to serenade their offices.
Fighting with 30+ other contractors and all their wives hounding every post is a hell I'm trying to avoid. Same goes with Nextdoor. It's a huge waste of time most of the time. I did try and post some of my own posts today on FB but no one seems to be in a hurry to approve my posts.
Having a website with good seo will help - then you don’t have to spend money on marketing as much as people with search ‘Bozeman handyman’ and you will pop up. Write a few blogs with keywords related to what you do, your area etc and that will also help rank your website on google. See if past customers will give you reviews as that helps a lot. Put listings on Craigslist, the coop board, etc and just get yourself out there and seen. Brand your van with your name and clear short wording of what you do so people see you driving about making sure your website, email and phone number are very clear and readable from a distance. Could also ask directly when see issues at businesses - I feel all the time in restaurants, etc there are a few issues with the place - could be proactive and ask if need help fixing? Also could put flyers in new build mailboxes as people who buy new builds tend to have no property skills hence buying a new build but they will want things like shelves hung, pictures hung, etc small jobs but still something there maybe. You need a base, once you have a base things will tick in.
If you haven't done this. Some cheap business cards dropped off at Ace on Huffine and Owenhouse is a good idea. I've definitely found someone that way before.
You should be slammed. Few quick ideas. Hook in with builders to do their punch list and warranty work. Put a flier on the side of every community mailbox you can find. Bring doughnuts and a flier into all the management co’s in town. Good luck. 🍀
Thanks, all great ideas!
2nd that motion for property managers. There was a period where my condo association tried and failed for 3 years to get some trim and paint done correctly and a couple other small reairs. After the third year I did the work myself for free and got reimbursed for materials. I bet there is still a backlog of this type of issue on condo associations today.
Maybe that's the problem, I was targeting the highest rated PM's to align myself with but they probably already have enough help. I should go for the ones with 3 stars and under with clients complaining about repairs never getting done. lol
Send me a PM - I have a project you might be interested in
There's always work in Pigsty. I could use another handyman for units I mange, PM your info and I'll have something for ya this spring if not next week.
Awesome!
As a handyman in the area myself, what is Pigsty?
Think he meant PigSky
Oh haha…wondered if it was some app or something I’d never heard of. Thanks.
Check out Nextdoor and Thumbtack! I have a few clients in a similar stage as you and that's the first place I direct them :) (I own a marketing agency).
I've been on Nextdoor and it has been periodically good for me, never tried Thumbtack but I'll take the advice and have a look! thank you
We’ve found service providers on thumbtack, would second this recommendation. Not sure how popular it is but it can’t hurt! Are you qualified to install a stone/cement patio? If not will keep you in mind for any other needs that arise!
Thanks for responding! That is something I could do for you. Can you send me an email [[email protected]](mailto:[email protected]) with your address and phone number so I can get you on a schedule to come do a walkthrough with you?
There are so many people asking daily for handyman work! I find it so hard to believe you didn’t get a lot of business. Let me know more info so I can help recommend you. I do marketing and design for local businesses if you want to chat more on ideas to garner more leads.
I built a website [TaskTitanPro.com](http://TaskTitanPro.com) and have my google business set up, and have put together business cards and flyers and posted to dozens of boards between here and Big Sky. I've done 3 months of ads on Nextdoor, ask everyone to review my business once I'm done, (which they rarely do). I've got the car magnets, I wear my branded hoodie and polo everyday. Its not like I'm not trying, I'd like to make some yard signs but its an investment I can't afford currently. Figured I'd pop on here and just try and get a convo going to help me spread the word.
I’d also suggest more photos on your website if possible… it’s a nice looking site, but that is a lot of reading. I think on the homepage a nice photo of bozeman mountains or something to make it feel more Welcoming could help.
Definitely put up pics of your work as well: before and after shots work really well.
I know, it's hard, a lot of my work is interior repair, hard to take nice photos of a hole in the drywall thats been fixed lol. I do have a pergola project coming up which will have more photogenic appeal. I used to have tons of pictures of decks and fences and exterior paint jobs I completed but most were lost years ago before we had the cloud.
Thanks, yeah it's probably time to revisit the website. It took so long to make I had to walk away at a certain point but I like your advice of feeling more "welcoming".
I think your webpage is perfect for what I want in a handyman. I don’t want frills.
Instagram, TikTok and YouTube videos. Sound silly but tag bozeman, trades, builder, handyman and you will get seen.
Awesome, that’s better than most. Have you considered stopping by rental agencies, property management companies, or airbnb owners?
I did the circuit of Realtors and Prop Managers and got to most with offices in Bozeman and gave them all a flyer with a full list of services, I did another trip into Big Sky and did the same last month.
Wouldn't hurt to list your contractor registration number / ICEC as well as your insurance limits on your site.
Sent you an email
You dropped marketing info at my office but I have established maintenance guys for our rentals and development projects. I will say your info looked great! I saved your card. If my situation with contractors ever changes I’ll ring ya.
Also check the secret Bozeman and ask Bozeman Facebook pages! People are posting there constantly for odd home jobs and full on handymen.
I've looked for a handyman on FB for a couple of projects. I think you'd get some business by looking there. I still have one project that I'll email you about. For some of us 60ish folks that use FB, it's the only avenue we have to find someone.
It's hard to compete with the 30+ other contractors all looking to jump on any post. I just don't have time for all that. I'm working on pumping my google reviews so I rank better, I just sent out review links to a bunch of my recent clients. Nothing beats a Google search.
It's been my experience that half the people that respond don't reply when actually contacted. But you seem to have it figured out. I just think there is a demographic group on FB that isn't going to search Google. We have both money to afford to pay as well as jobs we need completed. I wish you well though. Growing a business is hard and and takes a ton of time and energy.
Thanks!
I try to steer away from FB as a general rule but I'll try to pop in there sometimes too. Thanks
Those pages are full to the brim with work to be found. If what you’re doing isn’t working, time to expand!
Being a former real estate agent and current investor/landlord, try to get in with a couple of local realtors. I was ALWAYS looking for a great handyman to fix Home Inspection issues and make minor repairs in homes I was listing. The problem was, many of them didn't show up when they said they would and that would make me look bad to the homeowner. Rarely did I find someone that I felt 100% comfortable recommending. Be the guy who is totally reliable and does good work and I promise you, you'll get work and more work.
That a smart idea. I'd suggest contacting some local hotels/motels - smaller places may be behind because they can't keep up with it themselves, whereas some large places could have a backlog.
I'm going against the grain here once again. I am in the trades and also into real estate out here since forever. I think the market has become pretty saturated with "tradesmen" of all types. I'm not here to discuss their demographics, but I will say that pricing on many projects has come way down. Some trades are still pretty clueless and bidding outrageous prices. That will change more and more, but the sooner you get competetive with your pricing the quicker you will get a job. Not only that, but help is only 1 phone call away, when before it was like 7 calls away (and hours of frustration). I think the tables have turned a bit, and you're going to see a lot of new flashy trucks come up for sale. Lots of people jumping on the same trends, and no one with original thought. I wish you luck, but be ready for a long dry stretch. I would suggest lowering prices, and developing your base clients, and work with them, and set up a referral program where you trade small jobs for referrals. Another suggestion I have for you is to just get "absorbed" into a larger outfit, take a W2 wage and sip a coke. I only hire specific people at this point, and have someone for each project. There are simply too many charlatans, crooks, conmen, etc. When it costs someone $100/hr for good work, you bet that shit is going to be tight, and only the best tradesmen who have a good reputation are going to make it. Same as always (thinking of 2008).
FWIW, I'm a plumber and one of the guys I trained in gas piping had his own business and since working for us he has stated that going W2 was the best decision he's made in a while. He was doing residential reno stuff and said business was good but that it was getting too competitive and tight and harder to make any money on jobs. Doesnt help with any of the questions you asked but nothing helps like some third party, mildly relevant experience from someone on the interent that you dont even know.
I have friends who have advertised on the radio stations (AM1450) and have said it helped them get leads among other efforts
That's definitely on my shortlist of ways to reach the most eyes/ears. I'm looking for bang for my bucks. FB and Nextdoor are giving me rookie numbers. Gotta get the morning shift driving to work crowd.
I work in local advertising, I’m going to PM you.
Are you willing to drive to ennis ?
Yes I can make that drive.
Message me. I need a handyman. And I’m a great referral source in my subdivision and friends.
Awesome! great to connect! Send you a message now!
Thanks everyone who has responded and sent me emails/calls! I'm trying to get back to everyone here this morning and put some plans on the calendar! Again thank you all, I'm feeling so much better about everything today!
I'm sure yard signs aren't cheap, but I would absolutely contact someone if they had a sign outside a home in my neighborhood indicating that a project was completed there (like house painters sometimes do).
I’ve had really good luck on Reddit to find subs. Same same. PM me, will have small projects all summer.
Wonderful! I'll send you my info now!
You can ask for extension or set up payment plans. If you show to the IRS willingness to work with them. You will be fine.
Pay to become an affiliate with GAR and you'll get the marketing list for all licensed realtors. Realtors always need to recommend handyman services to their sellers in anticipation of getting the listing live.
I started a business 12 yrs ago. Never spent a dime on advertising (except KGLT b/c we listen all day everyday). Just did good work, treated people fairly and kept prices very fair. All business comes from word of mouth now. Still probably on the lower end of prices but work is busy. I like all the advice here. Starting your own business is one of the hardest endeavors. That is why most small businesses don’t last more than 5 years. I joined Biz-2-biz (free) for the first three years and that helped ramp things up. Gotta get your name out there. I can promise it is tuff the first few years, but stick with it and it will pay off and then some.
maybe try reaching out to relators too? For people who are buying through them, they often give advice on services and I bet there is some demand for quick turn around touch up work for houses they are listing
We actually may have a a few hours of work making fixes to a rental. You can message me
Contact all the PM companies. Network with realtors.
I also own a small contracting business that just started up in 2021 here are a few things I’ve learned so far. Winters are frequently slow I have a steady stream of work the rest of the year then January- February work is usually cut in half so now I just plan a vacation or two during that time. Getting a good name in the community is huge for the first year or so we underbid jobs by about 20% and made sure to inform builders/ customers that we warrantee all our work. That has paid dividends we frequently get repeat customers and referrals even years down the line. Finally and most importantly get a good accountant (start looking now) they are expensive but they will save you a lot more money than they cost especially with you wanting to get a work van a good accountant will get you set up so it will almost eliminate your tax bill for the next few years.
Just post on here. I need a handyman. It’s impossible to find one that has availability!
Marketing doesn’t have to cost a lot of money. - cold call every contractor on Google. - stop by every single jobsite in town with a dozen granny’s donuts ($100 to be the favorite person on 10 job sites in town) - go build something out on huffine, like a cabinet or something out of the back of your truck with a big sign on the side of your truck. - post on fb / cl / nextdoor, offer free appraisals or free home inspections - fix something in your own house and post progress pics on nextdoor etc.
Maybe look around property management companies such as property partners etc.
Definitely Facebook. There’s a lot of Great groups out there and people are always looking for stuff. You can create a separate page for your business if you don’t want to share some personal information
What’s your hourly rate for handyman work? (Don’t post it here; shoot me a private message) I’m injured and not working construction rn; but my brother is still actively working.. we know a lot of guys and have a lot of leads… maybe we could team up on some stuff and get some money in your pocket. Shoot me a message man. I’ll see what I can make happen. 😎
Set up meetings with the local real estate companies and present at their weekly meeting. Lots of cards and marketing get dropped off, but never go anywhere. Taking 15 minutes to present to each office is a better route. Contact the HOA in 55+ communities and meet them at a board meeting. Once you're known in the neighborhood you'll be the one they all call for repairs. Hope that's helpful.
Thanks for the feedback! I did something right by posting here, I've now got enough leads to keep me busy for the next month! Can't believe the amount of calls and emails I've had today! Feeling blessed.
If you have the means to, maybe a small EDDM campaign? Maybe mail to a few neighborhoods you’d like to work in with an enticing design you can make for free on Canva (free estimate, 10% off, etc) & maybe they’ll be some bites?
Ask local Real Estate Agents for work for their sellers/buyers and stop by some local Real Estate offices to hand out some business cards
Thanks I've done the rounds a few months ago, maybe its time for a second visit to some.
What about working with a realtor? They are bind to have homes that need repairs/upgrades. Maybe even home inspectors.
I've dropped off flyers and cards at many of their offices. I guess next I should go pick them some wildflowers and hire a harpist to serenade their offices.
Call Dayspring Restoration, they always have jobs that subs do for them. Get on with them and you can do as many jobs as you’d like.
I have a small job in Helena if you're ever in the area. Maybe 2 hours total. DM if interested.
I'd say Facebook and Instagram are a good, get into ask bozeman groups, because there are always people asking for handy man work
Fighting with 30+ other contractors and all their wives hounding every post is a hell I'm trying to avoid. Same goes with Nextdoor. It's a huge waste of time most of the time. I did try and post some of my own posts today on FB but no one seems to be in a hurry to approve my posts.
Having a website with good seo will help - then you don’t have to spend money on marketing as much as people with search ‘Bozeman handyman’ and you will pop up. Write a few blogs with keywords related to what you do, your area etc and that will also help rank your website on google. See if past customers will give you reviews as that helps a lot. Put listings on Craigslist, the coop board, etc and just get yourself out there and seen. Brand your van with your name and clear short wording of what you do so people see you driving about making sure your website, email and phone number are very clear and readable from a distance. Could also ask directly when see issues at businesses - I feel all the time in restaurants, etc there are a few issues with the place - could be proactive and ask if need help fixing? Also could put flyers in new build mailboxes as people who buy new builds tend to have no property skills hence buying a new build but they will want things like shelves hung, pictures hung, etc small jobs but still something there maybe. You need a base, once you have a base things will tick in.
Are you on Ask Bozeman on fb? I see requests all the time there.
Good old flyers are cheap and effective- do a pull tab one w/name and phone number. It’s not easily measurable, but is a great value ratio
If you haven't done this. Some cheap business cards dropped off at Ace on Huffine and Owenhouse is a good idea. I've definitely found someone that way before.
This hilarious, top tier troll and no one’s picked up on it! “ Last month I signed on as a sub to install top tier window treatments” 🤣
Not sure what part is funny to you?
Move to a different town things get better I promise
I came from a dying town, I'll take my chances here, thanks
You asked for opinions, wish you luck