How to Get More Painting and Decorating Jobs in Your Area in 2026
The painting and decorating market in the UK is competitive. Every job you land means one less for someone else. But here's the thing: most painters and decorators aren't doing the basics well. That means genuine opportunity exists if you're willing to put in a bit of effort on the channels that actually work.
Getting more jobs doesn't require a marketing degree. It requires a strategy, consistency, and an understanding of where homeowners actually look when they need work done. This guide covers what actually moves the needle for sole traders and small operations.
1. Your Google Business Profile Is Your First Line of Defence
If you're not on Google Business Profile (formerly Google My Business), you're invisible to the largest search engine on the planet. Worse, if you are listed but it's neglected, you're actively pushing potential customers away.
Here's what to do this week:
- Claim or update your profile — Go to google.com/business and search your business name. If you're listed, claim it. If not, create a new profile. Use your actual trading name and postcode.
- Complete every section — Business category (select "Painter and Decorator"), phone number, website, and address (use your service area if you don't have a shopfront). Don't leave fields blank.
- Write a proper description — 750 characters describing what you do. Example: "Professional interior and exterior painting and decorating in [your area]. 15 years' experience, fully insured, free quotes." Be specific about services: interior painting, exterior work, wallpapering, commercial painting, etc.
- Add service areas — List postcodes or towns where you work. If you cover a radius, be precise about it.
Once it's set up, maintain it. Post updates monthly (new project photos, seasonal offers), respond to all reviews within 48 hours, and keep your phone number and hours current.
2. Photos Win Jobs
A Google Business Profile with no photos is like showing up to a quote without your samples. Take this seriously.
- Upload before-and-after photos — These convert. Take photos of completed work with good lighting. If the homeowner agrees, get permission and use them. Aim for at least 10–15 high-quality images.
- Show the variety of work — Interior living rooms, bedrooms, kitchens, exterior terraces, commercial units. Show range.
- Update regularly — Add new project photos every month. Google's algorithm favours profiles that are actively updated.
- Use your phone camera properly — Natural light, steady hands, clean angles. You don't need professional photography, but you do need to not look lazy.
3. Reviews: Getting Them and Making Them Count
Reviews are the second thing potential customers check after photos. One five-star review from a real homeowner beats any claim you can make about yourself.
Getting your first reviews
- Ask at the end of every job — Don't assume. Hand the homeowner a card with a QR code linking directly to your Google review page. Say: "If you were happy with the work, I'd really appreciate a quick review on Google. Takes two minutes."
- Send a follow-up message — Text or email a week after completion with the link. "Hi [name], thanks again for the job last week. If you could leave a review on Google, that'd be brilliant. Link: [QR or URL]."
- Make it easy — The easier you make it, the more reviews you'll get. A text link beats asking someone to find you on Google manually.
- Target happy customers — Don't ask after every job. Ask the ones who clearly loved the work and complimented you during the project.
Responding to reviews
Every review — good or bad — needs a response within 48 hours. This shows potential customers you're professional and you care.
- Thank them by name — "Thanks, Sarah, really appreciated working with you."
- Address any negatives directly — If someone complained about timing, acknowledge it: "Sorry we ran over—we'll plan better next time."
- Keep it short — One or two sentences. You're not writing a novel.
4. Local SEO Basics for Painters and Decorators
Local SEO is about making sure you appear when someone searches "painter decorator near me" or "interior decorator [your town]." You don't need to be an expert, but understand the basics.
- Use location keywords naturally — If you're based in Brighton, use "Brighton painter," "painting decorator Brighton," and "interior painting in Brighton" in your website copy, Google Business description, and social media. Don't keyword-stuff; use them where they make sense.
- Ensure your name, address, and phone number are consistent everywhere — Your website, Google profile, Facebook, online directories. Any mismatch confuses Google's algorithm.
- Build local citations — Get listed on specialist directories and local business listings. These act like votes for your credibility in your area (more on this below).
- Get a simple website if you don't have one — It doesn't need to be fancy. One page with your services, location, photos, and phone number is enough. Google ranks businesses with websites higher than those without.
5. Referrals: Your Most Underused Growth Channel
Most of your future work will come from people you've already worked with or from their friends. Referrals have the highest conversion rate and require almost no marketing spend.
- Stay in touch with past clients — Every six months, send a friendly message: "Hi [name], hope you're still happy with how the kitchen turned out. If you know anyone who needs decorating, I'd be grateful for a recommendation." Keep it brief and genuine.
- Create a referral incentive — "If you refer a friend and they book with me, you get £50 off your next job." Make it worth their while.
- Ask for introductions, not just recommendations — "Do you know anyone needing work done? Could you introduce us?" A warm introduction beats a cold lead.
- Build relationships with related trades — Plasterers, electricians, plumbers, builders. If they trust your work, they'll recommend you. Drop in occasionally with a coffee and business card.
6. Specialist Directories Outperform Generic Ones
Not all online directories are equal. Being listed on Yell or Trustpilot helps, but a specialist directory for painters and decorators reaches homeowners actively searching for your exact service, not scrolling through thousands of irrelevant businesses.
A directory specifically for painters and decorators:
- Has visitors searching specifically for painting and decorating—higher intent, higher conversion.
- Provides a verified listing that builds trust faster.
- Allows you to showcase photos and testimonials in context.
- Often ranks well locally, appearing in search results when homeowners are looking for work in your area.
Being on the right specialist directory can bring consistent enquiries without you having to chase them.
7. Seasonal Planning: When to Push Harder
Demand for painting and decorating isn't constant. Plan your marketing around peak seasons.
- Spring (March–May) — Busiest season. Homeowners plan renovations. Push your Google profile, ask for reviews, and remind past clients you're available.
- Summer (June–August) — Still strong but competitive. Maintain visibility but don't oversaturate.
- Autumn (September–November) — Secondary peak. Homeowners prepare for winter. Run any promotional offers now.
- Winter (December–February) — Quietest season. Use this time to update photos, improve your online presence, and plan for spring.
8. Put This Into Action
You now have seven concrete strategies to get more work. Pick two or three and start this week. Don't try everything at once; consistency beats perfection.
To accelerate results, join a specialist directory of UK painters and decorators where homeowners in your area are actively searching for exactly what you do. paintersdecoratorsaround.co.uk connects established traders and sole operators with high-intent customers in their local area. Being listed takes minutes and puts you in front of people ready to book.
