If you are running a painting company, you know that word of mouth alone does not cut it forever. Painting contractor marketing is not about glossy brochures or fancy videos. It is about a regular plan that brings you real painting leads, month after month.
Marketing might sound complicated. It can be, but most results come from the basics. Here are some things that seem simple, yet get overlooked.
Start with What Works First
If you do not have a reliable way for people to find you, that’s step one. A good website, a visible Google profile, and clear contact details. If those are missing, nothing else matters.
Your site should:
- Load fast on a phone
- Show off before/after work photos
- Say where you work (city, suburb, radius)
- Have a form to request a quote without any confusion
Every year, I see painting businesses spend time on TikTok, but the quote form on their website is broken. Start from the basics.
Marketing for Painting Contractors: The Real Channels
Some strategies work better for painting than others. Based on what I have noticed, these are worth your time:
- Google Business Profile: Collect reviews, post news about jobs, and keep hours up to date.
- SEO for Painters: Use city and service keywords in your site text, not just “painter” or “painting.”
- Email: Email past clients every few months to remind them of seasonal specials or warranty work.
- Referrals: Ask every happy client if they know anyone else who needs a painter.
Paid advertising can work, but I would start with these free and low-cost basics before spending money.
Advertising for Painting Businesses: When to Use Paid Ads
There comes a time when you need a burst of leads. Maybe the rainy season is about to start, or you just lost a repeat client. Paid ads (Google, Facebook) can work if you do not rely on them forever.
What makes for a good ad:
- Specific call to action (“Free estimate this week” or “Schedule an onsite walk-through”)
- Clear photo of your team or work site
- City or zip code targeting so you do not waste clicks
Do not spend without tracking. If you do not know if your last $200 in ads brought in jobs, pause and check before spending more.
Anyone can open a Google Ads account, but most ads lose money if you send people to a weak landing page.
Reputation Matters for Lead Generation
Every review is a possible painting lead. Most new clients check Google ratings before making a call. Ask for reviews. Even give a small discount if the job allows.
A painting business with no reviews, or only a few from years ago, loses out to businesses with current reviews. Your follow-up on reviews is as crucial as your initial pitch.
SEO for Painters and Why You Need It
Most customers type “painter near me” rather than your business name. If you rank higher, you will get more painting leads.
Some quick wins:
- Add city and service keywords to every page description
- Share real project photos with captions
- Ask local suppliers to mention you on their websites
SEO takes patience, but it keeps working month after month.
Do SEO Services for Painting Companies Work?
A lot of agencies sell SEO services for painting companies, but many use cookie-cutter plans. You can probably do much of the basic work yourself. The best use of an SEO service comes when you do not have time, or want someone fixing technical details.
Ask the agency:
- How will you track increases in calls, not just traffic?
- Are your writers familiar with painting or service businesses?
- Do you add legit links from local sites?
Check their answers. And do not be wowed by big promises.
Pain Points in Painting Contractor Marketing
Many painting companies are small. Maybe a crew of four. The owner does marketing, estimates, and project management. This is tough. The biggest challenge is finding new leads while on the job.
If you do not have time, consider hiring someone, but only after you have the basics running smoothly.
You do not need fancy branding. Just answer your calls, reply to quotes fast, and show up when promised. These three habits beat expensive marketing every time.
A Shade About Mr and Mrs Leads
A marketing agency like Mr and Mrs Leads knows what works for painting companies because they focus on this field. Industry focus often pays off if you want only relevant advice and not general templates.
Still, ask for proof. What results did other painting businesses get? What costs are involved? Realistic info beats broad claims.
Avoid These Marketing Traps
A few things to skip:
- Paying for fake reviews
- Buying generic leads lists, these often do not fit your service area or skills
- Overloading your site with too many keywords
None of these short-cuts last. Consistent, honest marketing for painting contractors does.
Finishing Thoughts
Growth takes work, and it’s not always steady. Some months, you’ll land more painting leads than you can handle. Next month, it might slow. Build time for marketing into your weekly routine.
Keep the basics fresh. Test every few months. If you decide to try an agency, make them prove their worth before you spend too much. Long-term, consistent steps produce the best improvement for most painting businesses.