Tell 30 real people
List 40 names. Call 30 and ask for an introduction or overflow siding or wood-deck work. Use your own contacts.
Getting your first jobs
Start with people who already trust your work.
Your first jobs will likely come from people who know your work, not a pile of internet leads.
Coast first: start along the coast where you already have jobs and contacts, then grow from there.
The order
Trust first. Paid leads last.
Start with people. Add a free Google listing after that.
The few moves that matter
Turn each job into the next chance.
Build 10 useful partners
Start with roofers, painters, window, gutter, stucco, siding, lumber, GC, realtor and inspector contacts. Try HOA work and jobs from the balcony inspection law after you have insurance.
Work the job site
Put up a sign and hand out 10–20 notes. Ask the homeowner first. Signs cost about $13–$33 plus printing. Skip mailboxes and “No Soliciting” homes.
Finish the free trust layer
Set up a hidden-address Google Business Profile, your website, and free Nextdoor and Yelp pages. Use real photos of siding, wood decks and railings.
Paid sites
Skip the noisy ones. Test only when the numbers are ready.
Know your profit, close rate and limit per booked estimate.
Skip now
Yelp Ads, Angi/HomeAdvisor and Networx: shared leads may cost money without booking an estimate.
Skip now
Paid Houzz: about $199/month for Pro. Ads start around $499/month. Build your own portfolio first.
Test later
Google Local Services Ads: local cost is unknown. Wait until your work, numbers and budget are ready.
Test later
Nextdoor Ads or Thumbtack: test near a coastal job or in a slow week. Nextdoor starts around $5/day. Set an end date.
Monthly comfort level
Pick a monthly limit.
Only spend what you choose.
Phone, Sheet, free listings, AI and contacts.
Two Quo seats: about $38. Texting: $1.50–$3. Printing: $10. Carrier review: about $19.50 once.
Signs and notes: up to $60. Postage: up to $25. Save the rest for a test.
First 30 days
Four weeks, one learning loop.
Make the list
List 40 names. Call 10 and listen.
Add partners
Talk to trades or suppliers. Finish Google and the website.
Use live proof
Follow up once. At a job, use a sign, note and photos. Do not buy ads to fix silence.
Decide
Reach 30 contacts. Track leads. Keep what works.
Booked estimates
Aim for 3–5 booked estimates and 1 signed job by day 30. Each estimate needs a date and time.
Your feedback
Carlos, text Augustin these answers.
Short answers are enough. A numbered reply is easiest.
- Which three ideas fit you best?
- Who are the first 10 people to tell?
- Which trades, suppliers or other partners know your work?
- Which coastal areas do you want to focus on first?
- Which monthly ceiling feels comfortable: $0, about $50, or about $150?
- Does Advantage have liability insurance? What are its limits and end date?
- What business phone number and email should customers use?
- What job size is worth each drive for siding, wood decks or railings?
- OK naming your James Hardie years on the website and LinkedIn?