How to Start a Handyman Business

Start a handyman business the modern way…

You can fix it...but how will they find you?

If you reached this page, you certainly have the tools and skills to do the work, and you want to know how to start a handyman business.  But you’re needing help with the TRUE TASK of starting your handyman service:  securing customers.  This is difficult.  You’re a new face.  You have no references.  You don’t have a network of clients who act as your “disciples” recommending you to their friends and neighbors.  So you have some “legwork” to do.  This might be the hardest part of the business:  getting the word out.  Shaking hands.  Pitching to new people.  But the good news is, the “legwork” of starting a handyman business is easier than ever, thanks to the Internet.  Read on.

The book that launched 1000s of handymen.

Craigslist:  it’s free, it works, it reaches YOUR KIND OF CUSTOMER.

Craigslist makes a whole lot of sense when starting a handyman business, first because it’s free, and second, because it REACHES PEOPLE TRYING TO SAVE MONEY.  And that’s the real benefit of using you, right?  Basic plumbing, electrical, repair, roofing, remodeling jobs…why pay the high-dollar experts for these relatively simple jobs?  The kind of person that uses craigslist to stretch his dollar–buying used appliances, used tools, looking for discounted mechanics, has a lower income, is the exact person that wants to find YOU.  So be found there, but do some additional things a little different:

• Show your face.  You’re asking for an invite into your customers’ HOMES.  Photos build credibility and trust.  Here’s how to add your photo to your craigslist ad.
• Wear a uniform.  A simple t-shirt with your company name is enough.  This conveys that you’re serious about your business, and serious about your image.
• Link to a website.  A craigslist ad averages 100 words.  Is that TRULY ENOUGH TO GENERATE A PHONE CALL?  Your craigslist ad should be a pre-sell mechanism…something that gets the customer interested in LEARNING MORE.  Set up a free website on webs.com.  Link to it in your ad, and give an INCENTIVE TO CLICK, such as:  ”check out my November special on my website” or “see photos of my work on my website.”

A website does the “dirty work” of advertising for you.

Don’t like selling?  It’s embarrassing and time consuming.  But a good website, with the RIGHT ELEMENTS and the RIGHT PLACEMENT, can do this dirty work for you.  A website:

• Describes your service.  What can you do?  What tools do you have?  What do you charge?
• Introduces you.  Who are you and why should I hire you? Don’t say that you got laid off.
• Provides a means of contact.  I’m interested…how do I reach you?