The tilers with full diaries usually have five things:
- a complete Google Business Profile
- a steady stream of reviews
- photos of finished work that customers can find
- referrals from past customers
- good relationships with other local trades
None of them costs anything per lead. Each one just needs to become a habit.
Lead sites have their place, especially when you're starting out. But paying for every enquiry, then competing with several other tilers for the same job, gets expensive. Here's how to build work that comes to you directly.
1. Set up your Google Business Profile properly
When someone searches "tiler near me", the map results come from Google Business Profiles. Google says local ranking is based on relevance, distance and prominence, and that a complete profile and reviews help. Make sure:
- your business category is right (Tiling contractor) and you've set the areas you cover;
- your phone number, website or portfolio link and opening hours are filled in;
- you add photos of finished jobs regularly;
- you reply to every review, good or bad.
2. Ask every happy customer for a review
Most satisfied customers will leave a review. They just don't think to unless you ask. The best time is a few days after the job, once they've used the room. Send the direct link to your Google review page, so it takes them seconds rather than a search.
3. Show your work
Homeowners pick a tiler with their eyes. Before-and-after photos of real jobs do more than anything you can write about yourself. Take good photos on every job: daylight, lights on, straight on and from the doorway. Then put them where customers will see them:
- your Google profile;
- a portfolio page;
- Facebook and Instagram;
- local community groups, where their rules allow it.
See how to create a tiling portfolio without a website.
4. Make referrals easy
- Leave a business card, or a QR code to your portfolio, when you finish.
- Send past customers your portfolio link so they can pass it on.
- Thank people who refer you. A small thank-you encourages more.
5. Work with other trades
Bathroom fitters, kitchen fitters, plumbers, builders and plasterers all come across tiling work. So does your local tile showroom. Be reliable, turn up when you say and leave the site clean, and they'll keep passing jobs on. Make it easy for them by quoting quickly and keeping them updated.
6. Reply fast and quote professionally
A lot of work goes to whoever replies first with a clear, professional quote. A quote that itemises the work and can be accepted with one tap shows the customer how you work before you've started. Our tiling quote template covers what to include.
7. Post on social media regularly
Short videos and photo sets of finished jobs do well on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok. You don't need to post every day; posting regularly matters more. Tag the area ("Bathroom in Thame") so local people find it, and put your portfolio link in your bio.
Sources
- Google Business Profile Help: Tips to improve your local ranking · relevance, distance and prominence; reviews and complete profiles
Prices change. Figures were checked on 20 October 2026; always check current costs and your own figures before quoting.