How to Get More Work as a Painter and Decorator in the UK
Getting more work as a painter and decorator requires consistent marketing, a strong review profile, and strategic relationships with property professionals. The most successful decorators combine organic lead generation (reviews, referrals) with proactive outreach to landlords, developers, and estate agents.
Here are the most effective methods for getting more decorating work in 2026.
1. Build Your Google Business Profile
Getting more work as a painter and decorator starts with being findable. A complete Google Business Profile is the single most important free marketing tool for decorators. Photos of finished work – before and afters, clean cut lines, beautifully hung wallpaper – are the most convincing portfolio you can have.
Upload 20+ photos of varied work. Update the profile monthly. Collect reviews systematically.
2. Photograph Every Job
Before-and-after photographs are a decorator’s most powerful marketing asset. Every completed job should be photographed – walls, ceilings, exterior, detailed cut-in work. Use these for: – Google Business Profile (ongoing updates) – Instagram and Facebook – Your website portfolio – Quotes sent to prospective customers
A decorator whose quotes include photos of comparable previous work converts significantly better than one who sends a bare price.
3. Target Landlords and Property Managers
Getting more work as a decorator on a consistent basis means building relationships with landlords and property managers. A landlord with 10 properties generates 3-5 decorating jobs per year – end-of-tenancy refreshes, maintenance touch-ups, and occasional full redecorations.
Approach local letting agents directly. Offer a specific end-of-tenancy service with a fast turnaround time – this is the most commercially attractive proposition for a letting agent.
4. Work With New Build Developers
New build painting and decorating provides consistent volume. Getting on a developer’s approved subcontractor list means repeat work across multiple plots on the same site.
Contact local developers via Companies House search and directly. Show your CSCS card, insurance, and examples of previous new build work.
5. Join the PDA or BDA
The Painting and Decorating Association (PDA) and British Decorators Association (BDA) both have Find-a-Decorator directories that generate inbound enquiries. Membership also provides credibility with customers who check credentials and commercial clients who use approved contractor lists.
6. Ask for Referrals Proactively
After every completed job, ask directly: “Do you know anyone else who might need decorating done? I’m always grateful for referrals.”
Most decorators don’t do this systematically – those that do consistently generate 20-30% of their work from referrals, with near-zero acquisition cost and high conversion rates.
7. Seasonal Marketing: Spring and Autumn
Spring is the peak season for interior decorating (post-winter refresh) and exterior work. Autumn is a second spike (pre-Christmas for interiors). Market proactively in February and August to capture customers planning work for these peaks.
A simple social media post or message to past customers in February: “Spring decorating season is approaching – I have limited availability in April/May. Get in touch now to book.”
Frequently Asked Questions
How do decorators find work when starting out? Getting more work as a decorator when starting out means leveraging your personal network first, setting up your Google Business Profile, joining one lead platform, and asking for a review after every job. It typically takes 3-6 months to build a self-sustaining enquiry pipeline.
Is Instagram useful for decorators? Yes. Decorating is inherently visual and Instagram’s format suits before-and-after content perfectly. Accounts showing quality work, interesting wallpaper installations, and specialist finishes build followings organically. Tag local location hashtags to reach local audiences.
What’s the best lead platform for decorators? Checkatrade and Rated People both have solid decorator lead volume. Checkatrade’s profile-based model suits decorators well – once you have 20+ reviews, inbound enquiries increase significantly.
CoreQuote helps decorators send professional quotes quickly – converting more enquiries into booked jobs. Try free for 6 months at kwowta.com.
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