How do I ask for referrals without being pushy?

Ask once, politely, at the end of a successful job, and make it easy by leaving a card or sending your link.

Is it worth having a sign outside a job?

Usually, with the client's agreement. A visible, tidy job is good advertising on the street.

Which local groups should I join?

Community and neighbourhood groups where people ask for recommendations. Follow each group's advertising rules and be helpful rather than just promotional.

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How to get more local work by word of mouth

By the GlowUpp team · 27 October 2026

A tired grey house front next to an AI redesign with white render and a navy front door

BeforeAfter‹›

An AI-generated example. Real results depend on your own space.

Most good tradespeople get a lot of work from people who know someone they have helped. You can make it happen on purpose, and it costs very little.

Ask happy clients directly

When a job goes well, say: "If you know anyone else who needs similar work, I would be glad to help." Leave a card or send your link so it is easy to pass on.

Work for the neighbours

A tidy site and a visible job are the best advertisement on the street. With the client's permission, put a small sign outside, and be polite to neighbours about noise, parking and mess.

Make your van work for you

Keep it clean, with your name, area and a contact number or QR code. Many enquiries start with someone noticing a van outside a house or in traffic.

Join local groups

Local community groups, where people ask for recommendations.
Neighbourhood sites and apps, following their rules on advertising.
Local Facebook groups, being helpful rather than just posting adverts.

Build links with related trades

Plumbers know decorators, builders know electricians. If you refer work to people you trust, they will often do the same for you. Local estate agents, landlords and letting agents also need reliable tradespeople.

Stay in touch

A friendly message a few months after a job to see that everything is fine, or before the season for work you do, can bring repeat work and referrals.

Make it easy to hire you

Answer messages quickly.
Have a profile with photos and reviews that people can check.
Give your private link so people can see their own space redesigned before they ask for a quote.

Mistakes to avoid

Spamming groups with adverts.
Promising more than you can deliver, which loses referrals.
Forgetting to ask.

Where GlowUpp fits

Your free GlowUpp profile includes a private link and QR code for your own clients. Your first 3 jobs through it are free, and after that GlowUpp charges 2% of the accepted quote (capped at £250). There is no monthly fee.

Show clients the job before you quote

Free profile, your own link and QR code, and a redesign of the client's own space. You only pay when a job is won.

See how it works for tradespeople

Common questions

How do I ask for referrals without being pushy?: Ask once, politely, at the end of a successful job, and make it easy by leaving a card or sending your link.
Is it worth having a sign outside a job?: Usually, with the client's agreement. A visible, tidy job is good advertising on the street.
Which local groups should I join?: Community and neighbourhood groups where people ask for recommendations. Follow each group's advertising rules and be helpful rather than just promotional.