Running a fence business on the side might start small. A few jobs here and there. Some extra weekend cash. Maybe even word of mouth gigs from friends or family. But if you’ve ever thought, “Could I do this full-time?” the answer might be yes.
This guide is for fence contractors who want to take that next step. It’s not full of fluff or buzzwords. Just straight talk about what works.
Start With Why
Before diving into tools or tactics, it helps to ask a simple question: Why do you want to go full-time?
Some do it for freedom. Others want to be their own boss. Maybe the money’s better than your 9 to 5. Any reason is fine, but know yours. It’ll keep you grounded when things get tough.
Know What You’re Good At
Start by looking at the jobs you’ve already done. What kind of work do you enjoy most? What do clients praise you for?
Maybe you’re fast. Maybe your gates hang perfectly. Or maybe you’re easy to work with.
Knowing your edge helps when you’re ready to market yourself. It’s your story.
Build a Real Brand
No need for a fancy logo or slogan at first. But people need to remember you. Pick a simple name that sounds professional. Get a basic website. Keep it clean and clear.
Here’s what your site should have:
- Your name, logo, and phone number
- Photos of your work
- What you offer (wood fences, chain link, vinyl, etc.)
- Areas you serve
- Reviews from past jobs
Most fence contractors skip this. That’s a mistake. Your website is your 24/7 sales guy.
Get Found Online
Let’s be honest — most people find fence contractors on Google. That means you have to show up when they search.
Start with your Google Business Profile. It’s free and powerful. Make sure it has:
- Correct name, address, and phone number
- Business hours
- Photos of your best work
- Real customer reviews
Then, you need local SEO. That means showing up in search when someone types “fence company near me.”
Here’s what helps:
- A fast website that works on phones
- Pages for each service you offer
- Pages for each town or city you work in
- Reviews with keywords like “fence install in Dallas”
Don’t Ignore Social Media
Facebook might not seem like a big deal. But it helps you get known locally. Post before and after photos. Share customer reviews. Run simple ads now and then.
People won’t always search for a fence company. Sometimes they see your post and think, “I’ve been meaning to fix that gate.”
It’s not about going viral. It’s about being there when someone’s ready to hire.
Run Paid Ads (If You’re Ready)
Google Ads and Facebook Ads work. But only if you know what you’re doing. It’s easy to waste money fast.
Start small. Run ads for just one town or zip code. Track every lead. Ask customers how they found you.
If ads get you work at a fair price, keep going. If not, pause and tweak.
Track What Works
Don’t just guess. Set up a system that tracks calls, emails, and form fills from your website.
Simple tools like CallRail, Google Analytics, or even a notebook can help. Just know where your leads come from.
That way, you can put more money and time into what works and cut what doesn’t.
Learn Basic Business Skills
Being a great fence builder isn’t the same as running a great fence business.
You’ll need to:
- Send quotes fast
- Follow up with leads
- Keep track of money in and out
- Pay taxes
- Schedule jobs without overlap
Start small. Use tools like QuickBooks or Jobber. Or keep a clean spreadsheet. What matters is that you stay organized.
Build a Simple Pricing System
You don’t need to race to the bottom. Cheap isn’t always better. In fact, it often causes problems.
Figure out your materials cost, time, and travel. Then add a fair profit. Don’t forget to pay yourself.
If you’re not sure, start with:
| Fence Type | Price Per Linear Foot (Example) |
|---|---|
| Wood Privacy | $25 – $35 |
| Chain-Link | $15 – $20 |
| Vinyl | $30 – $40 |
| Wrought Iron | $35 – $50 |
Your prices may vary. These are just ballpark numbers.
Get Reviews From Real Customers
After each job, ask for a review. Make it easy. Text them a link or help them post on Google.
Reviews build trust. A lot of people skip this step, but it matters more than you think.
One bad review won’t hurt you if you’ve got ten good ones.
Don’t Try to Do It All
In the early days, you might do everything: answer calls, dig holes, run ads, post on Facebook.
But over time, learn to hand things off. Hire help. Work with an agency like FenceWebs for your marketing.
The goal isn’t to do more. It’s to do better.
Stay Consistent
A lot of fence contractors give up too early. They try one ad, don’t get calls, and quit.
That’s not how it works. Business takes time. Keep showing up. Keep posting. Keep asking for reviews. Keep learning.
Final Thoughts
Turning your fence side hustle into a full-time business isn’t about luck. It’s about showing up, staying sharp, and doing good work.
You don’t need to be a tech expert. You don’t need to be perfect. You just need to keep going.
If you ever feel stuck, FenceWebs is here. We’ve helped fence contractors grow for over five years. We know what works and what doesn’t.
Start small. Stay steady. And before you know it, that side job might just be your main thing.
