Running a fence company is tough. You build great fences, but getting new clients can feel like a constant battle. Referrals are a game-changer—they bring in loyal customers without you chasing them down.
This blog will show you simple, practical ways to generate referrals for your fence business. No begging, no awkward asks—just smart strategies that work. Let’s dive in and help your business grow.
Why Referrals Matter for Fence Contractors
Referrals are like gold for fence companies. They come from happy clients who trust you and spread the word. These leads often close faster and cost less than ads.
Think about it: a neighbor recommending your work carries more weight than a billboard. Referrals build trust, and trust turns into contracts. Let’s explore how to make this happen naturally.
The Power of Word-of-Mouth
Word-of-mouth is still king in the fencing industry. People talk to friends, family, and neighbors about home projects. A happy client can become your best salesperson.
When someone raves about your sturdy, beautiful fences, others listen. Your goal is to make it easy for clients to share their love for your work.
Benefits of Referrals
Referrals save you time and money. They also bring higher-quality leads. Here’s why they’re so valuable:
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Lower Costs: No need to spend big on ads.
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Higher Trust: Referred clients already trust you.
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Faster Sales: They’re more likely to sign quickly.
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Loyal Customers: Referrals often become repeat clients.
Build a Referral-Worthy Reputation
Your reputation is the foundation of referrals. If clients love your work, they’ll talk about it. Here’s how to make sure your fence company stands out.
Deliver Top-Notch Work
Quality fences lead to happy clients. Use durable materials and pay attention to details. A well-built fence is a walking advertisement for your business.
Check every project twice to ensure it’s perfect. Small mistakes can hurt your reputation. Happy clients are more likely to recommend you.
Be Professional and Reliable
Show up on time. Answer calls and emails quickly. Be polite and respectful on every job.
Clients notice professionalism. It makes them feel confident recommending you to others. A reliable fence contractor is hard to find, so be that contractor.
Go the Extra Mile
Small gestures make a big impact. Clean up the job site thoroughly. Offer a quick maintenance tip after installation.
These extras show you care. Clients remember that and share it with others.
Make It Easy for Clients to Refer You
Don’t wait for referrals to happen on their own. Create simple ways for clients to spread the word. Here are some ideas that work.
Ask at the Right Time
Timing is everything. Ask for referrals when clients are thrilled with your work—usually right after a project is done.
Keep it simple: “We’d love it if you shared our name with friends who need a fence.” No pressure, just a friendly nudge.
Provide Referral Tools
Make referring you effortless. Give clients business cards, brochures, or a link to your website. These tools remind them to spread the word.
You can also create a referral page on your website. Include a short form for clients to submit their friends’ contact info.
Use Google Business Profile
Your Google Business Profile (GBP) is a referral magnet. Encourage happy clients to leave reviews there. Positive reviews attract new customers searching for fence contractors.
Optimize your GBP with clear photos, updated contact info, and a link to your website. FenceWebs can help you make your GBP shine.
Create a Referral Program
A referral program rewards clients for sending you business. It’s a win-win: they get a perk, and you get new leads. Here’s how to set one up.
Offer Simple Incentives
Offer a small reward for referrals, like a $50 gift card or a discount on future work. Keep it affordable but meaningful.
For example, “Refer a friend, and you both get $50 off your next project.” This encourages clients to act.
Promote Your Program
Spread the word about your referral program. Mention it in your emails, on your website, and during project wrap-ups.
You can also include it on invoices or thank-you notes. The more clients know about it, the more they’ll participate.
Track Referrals
Keep track of who refers whom. Use a simple spreadsheet or CRM tool to log referrals and rewards.
This helps you thank clients properly and measure what’s working. A little organization goes a long way.
|
Reward Type |
Example |
Why It Works |
|---|---|---|
|
Gift Card |
$50 Amazon or local store card |
Easy to give, universally appealing |
|
Discount |
$50 off next fence repair |
Encourages repeat business |
|
Cash Reward |
$25 cash for each referral |
Simple and direct incentive |
Leverage Social Media for Referrals
Social media is a powerful tool for fence contractors. It’s where your clients hang out and talk about home projects. Use it to boost referrals.
Share Project Photos
Post before-and-after photos of your fences on Facebook and Instagram. Show off your best work, like a sleek wooden privacy fence or a sturdy chain-link.
Tag clients (with permission) and ask them to share the post. This gets your work in front of their friends and family.
Encourage Shares
Make your posts shareable. Include a call-to-action like, “Know someone who needs a fence? Share this post with them!”
Shares on social media act like digital referrals. They spread your name to new audiences.
Run a Referral Contest
Host a contest on social media. For example, “Refer us to a friend, and you’re entered to win a $100 gift card!” This creates excitement and encourages action.
Promote the contest on Facebook and Instagram. FenceWebs can help you set up targeted ads to boost engagement.
Follow Up with Past Clients
Your past clients are a goldmine for referrals. They already know and trust your work. A quick follow-up can spark new leads.
Send Thank-You Notes
After a project, send a handwritten thank-you note or email. Include a line like, “We’d love for you to share our name with friends.”
This small gesture keeps you top of mind. It also shows you value the client.
Check In Periodically
Reach out every few months with a friendly email or call. Ask how their fence is holding up and if they need maintenance.
These check-ins build relationships. They also remind clients to recommend you.
Offer Maintenance Tips
Share simple fence care tips via email or social media. For example, “Spray your wooden fence with a sealant every two years to keep it strong.”
This positions you as an expert. Clients are more likely to refer an expert they trust.
Partner with Local Businesses
Local partnerships can drive referrals. Connect with businesses that serve homeowners, like landscapers or real estate agents. Here’s how.
Build Relationships
Introduce yourself to local landscapers, home builders, or Realtors. Offer to refer clients to them in exchange for them recommending you.
A quick coffee meeting can start a valuable partnership. These businesses interact with homeowners who need fences.
Cross-Promote Services
Create a flyer or email campaign with a partner business. For example, “Get a new fence from us and a lawn makeover from [Landscaper Name]!”
This exposes your business to their clients, and vice versa. It’s a referral win-win.
Join Local Events
Participate in community events like home shows or farmers’ markets. Set up a booth to showcase your fences and hand out referral cards.
Face-to-face interactions build trust. They also make it easier for locals to recommend you.
Optimize Your Website for Referrals
Your website is your digital storefront. Make it referral-friendly to attract leads. FenceWebs specializes in building websites that convert, so let’s break it down.
Add a Referral Page
Create a dedicated referral page on your site. Include a form where clients can submit their friends’ names and contact info.
Make it easy to find with a clear button like “Refer a Friend.” This streamlines the referral process.
Showcase Testimonials
Feature client testimonials on your website. Use real quotes from happy customers about your great work.
Testimonials act like mini-referrals. They show new visitors you’re trustworthy and skilled.
Make Contact Easy
Ensure your website has clear contact info—phone, email, and a contact form. Add a “Request a Quote” button on every page.
If a referred client visits your site, make it simple for them to reach out. FenceWebs can optimize your site for this.
Measure and Improve Your Referral Strategy
Track your referrals to see what’s working. This helps you focus on the best strategies. Here’s how to do it.
Monitor Referral Sources
Ask new clients how they heard about you. Log this in a spreadsheet or CRM tool.
This shows which referral tactics are bringing in leads. Double down on what works.
Ask for Feedback
After a project, ask clients what they liked about your process. Use a short survey or a quick phone call.
Their feedback can reveal ways to improve. Better service means more referrals.
Adjust Your Approach
If something isn’t working, tweak it. For example, if your referral program gets no traction, try a different reward.
Test and refine your strategy over time. Small changes can lead to big results.
Why FenceWebs Loves Helping Fence Contractors
At FenceWebs, we’ve spent five years helping fence companies grow. We know the industry inside and out. Our services—like website design, SEO, local SEO, GBP optimization, and ads—can amplify your referral efforts.
A strong online presence makes referrals more effective. When clients recommend you, your website and reviews back it up. Let us help you build a system that generates referrals effortlessly.
Final Thoughts
Referrals are the lifeblood of a successful fence company. They’re cost-effective, build trust, and bring loyal clients. By delivering great work, making referrals easy, and using smart strategies like social media and partnerships, you can grow your business without begging.
Start small: pick one or two ideas from this blog and try them out. Track your results and keep improving. With a little effort, your fence company can become the go-to choice in your area.
Need help setting up a referral-friendly website or boosting your online presence? Contact FenceWebs today. We’re here to make your business thrive.
