5 Reasons You're Not Getting More Customers (And How to Fix It)

5 Reasons You’re Not Getting More Customers (And How to Fix It)

You’re great at what you do. Your customers are happy.

So why aren’t your phones ringing off the hook?

This is one of the most common questions I hear from contractors, tradesmen, and small business owners—especially those just starting out or trying to break through to the next level. So if you're not getting customers, or the right kind of work, keep reading.

And the truth is:

Below are five of the most common reasons you’re not getting more business—along with simple, actionable ways to fix each one.

1. You Look Unprofessional Online (Even If You’re a Pro in Real Life)

The Problem:

Your Facebook page hasn’t been updated in months. Your website looks like it was built in 2006—or you don’t have one at all. And your Google Business profile? Probably not optimized.

When people search for your service, they judge you in seconds. If you don’t look professional online, you’re losing the job before they ever call.

The Fix:

• Set up a free Google Business Profile with photos, services, hours, and a strong description.

• Invest in a clean, mobile-friendly website (or use Wix/GoDaddy for <$20/month).

• Update your Facebook/Instagram with before & afters, customer reviews, and real job photos.

2. You’re Not Asking for Google Reviews

The Problem:

Word-of-mouth is powerful—but Google is the new word-of-mouth. If you don’t have 5+ strong reviews, you’re invisible to potential customers searching locally.

The Fix:

• Ask every happy customer for a Google review.

• Make it stupid-easy: Text them a link. Use a QR code. Include a card in your invoice.

• Thank them and respond professionally to every review.

3. You’re Not Showing Before & After Photos

The Problem:

People don’t just want to hear that you’re good—they want to see it. Without visuals, you’re just another name.

The Fix:

• Take pictures of every job—start, middle, and final result.

• Post them regularly on Facebook, Instagram, and Google.

• Use them in your quotes and on your website.

You don’t need fancy equipment. A smartphone and decent lighting go a long way.

4. You’re Not Following Up With Old Customers

The Problem:

You finish a job… and then disappear.

No check-in. No follow-up. No asking for more business or referrals.

That’s leaving serious money on the table.

The Fix:

• Create a simple follow-up script or text to send 30 days after a job.

• Offer a discount on future work or ask if they know someone who needs your help.

• Build a customer list (even if it’s just in a spreadsheet) and stay in touch.

5. You Don’t Have a Clear Offer

The Problem:

If someone asks, “What do you do?” and you fumble the answer—you’re losing sales.

Many contractors try to say everything, but confused customers never buy.

The Fix:

• Nail a 1–2 sentence offer:

  “We help homeowners upgrade their old, drafty windows with high-efficiency replacements—done in one day.”

• Make your offer simple, specific, and focused on the customer’s pain point.

• Use that offer everywhere—website, social, flyers, email.

You Don’t Have a Marketing Problem—You Have a Visibility Problem

The work you do matters. You just need to get more eyeballs on it.

The good news?

You don’t need a huge budget or a fancy agency.

You just need a plan—and the will to execute it.

That’s what Brand & Theory was built for.

Resources for Small Business Owners

Check out our full library of downloadable guides, built for tradesmen and small business owners ready to grow—without paying agency prices.

Let’s get your calendar filled.

— Jonathan Wilson

Founder, Brand & Theory

Built for Blue-Collar.