As a new Handyman business, what do people suggest I do as affordable marketing options?

Thanks for the in depth reply. I think I've been doing ok on my business profile and Facebook posting, but should definitely step up my photo gallery a bit more. I'm currently also trying to offer some of my time free to some local non profits hoping that may accelerate some visibility as well.

Do you have any advise on how to approach conversations with other contractors? I'm specifically interested in the cleaning companies. Should I ring them up and offer a 10-15% commission or something like that?

Congrats on getting it off the ground. A few cheap ones that punch above their weight: your Google Business Profile is the biggest free lever you've got, so fully fill it out, set your service areas, post a couple job photos a week, and ask every happy customer for a review. That's what gets you into the map pack where the ready-to-hire searches happen. Post before-and-after photos on Facebook and your Google profile too, since people hire what they can see. Ask for referrals out loud at the end of every job ('if you know anyone who needs a hand, send them my way' beats most paid ads). And yes to partnerships: realtors, property managers, and house cleaners run into handyman needs constantly and love having someone reliable to refer. Yard signs on the job plus the truck decals you mentioned compound your local visibility. Google Ads can work, but as a new handyman I'd lean on the free local stuff first and let ads be the accelerant once your profile and reviews are strong.

I definitely believe you should go to GC’s and offer your service. Show up with your business information and a smile. It’s a great start to build connections and get invited to bid on projects.