If I had to start from scratch today, I’d double down on this first:
Word of mouth.
The number one way to gain trust is still recommendation from a happy client.
It shakes off that fear people have — “Is this guy going to take my money and disappear?”
I would focus my efforts in being the go to, the face of a neighborhood so I would focus on:
Target neighbors.
When you land a job, talk to the homeowners next door. Leave a clean flyer. Mention you’re working right next to them.
Cluster your work.
Getting 3–4 jobs in the same block? That’s not just efficient, it’s visibility.
Follow-up and ask for referrals..