I recently started my pool service business here in Miami. I’ve been working hard to get it off the ground, created a clean competitive website, post regularly on social media, and even hand out handwritten cards door to door.But despite all that, I’m still struggling to find clients. I know the pool industry is highly competitive here.For those of you with more experience, what helped you get customers early on?Thanks in advance 🙏Also, if you're in Miami and ever want to connect in person, I’d be happy to meet up and exchange insights. You can find my contact info on my website: https://sapphirepools.co

You’re doing everything right — the website, the local cards, the social posts. Sometimes it’s not about trying harder, it’s about assessing where you stand and making a few key adjustments.I’d love to help you with that. We’re in South Florida a few times a year visiting contractors we work with and host solar courses down south, we also work with Patrick Pitt and David, and I’d be happy to connect while we’re down there. I also have a few solid connections in the area I can introduce you to that might open some doors for you.Appreciate what you’re building — it shows.

Work for free for a portion of your projects !!! Prove yourself!!That will easily get the word out my man.

At the backbone of your business and being a business owner, i believe having a solid door knocking marketing plan would help you connect to even more people than you can imagine. if you are at ground zero. 100 doors per day with having an intention of selling! Make sure you are selling at the doors! don't be satisfied with leaving your card, engage with your customers and make them a lifetime customer by having them earn YOUR card! Good luck.

I completely understand how you're feeling. I’ve been there myself. In the cleaning industry, I marketed hard and still saw little return at first. What started to shift things for me was developing a personable elevator pitch and putting myself in places where I could genuinely connect with people, like local Chamber of Commerce events, festivals, Wine after Dark, and any setting that allowed for real conversations. Truth be told, when you’re in those types of settings, the first question that usually comes up is “So, what do you do?”What I learned quickly is that people do business with people they like. Time and time again, I’ve seen clients stick with vendors who were just "okay" because they had built a personal connection. And while you and I both know we provide professional, timely, and top-quality work, at the end of the day, we’re in a service-based industry, which means we’re selling something intangible. At the start, all you have is your word.So, keep marketing, but make sure you're also selling yourself first, your personality, your integrity, and your dependability. People remember how you made them feel. If they like you, they’ll trust what you offer.I follow a simple model, not grammatically perfect, but it works: ABS (Always Be Selling). Have a strong elevator pitch and keep networking. That personal connection can open doors that marketing alone can’t.Keep pushing. Warm Regards

Like alot of people said, definitely get in front of people. Smile, laugh, make them feel good and show that you’re a stand up guy. Online presence is great but when someone meets you in person theres an energetic exchange that seals the deal. One time I walked into a store to buy some soil, with no business cards, no website, didn’t even have insurance at the time and simply asked if they needed any work done. The lady said no and asked if I had a card because maybe someone in her neighborhood might need something. I wrote my number on a piece of their receipt paper and walked away proud that I put myself out there but also certain they weren’t going to call me. About a month later I get a call from them that has lead to thousands of $$$ worth of ongoing work and a great relationship.

Putting in the work, but no clients yet. What would you do in my shoes?

18 Replies

CliftonP
Contributor 2
4 months ago
Easey Peazy. One word solution. Multifamily, Buiy some cheap duckies and bring a couple business cards and then start cold calling. Pools are underserviced. Good Luck!
GreenThumb777
Contributor 3
4 months ago
First, Welcome to entrepreneurs world lol. Seriously, I find word of mouth and showing your work helps in a highly competitive industry. Don't forget great customer service is everything. Even if the customer is wrong, educate them in your response. Great energy to you
FredHodgeJr
Jobber Ambassador
4 months ago
You are on the right track. I would join a networking group to rub elbows with other local business owners. Look up Letip, BNI or the local Chamber of Commerce. They are usually free for the first 1-2 meetings and you can see which you have the most synergy with.
- BrandenSewell
  Jobber Ambassador
  2 months ago
  Spot on advice. Community and relationships are the game changer.
ryaantuttle
Jobber Ambassador
4 months ago
Work for free for a portion of your projects !!! Prove yourself!!
That will easily get the word out my man.
- BrandenSewell
  Jobber Ambassador
  2 months ago
  I love this idea. Not everything has a dollar sign on it. Sometimes you have to look at the opportunity costs of doing things like this. Very smart.
EnergizeUs
Jobber Ambassador
4 months ago
You’re doing everything right — the website, the local cards, the social posts. Sometimes it’s not about trying harder, it’s about assessing where you stand and making a few key adjustments.
I’d love to help you with that. We’re in South Florida a few times a year visiting contractors we work with and host solar courses down south, we also work with Patrick Pitt and David, and I’d be happy to connect while we’re down there. I also have a few solid connections in the area I can introduce you to that might open some doors for you.
Appreciate what you’re building — it shows.

Forum Discussion

Putting in the work, but no clients yet. What would you do in my shoes?