1. Optimize Your Google Business Profile

When local homeowners search for services like “boiler repair near me” or “Long Island electrician,” you want your business to pop up first.

What to do:

• Claim and verify your Google Business Profile

• Add clear service descriptions, your business hours, and real photos of your work

• Ask satisfied clients to leave honest reviews

Why it works: Google favors active profiles. The more complete and updated yours is, the more likely you’ll show up in the Map Pack (those top local results).

2. Build Relationships with Other Local Businesses

You’re not alone out there. General contractors, real estate agents, property managers—even your local hardware store—can become powerful referral sources.

What to do:

• Introduce yourself and your services with a simple leave-behind (like a flyer or magnet)

• Offer to refer business their way, too

• Consider co-hosting a workshop, contest, or giveaway

Why it works: People trust recommendations from people they already know. Build your referral network one handshake at a time.

3. Post Useful Tips on Social Media

You don’t need to dance on TikTok to get attention. What you do need is helpful, authentic content that builds trust and keeps your business top-of-mind.

What to post:

• Before/after photos of recent jobs

• Seasonal maintenance tips (like “How to prevent frozen pipes”)

• Behind-the-scenes of your day or tools you use

Why it works: When your posts are valuable, your audience starts to see you as the expert they can count on when something goes wrong.

4. Join Local Facebook Groups (the right way)

Neighborhood Facebook groups are full of people asking for recommendations for tradesmen. This is your chance to chime in.

What to do:

• Join local community and homeowner groups

• Answer questions genuinely—don’t just sell

• Offer advice, share insights, and when appropriate, mention your business

Why it works: Being helpful positions you as a neighbor, not a salesperson. That’s who people trust.

5. Collect and Share Customer Testimonials

Social proof goes a long way. When others speak highly of your work, it builds instant credibility.
How to use them:

• Post quotes on your website and social media

• Include screenshots of 5-star reviews

• Use a “Client Spotlight” in your newsletter or feed

Why it works: People want proof before they hire. Let your happy customers do the talking for you.

6. List Your Business in Free Local Directories

Long Island has plenty of community sites, industry-specific directories, and neighborhood listings.

Where to list:

• Nextdoor

• HomeAdvisor (free profile option)

• Houzz

• Alignable

• Local Chamber of Commerce

Why it works: These listings improve your SEO and make it easier for locals to discover you—even if they’re not searching on Google.

You don’t need a big ad budget to get noticed—you need a smart, consistent strategy that builds trust and visibility in your community.

At Storyseller, we specialize in helping Long Island tradesmen build strong brands, tell their story, and get more of the right clients—without wasting money on things that don’t work.

Want help building a local lead engine that runs on reputation, not ad dollars?

Let’s talk.