Get More Fencing Jobs Without Wasting Money on Leads

Stop Chasing Crumbs and Start Winning the Best Fencing Jobs (Updated for 2026)

I know what you're thinking – another 'update your content' article. But stick with me. Since we first wrote this, I've seen the landscape shift significantly for local tradies, especially here in Brisbane. The core principles remain, but how we apply them and what truly moves the needle has evolved.

If you’re running a fencing business in Brisbane, you know the drill. You’re up at 5:00 AM, loading the truck, and spending your day digging post holes in the Queensland heat. The last thing you want to do when you get home is mess around with "marketing." And frankly, most of what's out there is just noise.

Most fencing contractors I talk to are frustrated. They’ve tried paying for those lead-sharing sites where you pay $50 or even $100 for a phone number, only to find out four other blokes got the same lead and the customer is just looking for the cheapest price. It’s a race to the bottom, and it’s a colossal waste of your hard-earned cash. I've heard too many stories of tradies getting burnt by this.

I’ve seen what actually works for dozens of Brisbane businesses, from family-run outfits in Chermside to large commercial crews in Logan and even out to Ipswich. If you want to stop competing on price and start getting more phone calls from people who actually want your quality work, you need to change your approach. And the good news? It's more accessible than ever, if you know where to focus.

Here is what actually works to grow a fencing business in the real world, updated for 2026.

1. Google Business Profile (GBP): Your 24/7 Digital Shopfront & Lead Magnet

When a homeowner in Carindale realises their timber fence is rotting, or their pool fence isn't compliant with updated QLD regulations, what’s the first thing they do? They grab their phone and search "fencing contractor near me" or "pool fence repair Brisbane."

The cold, hard truth for 2026: If you don’t show up in those top three map results (the 'Local Pack'), you don’t exist to them. This isn't just about presence anymore; it's about prominence. Google's algorithm prioritises businesses that are active, reputable, and genuinely local. You don't need a fancy website to start winning here, but a well-optimised GBP is non-negotiable. In fact, you can start getting calls even if you're just starting out, provided you set your profile up correctly and consistently.

What's New & What to Focus On:

Photos, Photos, Photos (with Geo-tagging): This is still critical, but with a twist. Every time you finish a job—whether it’s a sleek Colorbond install or a classic picket fence—take high-quality, well-lit photos. Upload them to your Google Business Profile immediately. People want to see your actual work. New Insight: Consider using apps that geo-tag your photos (embed location data). While Google strips some EXIF data, consistent uploads from different locations signal to Google that you're active across various suburbs. The "Brisbane" Factor & Service Areas: Mention the specific suburbs you work in within your photo captions, service descriptions, and even in your Google Posts. If you just finished a job in North Lakes, write a caption like "New lap and cap timber fence completed today in North Lakes." Google loves this because it proves you are active and relevant in that specific area. Expanded: Ensure your service areas are accurately defined in your GBP. Don't just list 'Brisbane'; specify the individual suburbs you serve. This helps you appear in more granular 'near me' searches. Google Posts for Freshness: This is an underutilised goldmine. Post updates about recent jobs, special offers (e.g., "Free Quote for Colorbond Fencing in Redland Bay!"), or even just a photo of your team on a job. This keeps your profile fresh and signals to Google that you're an active business. It's like a mini-blog on your Google listing. Responsive Q&A: Google allows users to ask questions directly on your GBP. Monitor these and answer promptly. It shows you're engaged and provides valuable information to potential customers.

2. Stop Buying Leads, Start Owning Them (and Building Authority)

I’ll be blunt: paying for shared leads is a mug’s game. You are essentially paying to enter a bidding war, where the only differentiator is often price. The real money is made when the customer calls you directly because they trust you, they've seen your work, or they've heard good things. They're not just looking for a fencer; they're looking for your fencing business.

Instead of giving money to lead-gen sites, invest that time and a fraction of that budget into making it easy for people to find you for free, and to see you as the authority. You can get tradie jobs for free by building a reputation that precedes you.

The Modern Approach to Lead Ownership:

Signage (Still King!): It sounds old school, but a high-quality, professional sign on the fence while you’re working is worth its weight in gold. Neighbours walk past, see the quality of the work, and see your number and website. It’s the highest-converting lead you’ll ever get because they can see the finished product right there, in their neighbourhood. Pro Tip: Make sure your sign has your business name, a clear phone number, and a QR code linking directly to your Google reviews or website. Referral Handshakes (Now with a Digital Twist): When you finish a job, don't just pack up and leave. Ask the homeowner: "I’m trying to grow the business locally; if any of your neighbours ask about the fence, would you mind passing on my details?" Give them two business cards. One to keep, one to give away. Modern Twist: Also, ask if they'd mind sharing a photo of their new fence on their local community Facebook group (with your business tagged, of course!). A genuine local recommendation on social media is incredibly powerful. Simple, but Effective Website: While GBP is your digital shopfront, a simple, mobile-friendly website acts as your brochure and credibility builder. It doesn't need to be fancy, but it must showcase your best work, list your services, and have clear contact details. This is where potential clients go after seeing your GBP or a sign to 'vet' you before calling. Think of it as your digital portfolio.

There is a specific truth about Google reviews that most tradies miss: it’s not just about the number of stars, it’s about how recently you got them and the quality of the feedback. Ten reviews from three years ago look like you’ve gone out of business. One detailed review from last week looks like you’re in high demand and doing great work. Google's algorithm heavily favours recent, fresh reviews.

The Text Message Hack (Refined): Don't send a formal email asking for a review. Send a personal text once the site is cleaned up and they've had a day or two to admire the work: "Hey [Name], fence is all done and the site is tidy. Hope you love the new look! If you have 30 seconds, would you mind leaving us a quick Google review? It really helps a local business like ours. [Personalised Link to your GBP Review Page]" Key refinement: Make sure that link goes directly to the review submission page, not just your general GBP. Remove any friction! Respond to ALL Reviews: Good or bad, respond professionally and promptly. Thank customers for positive feedback. For negative reviews, offer to rectify the situation publicly and then take the conversation offline. This shows potential clients you care about customer satisfaction. Vary Your Ask: While Google is paramount, don't shy away from asking for testimonials that can go on your website, or even a quick video testimonial if a client is particularly thrilled. Video builds immense trust.

4. Why You’re Losing Jobs on Price (And How to Stop Being a Commodity)

If you find yourself constantly being told "the other guy was $500 cheaper," you have a marketing problem, not a pricing problem. If you look exactly like every other fencer, the customer has no choice but to choose based on price. You become a commodity.

You need to show why you are worth the extra money. Are your posts set deeper with quality concrete? Do you use galvanized nails instead of cheaper ones that rust in the humid Brisbane climate? Do you actually show up when you say you will, and communicate throughout the project? These are your unique selling propositions (USPs).

Elevating Your Value Proposition:

The Professional Quote (Your Sales Tool): Stop scribbling prices on the back of a business card or sending a one-line text. Use a basic quoting software (there are many affordable options for tradies now) that looks professional. Include a few photos of your previous, relevant work, clear details of what’s included (and what’s not), and a brief section on why your quality matters. A professional quote allows you to charge more because you look like a professional business, not just a bloke with a nail gun. Added Value: Include a sentence or two about your warranty or guarantee. This builds confidence. Educate Your Clients: Don't assume clients know the difference between a cheap job and a quality job. Explain why you use certain materials or techniques. "We use galvanised screws for all our timber fencing, especially important with our Brisbane humidity, to prevent rust stains and ensure longevity, unlike some cheaper alternatives." This educates them and justifies your price. Show, Don't Just Tell: On your website and social media, don't just show the finished fence. Show snippets of your process: a perfectly dug post hole, the quality of your materials, your team cleaning up meticulously. This demonstrates professionalism and attention to detail.

Your marketing should reflect the work you want, not just the work you’ve done. If you want more pool fencing jobs, your website and social media should be 80% pool fencing photos and content. This is called niche marketing, and it positions you as the expert.

Update Your "Services" (Everywhere!): On your Google Business Profile, your website, and any social media, list your high-profit jobs first. If you make the most money on Colorbond, make sure that is the first thing people see. Don't bury it under "general repairs." Be specific: "Custom Colorbond Fencing Installation in the Western Suburbs." Content That Attracts Your Ideal Client: If you want more acreage fencing jobs, write a short blog post on your website about "Choosing the Best Fencing for Rural Properties in Samford Valley." If it's modern aluminium slats, create a gallery specifically for that. This targeted content helps you rank for specific, higher-value searches. Review Your Pricing Strategy: Regularly review your pricing to ensure it aligns with the quality of work you deliver and the profit margins you need for sustainable growth. Don't be afraid to increase your prices if your demand and quality justify it.

What’s a Waste of Money (Still True in 2026)?

I’ve seen Brisbane fencers throw thousands of dollars down the drain on things that don't work. Here’s what to avoid – these haven't changed much, if at all:

1. Yellow Pages (or similar print directories): It’s dead. Unless your target customer is 95 years old and still uses a landline, don't bother. Your money is better spent elsewhere. 2. Generic Facebook Ads: Unless you have a very specific, compelling offer (like "Free Gate with every 30m of Fencing - Limited Time for Northside Residents!") and a professionally managed campaign, generic ads that just say "We do fencing" are usually a black hole for your budget. Facebook Ads require expertise to target correctly and avoid waste. 3. Cheap SEO Packages ($99/month): If someone calls you promising to put you at the top of Google for $99 a month, hang up. They are using automated bots or shady tactics that will eventually get your business penalised or even banned from Google search results. Good SEO takes time, effort, and genuine expertise, and it costs more than a few coffees. 4. Paying for Unqualified Leads: We covered this, but it bears repeating. If you're buying leads where you're one of five tradies calling the same person, you're paying to enter a race to the bottom. Focus on strategies that bring the customer directly to you.

How Long Until You See Results (Realistically)?

This is the million-dollar question, isn't it? If you update your Google Business Profile with fresh photos, accurate service areas, and start actively asking for reviews today, you can start seeing more phone calls within 2 to 4 weeks. Marketing isn't an overnight light switch, but for local tradies leveraging their GBP, the turnaround is much faster than for big corporate companies.

For more advanced strategies like consistent website content or targeted social media, it might take 3-6 months to see significant traction, but the foundational work on GBP will start delivering almost immediately.

What Should You Do First (Today!)?

1. Claim and fully optimise your Google Business Profile. It’s free, and it's your most powerful local marketing tool. If you haven't done it, do it now. Fill in every section completely. 2. Take 10 high-quality photos of your best recent jobs (before, during, and after if possible!) and upload them to your GBP. Ensure captions are descriptive and include suburb names. 3. Text your last 5-10 happy customers and personally ask for a Google review, using a direct link. Make it easy for them. 4. Review your quoting process. Does it look professional? Does it highlight your value and quality?

Running a fencing business is hard work. Your marketing shouldn't add to the headache. By focusing on these simple, practical, and proven steps, you’ll stop fighting over cheap leads and start winning the high-value jobs that actually put money in the bank and allow you to build a sustainable, profitable business.

Need help getting the phone to ring with quality enquiries? At Local Marketing Group, we specialise in helping Brisbane tradies get more enquiries without the headache of wasted ad spend or chasing low-quality leads. Contact us today and let’s get your business growing with a strategy that actually works.