Why Handyman Businesses Fail: How to Dodge the Six Silent Killers

Is your calendar swinging between overload and tumbleweeds, even though your tool skills are top-tier? In this episode of The Handyman System Podcast I reveal the six sneaky mistakes that quietly bankrupt talented handymen and outline the practical fixes that turn chaos into predictable profit.

You will hear:

Why relying only on word-of-mouth keeps you broke and how to create steady lead flow.

A quick math-driven method to discover your real hourly rate so you never undercharge again.

The secret to selling “problem solved” instead of “drywall repair” and why clients pay more for outcomes.

How to tame the flood of small-job inquiries with one simple CRM workflow.

Proven ways to over-communicate so customers rave about you online.

A burnout-proof framework that shifts you from technician to business owner.

If you want fuller pipelines, healthier margins, and weekends that belong to you, press play and get the roadmap.

Resources mentioned in the show

Grab the Pricing & Projections Workbook and other growth tools in the shop: www.thehandymansystem.com/shop

Follow, rate, and review so more home-service pros can find the show, and share the episode with a fellow handyman who could use a business tune-up.

Keep those margins healthy and those holes invisible—see you inside the episode!

Is a Google Business Profile Worth the Hassle in 2025?

If you are a handyman or home service business owner, chances are you have wondered whether keeping up with your Google Business Profile is still worth the effort in 2025. With stricter verification rules, review glitches, and suspended listings, it can feel like more trouble than it is worth. But here is the truth: when used correctly, a Google Business Profile for handyman businesses can be one of the best tools to bring in leads, build trust, and fill your calendar.

In this episode, Becca Ellison from The Handyman System shares why your profile still matters more than ever, how to keep it optimized, and what Google’s AI is doing with your reviews right now. You will also learn a key move most people miss: submitting your listing to Bing Places so you show up in ChatGPT search results.

Whether you are trying to grow, starting fresh, or just want your marketing to feel easier, this episode gives you a step-by-step approach to using your Google profile as a real asset for your business.

Resources from the episode:

Claim or update your Google Business Profile: https://business.google.com/us/business-profile/

Submit your profile to Bing Places: https://www.bingplaces.com/

Book a call with our team: https://www.thehandymansystem.com/call

Hit play to learn how to make your Google Business Profile work harder for your handyman business.

In today’s episode of The Handyman System Podcast, I’m diving into a topic that every handyman and home service business owner needs to understand — how to actually get more clients, and where you should start.

We’re breaking down a simple but powerful framework — the four ways any business, including yours, can consistently generate leads. This idea was made super clear by Alex Hormozi in his "$100M Leads" book, but honestly, businesses have been using these strategies forever. If you don’t have at least one of these working for you consistently, it’s no wonder you’re feeling stuck. Attention creates opportunity, and opportunity creates sales — and it's your job to decide which method fits your time, energy, and resources right now.

We’ll also talk about how most handyman businesses think they're getting leads — like word of mouth or lead generator sites — and why those might not be as reliable as you believe. Plus, you’ll learn why your website isn’t just a box to check — it’s your 24/7 salesperson, but only if it's built to do the job right.

If you're ready to stop hoping for leads and start building a system that actually brings clients in the door, this episode is for you. Let’s get into it!

🔗 Helpful Links:

Ready Roll Websites ➡️ https://www.readyrollwebsites.com

Get the 30-Day Client Blueprint ➡️ https://www.30dayclientblueprint.com/ad

Prices are rising. Supplies are tightening. And if you’re running a handyman or home service business, the ripple effects of new tariffs and supply chain issues are about to get real by mid-May.

In today’s episode, Becca Ellison, CEO of The Handyman System, breaks down what’s happening behind the scenes with rising material costs, shipment slowdowns, and why big stores like Home Depot and Lowe’s are scrambling to adapt.

More importantly, you’ll learn how to stay ahead of these challenges by stocking smart, protecting your profits, communicating clearly with clients, and showing up online like the trusted pro you are.

You can’t control global trade—but you can control your business strategy. Let’s future-proof your business together. 💪🏽

👉 Need help building your online presence or tightening up your pricing?

Book a free strategy call at thehandymansystem.com/call

You launched your website… but where are the clients? 🤔

If your handyman or home service business has a website that looks great but isn’t bringing in leads, this episode of The Handyman System Podcast is exactly what you need.

Becca breaks down the real reasons your phone isn’t ringing—and spoiler alert, it’s not just about having a website. It’s about how you drive traffic, engage visitors, and use simple strategies to turn clicks into paying clients.

In this episode, you’ll discover:

Why your website might be invisible to Google (and how to fix it)

How long SEO actually takes—and what to do while you wait

Easy ways to boost traffic using social media, referrals, and ads

The common mistakes that kill conversions

A simple 6-step checklist to get more eyes—and inquiries—on your business

If you're tired of hearing crickets after launching your website, this episode will show you how to get things moving—without needing to be a tech expert.

👉 Listen now and start turning your website into a client-generating machine.

Need help making your website work for you?

Book a free strategy call: www.thehandymansystem.com/call

Follow The Handyman System Podcast for weekly marketing tips, SEO strategies, and business growth advice tailored for handyman and home service pros.

#HandymanMarketing #HomeServiceBusiness #GetMoreClients #SEOForHandyman #SmallBusinessGrowth

Are you missing out on clients just because your photos aren’t doing the heavy lifting?

In this episode of The Handyman System Podcast, we’re breaking down one of the easiest but most powerful ways to market your handyman or home service business: real, honest, trust-building photos.

We’re talking:

- Why stock photos should be your last resort

- How pictures of YOU build trust before you even speak to a client

- The magic of before-and-after shots

- Simple phone photo tips that instantly upgrade your brand

- Where to post your photos to turn browsers into buyers

Whether you're just starting out or looking to land higher-end clients, your photos tell a story—and we’re showing you how to make that story one that sells.

🎧 Tune in and learn how to turn your everyday job site snapshots into your most effective marketing tool.

📍 Want a website that makes showing off your work simple (and actually gets you clients)? Check out Ready Roll Sites – done-for-you websites for home service pros.

Your website is working 24/7—but is it working for you or against you?

In this episode, Becca Ellison (CEO of The Handyman System) reveals how your website creates a first impression long before a client ever reaches out—and why those first 3 seconds could make or break your next job.

You’ll discover:

✅ Why your website matters more than you think

✅ Common mistakes that could be costing you clients

✅ What every client is really looking for when they visit your site

✅ Quick wins to make your site build trust and convert better—without needing a full redesign

Whether you're just getting started or have been in business for years, this episode will help you see your website from a client’s perspective—and give you actionable steps to make it your best salesperson.

🎧 Ready to upgrade your website game? Don’t miss this one.

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📍 Learn more at www.readyrollwebsites.com

💬 Got questions or feedback? Message us on IG @thehandymansystem

⭐️ Leave a review and share with a fellow home service pro!

#HandymanBusiness #WebsiteTips #SmallBusinessMarketing #TheHandymanSystem

In today's episode, Caleb Ingraham, co-owner of North Seattle Handyman, shares his insights on the challenges and rewards of starting and running a trades business. Caleb discusses the importance of embracing uncertainty, charging your worth, adapting to modern technology, and nurturing customer relationships. He also outlines the primary and secondary reasons why tradespeople often fail in entrepreneurship. His personal experiences and practical advice offer valuable perspectives for anyone considering venturing into the trades industry. Find out more at www.thehandymansystem.com and www.northseattlehandyman.com.

00:00 Introduction and Background

01:58 The Challenges of Starting a Business

02:36 The Rewards of Entrepreneurship

03:09 Realistic View of Entrepreneurship

03:37 Primary Reasons for Failure

07:09 Secondary Reasons for Failure

10:32 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

11| Reviews Make or Break You: How to Get (and Use) Stellar Feedback for Your Home Service Business

If you’ve been in the home service game for even a minute, you know word of mouth is gold. But in today’s digital world, that word of mouth happens through online reviews—and they can either skyrocket your business or send clients running to your competition.

In this episode, we’re diving into the power of reviews and why they matter way more than you might think. From building instant trust to boosting your Google rankings, a few well-placed five-star reviews can completely change the game for your handyman or home service business.

You’ll learn how to start collecting better reviews consistently, how to get clients to mention the right things like your location and services, and how to make the ask without feeling awkward. We’ll also talk about what to do with all that great feedback once it starts rolling in—hint: it’s not just sitting on your Google page gathering dust.

Whether you’re just starting out or already have reviews but aren’t using them strategically, this episode is packed with insights that will help you turn happy clients into a steady stream of new ones.

🎯 Bonus: You’ll hear how our Ready Roll websites make it super simple to automate your review strategy and showcase your best feedback everywhere it matters. www.readyrollwebsites.com

👉 Tune in and learn how to build trust, book more jobs, and stop letting good reviews go to waste

In this episode we dive into the essentials of local SEO and its importance for handyman businesses. They discuss how to optimize your Google Business profile, the significance of content for context, and effective keyword research. Listeners will learn about the importance of consistency in SEO efforts, quick wins for improving your search ranking, and leveraging local citations and backlinks. Practical tips to get started with SEO are shared, aimed at transforming your online presence and attracting more local clients.

00:00 Introduction to the Handyman System Podcast

00:34 Understanding SEO for Handyman Businesses

01:58 The Importance of Content in SEO

04:12 Local SEO Strategies

11:31 Quick SEO Wins for Your Handyman Business

14:30 Building Trust with Local Citations and Backlinks

16:46 Conclusion and Next Steps