Marketing Tips to Win More Commercial Painting Contracts
In today’s competitive environment, success in the painting industry isn’t just about having great skills—it’s about being seen, trusted, and chosen by the right clients. Whether you’re a seasoned contractor or just breaking into the commercial market, attracting steady leads is critical to staying booked and building your reputation. But the big question remains: How do you get commercial painting leads?
This guide outlines proven strategies to help you generate more leads, win better contracts, and build a business that scales with confidence. We’ll walk through everything from community outreach and digital tactics to building strategic partnerships and improving your brand’s visibility.
To supercharge your marketing and start seeing results faster, partner with Click Typhoon—a digital marketing agency that specializes in generating quality leads for service businesses. Whether you’re launching your brand or leveling up your local presence, their team helps painting contractors like you reach more property managers, commercial developers, and high-value clients. From local SEO, Home Builder SEO, and PPC to targeted advertising and email campaigns, Click Typhoon tailors every strategy to fit your goals. Their deep understanding of your industry sets them apart. Get in touch today to unlock commercial painting leads that keep your calendar full and your business thriving.
Why Lead Generation Matters for Painting Businesses
Lead generation is the lifeblood of a thriving painting company. Without a regular stream of inquiries, even the best contractors can face gaps in work, especially during seasonal slowdowns. A strong lead pipeline helps you:
- Maintain a consistent workload
- Hire and retain great team members
- Forecast growth more accurately
- Stay competitive in an evolving market
The global painting industry reached $180 billion in revenue in 2023, and with home improvements and commercial property upgrades on the rise, there’s never been a better time to capture your share.
While many painting businesses depend on lead generation services like HomeAdvisor or Thumbtack, these platforms often sell the same lead to multiple contractors. That leads to increased competition and lower conversion rates. Creating your own lead generation system gives you full control and better quality prospects, often at zero cost.
How to Promote a Painting Company?
Build a Strong Brand
Your brand is more than just a logo—it’s your reputation, your values, and your promise to the client. For commercial clients, especially, first impressions matter.
- Uniforms: Dress your crew in branded gear that reflects your professionalism.
- Vehicle wraps: Turn your trucks into mobile billboards with clean, well-designed graphics.
- Job site presence: Maintain organized, tidy workspaces that reflect your attention to detail.
Add signature touches like eco-friendly paint options, extended warranties, or 48-hour response guarantees. These small details can make you stand out when clients are comparing bids.
Use Print Advertising
Flyers, door hangers, and brochures are still powerful tools—especially when distributed in commercial zones or at industry-specific events. Make sure your print materials include:
- High-quality visuals of your completed projects
- Your contact info, website, and license/insurance details
- A clear offer (e.g., Free Site Assessment or Estimate)
Target real estate developers, building managers, and office parks where commercial painting is frequently needed. Place tearaway flyers on bulletin boards in coworking spaces, business lounges, or supply stores.
Vehicle and Uniform Branding
You may not have the budget for a highway billboard, but your own van or truck can do the job for free.
- Add your logo, contact number, and key services on vehicle decals or wraps.
- Wear branded uniforms on every job and while visiting supply stores.
- Add messaging like “Call for a Free Estimate” to encourage immediate action.
Consistency builds trust—if a prospect sees your truck multiple times around town, they’ll start to recognize your business.
Get Involved in the Community
Showing up offline builds credibility fast. Join your local Chamber of Commerce, sponsor a local youth team, or host a booth at home improvement expos. These events allow property owners and managers to meet you face-to-face and ask questions.
Use branded giveaways (like pens or notepads) at events to keep your business top of mind. People are far more likely to call someone they’ve seen in the community than a random search result.
Online Lead Generation Tactics
Build a Professional Website
A polished, fast-loading website is your digital storefront. Make sure it includes:
- Mobile-friendly layout
- Service breakdowns (commercial, interior, exterior, etc.)
- Case studies or client testimonials
- Contact forms and click-to-call buttons
- A gallery of high-resolution before-and-after photos
Include FAQs, warranty info, and blog content to boost SEO and build authority.
Leverage Social Media
Post regularly on platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn to showcase:
- Your team in action
- Project highlights (e.g., full office repaints, warehouse interiors)
- Customer testimonials
- Educational content (like color advice or surface prep tips)
Boost your top posts with paid promotion to reach commercial property managers in your area.
Email Marketing
Email marketing helps you nurture leads and stay top of mind. Create an email sequence for past and potential clients that includes:
- Seasonal promotions
- Before-and-after success stories
- Maintenance tips for commercial surfaces
- New service offerings
Using platforms like Mailchimp or Jobber Campaigns makes it easy to design and automate emails.
Google Business Profile Optimization
A fully optimized Google Business Profile is critical for local visibility. Make sure to:
- Upload recent project photos
- Update your hours and service area regularly
- Encourage satisfied clients to leave reviews
- Respond to reviews professionally
This boosts your chances of ranking in the local “Map Pack” when someone searches “commercial painter near me.”
Try Google Ads
Google Ads helps you target keywords that your commercial prospects are actually searching. Focus on search phrases like:
- “Warehouse painters in [City]”
- “Commercial painting services for offices”
- “Hotel painting contractors”
Start small, monitor conversion rates, and optimize campaigns over time.
Use Online Directories
Be sure to claim and update your listings on:
- Angi
- Yelp
- Houzz
- Local Chamber directories
Ensure Name, Address, Phone (NAP) consistency across every listing to improve SEO and boost trust.
Video Content Marketing
Short-form videos are a powerful way to demonstrate your expertise:
- Project walk-throughs
- Time-lapse transformations
- Tips on choosing commercial paint
- Surface maintenance and prep guides
Post these on YouTube, Instagram Reels, and Facebook to increase reach and engagement.
Offline Lead Generation Strategies
Traditional Advertising
Use direct mail to target new business developments, recently sold commercial properties, or growing neighborhoods. Consider print ads in industry newsletters, B2B directories, and property management journals.
Referral Programs
Turn happy customers into your best marketers. Offer rewards like:
- Discounts on their next job
- Gift cards to local businesses
- Donations to a charity of their choice
Keep it simple and promote the program in your email newsletters and job site signage.
Service Bundling
Bundle services to match client needs:
- New Business Launch Packs (interior + signage painting)
- Annual Maintenance Plans (touch-ups, recoats, inspections)
- Real Estate Prep Packages (quick refreshes before listings)
These packages increase value and simplify decision-making for busy clients.
How to Get Commercial Painting Leads?
Define Your Ideal Commercial Client
Refine your focus by asking:
- Do you want to paint office interiors or large retail exteriors?
- Are you comfortable with scaffolding and height safety?
- Do you prefer recurring maintenance contracts or one-time projects?
Being specific helps you target the right clients and say no to time-wasters.
Build Strategic Partnerships
Forge long-term connections with:
- General contractors
- Property managers
- Facility directors
- Real estate brokers
Reach out via email, LinkedIn, and trade shows. Attend B2B networking events and offer to bid on upcoming projects.
Targeted Commercial Marketing
Use LinkedIn Ads to target job titles like “Property Manager” or “Facilities Coordinator.” Show off testimonials, completed projects, and certifications. Focus on messaging like:
“We finish on time, on budget, and without disrupting your tenants.”
Trust and reliability are what commercial clients want most.
Tips to Boost Lead Conversion
Focus on Customer Experience
Excellent service sets you apart. Keep your clients informed, offer extra touches (like free touch-ups), and leave behind branded thank-you gifts.
Train and Equip Your Team
Your team is the face of your brand. Train them on:
- Customer communication
- Job site professionalism
- Adhering to timelines and safety protocols
When everyone delivers consistent quality, referrals multiply.
Use Modern Business Tools
Stay organized with software tools like:
- Jobber, Housecall Pro, or Trello for scheduling and tracking
- Mailchimp or ActiveCampaign for automated email marketing
- Google Sheets or CRMs for lead tracking and follow-ups
Avoid letting hot leads fall through the cracks due to disorganization.
Final Thoughts
Marketing your painting company—especially to the commercial sector—takes time, intention, and persistence. But the payoff is huge. By combining offline relationship-building, online visibility, and refined targeting, you’ll consistently attract the right clients.
For even better results, team up with Click Typhoon—your partner in smart digital growth. Our Home Builder SEO will help you build your brand, optimize your visibility, and convert more of the leads that matter. Take the next step now and watch your commercial painting business thrive like never before. Reach out to us now!
Follow us on our socials here:
Check out some of our blogs to help your SEO needs:
How to Get Commercial Construction Jobs
