Key points
83% of referrals happen casually (“we used a guy… can’t remember his name”) (BrightLocal, 2023).
A follow-up message triples the chance of repeat work (HubSpot, 2022).
Leaving behind a small branded item makes customers 47% more likely to recall you (ASI, 2022).
Reviews are permanent word-of-mouth, they live online.
Do this first: Text your last 3 customers with a thank-you note + direct review link. It cements your name while the job is fresh.
Why customers forget your name
It’s not about quality. People just move on fast. To them, the tiles look great, but by the time their neighbour asks “who did it?”, your name’s gone.
That’s a branding gap. And for small trades, branding doesn’t mean flashy logos, it means leaving proof and memory triggers that keep your name in circulation.
| Term | Plain Meaning | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| Memory hook | Something that sticks your name in their head | Turns “a tiler” into your tiler |
| Review | Written proof of work | Digital word-of-mouth that never fades |
| Legacy | Being the name people pass on | Unlocks referrals + repeat jobs |
How to be remembered after the job
- Send a quick thank-you + review link
Action: Text customers after the job.
Check: Aim for 5+ Google reviews.
Evidence: 83% of referrals happen casually, reviews make them permanent (BrightLocal, 2023). - Leave a physical reminder
Action: Branded fridge magnet, coaster, or sticker with your number.
Check: Keep it small + useful.
Evidence: Branded items increase recall by 47% (ASI, 2022). - Take and share job photos
Action: Send before/after pics to the customer.
Check: Ask if you can post them too.
Evidence: Visual proof reinforces memory + shares online. - Follow up in 6 months
Action: Drop a quick check-in text.
Check: Offer maintenance tips or a friendly reminder.
Evidence: Follow-ups triple repeat work (HubSpot, 2022). - Stay visible locally
Action: Post once a week on Facebook/Google.
Check: No long silences.
Evidence: Regular activity makes you look established, not one-off.
| Option | When It Wins | Risks | If This Then That |
|---|---|---|---|
| Reviews | Permanent proof | Takes asking | Do this immediately after jobs |
| Branded item | Daily reminder | Can look cheap if tacky | Keep it small + useful |
| Photos | Visual recall | Need permission to post | Always send to customer first |
| Follow-up | Strongest for repeat work | Needs discipline | Set calendar reminders |
FAQ
Isn’t good work enough to be remembered?
Sadly, no, people forget names faster than results.
Do I need fancy branding?
No. Small, simple memory triggers work better.
What’s the quickest win?
Google reviews, they lock in your name immediately.
Is leaving freebies cheesy?
Not if it’s useful. A fridge magnet beats a glossy leaflet.
Do follow-ups annoy customers?
Not if it’s light and helpful. A quick check-in feels like care, not a sales push.
Evidence and sources
BrightLocal, 83% of referrals happen casually, 2023
HubSpot, Follow-up messages triple repeat work, 2022
ASI (Advertising Specialty Institute), Branded items boost recall by 47%, 2022
Why trust Dentons Digital
Author: Sarah Candy
Dentons Digital, specialises in marketing for UK trades and construction firms. First-hand: helped new tilers build repeat/referral work streams with simple memory hooks.
