Guide

How to get more work as a joiner or carpenter

Updated 1 October 2026 · 4 minute read

Most joiners can get plenty of small jobs. The trick is getting more of the bespoke work you actually enjoy, and that's paid properly.

Short answer: Photograph every finished job and put the best on your website and Google profile, lead with the work you want more of, build relationships with builders and kitchen or interior companies, ask every customer for a review, and only pay for leads where you can see the jobs they bring.

1. Show the work you want more of

If you'd rather build staircases than hang doors, put staircases first: on your home page, your Google profile and your photos. Customers ask for what they've seen you do.

2. Photograph every finished job

Good light, a clean room, a few angles and a close-up of the detail. These photos are your website, your Google profile posts and your proof. Ask the customer if you can use them.

3. Builders, kitchen fitters and interior designers

Builders need second-fix joiners they can rely on. Kitchen and interior companies need fitters. These relationships bring steady work between your own customers' jobs.

4. Your Google profile

"Carpenter near me" gets about 12,100 UK searches a month (Local Ladder's tracker, September 2026). Keep your Google Business Profile complete and post new project photos often. Our SEO for joiners guide goes through it.

5. Reviews after every job

Google says more reviews and positive ratings can help local ranking. Send your review link by WhatsApp when the job's done, ask everyone, and never offer anything in return (see our reviews guide).

6. Paid leads, carefully

Local Ladder's UK Trade Lead Cost Tracker (verified 30 September 2026) puts a top-of-page Google Ads click on "carpenter near me" at £1.50 to £10.61, MyBuilder shortlists at typically £5 to £35 each, and Checkatrade at £30 a month (Approved) or from £59 a month (Growth), plus VAT. Small jobs from paid leads can cost more to win than they're worth, so track the results.

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Sources

Prices change. Figures were checked on the date above; check the provider's site for today's price.

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