In October 2021, FL Cleanup set up a booth at the Miami home show at the Miami-Dade County Fair and Exposition. We were a small company at the time. We didn’t have a big crew or a big budget. But by the time the show was over, we’d met an attorney who ended up sending us six jobs in about a month.
Here’s what we did, and why events can be one of the best marketing moves for a new restoration business.
Look professional, and people assume you’re big
The people we met at that show thought we were a much bigger company than we were. Why? Because we showed up looking the part: clean branding, a professional booth, matching colors, and clear signage. Nobody at a home show can see your bank account or your crew size. They see how you present yourself.
Perception opens doors. Your work keeps them open.
Lead with a clear, free offer
Our sign asked two simple questions: Leaks? Mold? Then it made one offer: a free thermal imaging camera inspection at no cost. That did two things. It told people exactly what problems we solve, and it gave them an easy, no-risk reason to talk to us.
A thermal camera is also a great conversation starter. People are curious about it. Curiosity gets them to stop at your booth.
The right connection is worth more than a hundred flyers
Most people who stop at a booth are homeowners. Some will become customers. But the real wins are the professionals who walk by: attorneys, realtors, property managers, insurance agents. One attorney who handles property cases can send you job after job. That’s what happened to us: six jobs in about a month from a single relationship.
Film it and post it
We posted a video from the booth, and people engaged with it. People are curious about what businesses are doing behind the scenes. An event isn’t a one-day marketing move if you film it. It becomes content that keeps showing people you’re active, established, and out in your community.
How to make your first event work
- Pick the right event. Home shows, realtor association events, and property management expos put you in front of the people who see water damage most.
- Invest in your look. A clean table cover, banner, and sign in your brand colors go a long way.
- Make one simple offer. A free inspection or a free checklist gives people a reason to give you their contact info.
- Collect contacts, not just compliments. Get names and numbers, especially from professionals.
- Follow up within 48 hours. The event is where you meet people. The follow-up is where you get the job.
Common questions about home show marketing
Are home shows worth it for a restoration company? They can be, if you treat them as relationship-building, not just flyer handouts. The biggest wins often come from the professionals you meet, not the walk-up homeowners.
What should a restoration booth have? Clean, consistent branding, a simple sign that says what problems you solve, one clear free offer, and an easy way to collect contact info.
What’s a good free offer for a booth? Something useful and specific, like a free visual inspection with a thermal camera. Make sure it’s something you can actually deliver well.
How do I follow up after the show? Within a few days. Call or text the professionals first, then the homeowners who asked for an inspection. Most event leads go cold because nobody follows up.
What other events work? Realtor and property manager association meetings, chamber of commerce events, and community events where you can give back. See why giving back is good business.
You don’t have to be big to get big clients
You have to show up, look professional, and follow through. Module 6 of the 6-Figure Launchpad covers marketing, from events and networking to referral partners, with the scripts to turn conversations into paid jobs.
Keep reading: How to Get Water Damage Jobs From Realtors and Property Managers · Why Giving Back Is Good Business for Restoration Companies
