How can I grow a curtain fitter business?

When you’re looking at growing your curtain business, it is usually a good idea to consider putting a business growth plan in place.

This is a document that can be as formal or informal as you want, but is designed to help you:

• Set targets
• Plot your marketing
• Compare your business against achievable goals

However, before you actually start implementing your growth, you need to think about how you will grow.

What is business growth for curtain fitters?

As well as trying to generate leads and win more jobs for your curtain business, you need to understand that healthy growth can show in many ways.

Part of your business growth strategy could be developing a plan that covers the following points:

• How you plan to scale your curtain fitting business
• The speed you plan to reach your goals
• How you’re intending to promote your business
• Expanding your portfolio to attract new more diverse customers

As you start to see shoots of growth in your curtain fitting business, you want to keep an eye on the quality of service. Keeping customers happy has got you to the position of being able to grow. You’ll want to maintain that momentum.

How to expand a curtain business

Much like when starting out in the curtain fitting business, there are several key areas to think about when you’re looking to grow.

It goes without saying that the skills required will depend on your growth goals.

These are the specific ways in which you could choose to grow:

1. Building your team – Having more hands means that it is easier to carry out larger, more complex, and more profitable curtain fitting jobs
2. Expanding your service – A broader range of services (such as blinds or shutters) will help increase your workload
3. Widening your area – Covering a larger geographical area helps you reach a bigger number of new and potential customers
4. Increasing your revenue – Winning more jobs and increasing profit margins give yous more money to invest in other areas of your business
5. Updating your marketing strategy – Focussing on your marketing, both online and offline, will help find you more work
6. Joining a directory – Coming on board with a company like Checkatrade helps give you lead opportunities for your curtain business

Any of these options can do wonders for improving business growth. And you can do them in any order.

Much like measuring and cutting a length of fabric to size with handmade curtains, you want to make sure you get it right the first time. Picking one area of growth and mastering it first will arguably enable quicker growth than if you try to do everything at once.

Using marketing to grow a curtain fitter business

To build both your client base and your reputation, you’ll have to do take advantage of both offline (print) and online (digital) marketing.

There are a few techniques to get you going when it comes to reaching a larger audience. And there is a good volume of customers out there.

For example, in 2024 alone, there were over 37,000 job searches for curtain related work on our website.* Sound like something to interest you?

Below are a few of the key ways to use marketing for your curtain business:

Social media

This can be very effective for boosting your profile. For design-led trades like curtain fitting, it particularly makes sense.

You can share pictures and videos of your best work, and boost engagement with your curtain fitting business by sharing regular updates and stories. Knowledge about curtains easily crosses over into interior design, so consider how you can capture and cross-over into this audience.

Print advertising

You can help point people to your services with a range of print marketing. For example:

• Distributing leaflets or flyers in nearby neighbourhoods
• Using signs and billboards in local areas
• Asking to leave notes in windows of existing customers
• Full page / half page adverts in local newspapers and magazines

Whatever print marketing you use, just make sure you’re allowed to and the homes you’re targeting match up with your target market.

Printed brochures are also key and give you the opportunity to list your curtains and services in detail alongside quality photography.

Company branding

Don’t forget you can also advertise your curtain fitting business on the go by signwriting your van. This way, you’ll be promoting your services whenever you travel between jobs.

As well as including your name and contact details, make sure to include your services, relevant accreditations, and areas covered. This uses your work vehicle as a form of physical marketing.

Website

An online presence is vital for any business nowadays, so you’ll need to consider the best ways to market your curtain fitting start-up using different digital services.

Getting the website exactly right can do no end of wonders for your new curtain fitting business. It acts as a sort of virtual storefront, showing off the products and jobs you can offer.

Trade directories

As a tried and tested method, favoured by thousands of other tradespeople, signing up to Checkatrade also helps to expand your online reach and show you as a credible trade business.

Now we may sound biased, but you also can benefit from member discounts on business essentials including tools, fuel and insurance.

Having visibility with Checkatrade means getting in front of key decision makers, whether that is in the home, or whether for commercial contracts.

Skills to help you grow a curtain fitting business

As someone that works with curtains, whether as a curtain maker or fitter, you’ll have the relevant skills that go with the trade.

However, when it comes to business management skills, there are a number of other things you’ll need to have in place. Especially when you’re looking to grow.

Product knowledge

Developing an in-depth understanding of different curtain types and materials is crucial. Knowing the poles, tracks and installation methods helps you provide a valuable service to your customers. Showing you ‘know your stuff’ can enhance customer satisfaction and build trust.

Interpersonal skills

Excellent people skills can really set you apart when it comes to a competitive market like window coverings. Building good dialogue with your customers will invariably lead to ‘quick wins’ such as repeat business and referrals. These are the lifeblood of any small business looking to expand.

Good management traits

Good business management helps you create a harmonious work environment. So, whether you’re in charge of a team or going solo, developing organisational skills and having the ability to lead by example can significantly improve job satisfaction. Not just for you, but for your staff too.

Financial control

Having a solid grasp of your finances is indispensable. Understanding cash flow, keeping track of your income/outgoings and managing budgets are all critical to ensuring the financial health of your curtain fitting business. Using dedicated accounting software or hiring the services of an accountant can really help with this.

Marketing and sales skills

Strong marketing and sales abilities are essential. Not sure how to sell your services? Understanding various channels, including social media, can help you reach a wider audience. Once you’ve found more leads, it is then about the conversations that happen next to convert those into jobs.

Time Management

Balancing multiple trade jobs, meeting customer expectations, and finishing on time require good scheduling and prioritisation. Using project management tools can help streamline your curtain fitting business and make sure that all necessary tasks get completed.

Adaptability

Being able to meet changing circumstances and customer needs is crucial. Every curtain job presents unique challenges, whether that be in terms of fixing surface, curvature, material or weight. Flexibility and resourcefulness can help you navigate these successfully. Staying updated with industry and consumer trends can help keep you ahead of the curve.

Customer Feedback

Seeking and using feedback (such as reviews) can give valuable insight to help improve your services and benefit customer experience. Collecting reviews through a trusted platform such as Checkatrade shows to your customers that you work to a consistently high standard.

Save money and time highlighting your curtain business

Knowing how to grow a curtain fitting business is only one part of the puzzle when it comes to your continued success. Tried and tested methods such as a Checkatrade membership can only go to further your growth plans, helping you find a wider audience for your service.

When you come on board, you’ll get access to more marketing tips, free business tools as well as a business profile on our trade directory. This means more customers will be able to find you when they’re looking to get work done in their homes. For example repairs, installations and consultations.

On top of that, with a Checkatrade membership, your curtain fitting business can also:

• Benefit from more work coming your way
• Manage your jobs and profile through our dedicated trades app
• Save admin time with our custom quoting and invoicing tool
• Get your work guaranteed when booked through us (T&Cs apply)
• Enjoy exclusive offers and discounts
• Save on the cost of your public liability insurance

Did you know? In 2024, there were over 37,000 job searches for curtain related work on our website.*

Sign up today to learn more about our checking and vetting process for curtain specialists like you. Our fixed membership option lets you build the plan that’s perfect for you and your business needs.

* Internal search data for users of the Checkatrade.com website in 2024