How to Get Your First Clients as a New Well Drilling Contractor
- Nate Jones
- Oct 2
- 2 min read
Starting a water well drilling business is an exciting venture, but landing your first clients can be one of the biggest challenges. Whether you're offering residential wells, irrigation systems, or pump installations, building trust and visibility in your local market is key to success.
Here’s how to attract your first customers and set your business up for long-term growth.
1. Build a Professional Online Presence
Your website is your digital storefront. Make sure it includes:
Clear descriptions of your services (e.g., water well drilling, pump installation)
Service areas
Contact information
Testimonials or case studies
A blog with helpful content (like this one!)
Optimize your site with SEO keywords such as:
“Water well drilling contractor near me”
“Residential well drilling services”
“Licensed well drilling company”
Also, claim and optimize your Google Business Profile to show up in local searches and maps.
2. Network Locally and Join Associations
Attend local trade shows, agricultural expos, and community events. Join industry groups like the National Ground Water Association (NGWA) or your state’s groundwater association. These organizations offer networking opportunities and credibility.
Partner with:
Plumbers
Landscapers
Construction companies
Real estate agents
These professionals often need well services or can refer clients to you.
3. Offer Promotions and Referral Incentives
To get your first few jobs, consider offering:
A discount for first-time customers
Free site evaluations
Referral bonuses for existing clients
Word-of-mouth is powerful in rural and suburban communities. A satisfied customer can lead to multiple referrals.
4. Leverage Social Media and Local Ads
Drilling projects
Equipment in action
Customer testimonials
Run targeted ads in your service area. You can also advertise in local newspapers, radio stations, and community bulletin boards.
5. Ensure You’re Licensed and Insured
Clients want to know they’re hiring a licensed and insured contractor. In many states, you must have a license to operate legally, and insurance is often required to obtain that license.
Excavating Insurance Partners provides tailored insurance for water well drilling contractors, including:
General Liability Insurance – Covers third-party injuries and property damage.
Equipment Insurance – Protects your drilling rigs and tools.
Workers Compensation – Required in most states for employee injuries.
Business Auto Insurance – Covers vehicles used in your operations.
Having proper insurance not only protects your business—it builds trust with potential clients.
6. Ask for Reviews and Build Credibility
After completing a job, ask clients to leave a review on Google, Yelp, or Facebook. Positive reviews improve your online visibility and help future clients feel confident hiring you.
Conclusion
Getting your first clients as a new well drilling contractor takes a mix of smart marketing, strong networking, and professional credibility. By building an online presence, connecting locally, and securing proper insurance through Excavating Insurance Partners, you’ll be well on your way to growing a successful business. Connect today!
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