This Busy Season Can Become Brand Season: Every Chimney Job is a Marketing Opportunity

You’re halfway through a chimney cleaning. The customer pokes their head out, coffee in hand, asks a few polite questions, and thanks you for showing up on time. Nice. But here’s what they don’t say out loud: they noticed your truck when you pulled in. They checked out your uniform. They felt a little more confident handing over a check because something about you said, “Professional.” That’s branding. And in the fall, when chimneys start smoking and phones start ringing, that brand can snowball into more jobs.

Busy season isn’t just about cranking out work. It’s your moment to embed your business into the neighborhood’s memory. And most sweeps are sleeping on it.

Let’s fix that.

Start With the Obvious: Be Seen
Your truck is a billboard. Park it smart. Clean it. Wrap it, if you haven’t already. It doesn’t have to be flashy, but it should look intentional. And yeah, the same goes for you and your crew. Branded shirts, jackets, even hats. It’s not just for show, it signals consistency. People trust what looks polished.

Yard signs? Not too expensive and still effective. Especially in tight-knit communities. If you’ve got a loyal customer, ask if you can leave a sign up for a week. “Another chimney serviced by [Your Company Name].” Simple. Effective. And don’t forget the curb appeal on digital media. Snap a quick photo at every job site and post it with a local hashtag. It’s like a yard sign online.

Leave a Subtle Mark
Here’s a move most sweeps miss: job site stickers. A tasteful, weatherproof sticker near the fireplace or stove that says, “Inspected and cleaned by [Your Name], [Date].” It’s functional. It reminds the customer when they’re due again. And when their neighbor asks, “Who cleaned your chimney?” it’s right there. You’re not just advertising, you’re anchoring memory.

Think of it like this: every sticker is a breadcrumb that leads back to your door.

The Follow-Up That Wins the Next Job
Once the job’s done, most guys ghost their customers. Big mistake. A simple follow-up text or email saying, “Thanks again for having us out. Let me know if anything smells off after that first burn,” does three things: 1) it shows you care; 2) it keeps the conversation open, and 3) it subtly positions you as the expert.

Bonus points if you include a seasonal tip or reminder like, “Now’s a good time to check your dryer vent too. Buildup there can be just as risky.” You’re not selling, you’re serving. And that builds trust.

Tell Micro-Stories, Not Marketing Slogans
People remember stories, not slogans. So, collect the little moments: the customer who said, “I didn’t even know it was that dirty!” Snap a quick before-and-after. Post it. Share the story. It’s engaging social media content and marketing that feels like a conversation, not a commercial.

Also, stop chasing the “perfect” testimonial. The real gold is in the casual stuff people say in the moment. “Wow, it smells better already” is more believable than “Best chimney service ever!” Write those down. Use them.

Your Brand is Your Reputation in the Wild
Every time you walk into a home, you’re not just sweeping a chimney. You’re showing people how you work, how you communicate, and most importantly, how you make them feel. That’s your brand. And if you’re not intentional about it, people will still form an opinion … it just may not be the one you want.

So, treat busy season like your brand’s spotlight. Don’t just rush the work. Make every job show who you are, what you stand for, and why you’re the one they’ll call again ... and tell their neighbors about.

Because when the season slows down, your brand’s the thing that keeps the phone ringing.