What to Email Past Customers So They Call You Again (With 5 Example Emails)
Your past customers are the easiest work you will ever win. Here are five short, honest emails South London trades can send to bring them back.
Most trades spend their marketing effort on strangers. Yet the people who already know you, trust you and have your number saved are far more likely to call again. A short email a few times a year is one of the lowest-cost ways to keep that relationship alive.
A quick word on permission
Only email people who have dealt with you and would reasonably expect to hear from you, and always include a simple way to opt out. Keep the list in one place, such as a spreadsheet or a basic email tool, rather than scattered across phone contacts.
Email 1: The check-in after the job
Send this two or three weeks after you finish. Keep it to a few lines: thank them, ask if everything is working as it should and, if they are happy, ask for a Google review with a direct link. This email protects your reputation and builds your review count.
Email 2: The seasonal reminder
Tailor this to your trade. A plumber might remind customers to book a boiler service before winter. An electrician might mention a safety check on older fuse boards. A roofer might suggest a quick look at gutters and tiles after the autumn weather. One useful tip and one clear way to book is plenty.
Email 3: The 'we have space' note
When your diary has a gap, say so plainly. 'I have a few slots free in the next fortnight if you have been meaning to get that job done.' Honest and direct beats clever.
Email 4: The helpful guide
Share something genuinely useful: how to bleed a radiator, what to do if the electrics trip, signs a roof needs attention. Short and practical builds trust without selling.
Email 5: The referral request
A few times a year, ask happy customers to pass your name on to a neighbour or friend. Make it easy: one sentence they can forward, and a small thank-you if you want to offer one.
Keep it simple
- Write like you talk. Short sentences, no jargon.
- One idea and one call to action per email.
- Send from your own name, not a no-reply address.
- Four to six emails a year is enough for most trades.
You do not need a big list or a fancy design. You need a habit and a clear, friendly message. The customers you already have are the best place to start.
Want help turning past customers into repeat work?
We help South London trades build a simple customer list and email routine that keeps the phone ringing between big jobs. Book a free 20-minute call.
