(5 Mins. Read) What Top-Earning Pros Do Differently in Their First 30 Days.

The first few weeks of running a business on a new platform can feel unpredictable. Leads may arrive at different speeds, some conversations may not turn into bookings, and it’s not always obvious what deserves attention first.

Top pros who build momentum early tend to take a steady, focused approach. Instead of trying to do everything at once, they prioritize a few proven habits, stay engaged with the community, and use performance insights to guide their decisions. The result is steady progress that builds confidence and sets the foundation for long term success.

From a Pro who’s been there

“I would tell new business owners here to make sure to be prepared to reply to all clients when an opportunity presents itself, and be prepared to be turned down. Don't get discouraged if someone doesn't want your services because the next person that does want you will now become a new regular client of yours for the future.

Also, don't ever overcharge anyone. And if a job at first seems like it will be one thing they need done, don't be afraid to offer your services to do more that day. I've had a $75 job turn into a $750 job that same day from the same client, then $600 the next day, then $300 the day after.”

— Kristopher Paul, Pro Advisory Board

Week 1 Set Yourself Up for the Right Leads

• Start by shaping your profile so it feels like you, not a template. Add 3 to 6 strong photos, write a short intro that shows your personality, highlight featured projects, and fully answer the Questions and Answers section so you are not retyping the same replies over and over.
  
• Set your travel areas, job preferences, and business hours clearly so Thumbtack knows where you want to work, what jobs you want, and when you are available.
  
• Check out our Thumbtack Pro Rewards Program and how to earn points and meet quality requirements. Rewards are earned automatically as you meet milestones, so think of the qualifying criteria as a built in to do list that confirms you are doing the right things. A strong first month goal is to reach Silver or Gold Pro Rewards tier.
  
• Join the Pro Community channels, sign up for weekly mentorship and networking sessions, and find a niche group related to your work. These spaces are great for quick answers, honest feedback, and real examples from other pros.

Week 2 Respond Like Every Lead Counts

• Turn on notifications and reply quickly — many of our top performing pros recommend following up immediately with a text and a phone call as well. To save time when on a job, you can use saved replies, but always personalize them by mentioning one specific detail from the customer’s request so they know you read it.
  
• If a lead goes quiet, follow up the same day. Focus on landing your first Thumbtack hire and don’t forget to ask for a review and take one or two photos as soon as the job is done (before and after photos are really effective)
  
• You can ask for reviews from your past customers or import them from your Google Business Profile, which helps to build trust faster.
  
• Keep showing up in the Pro Community and mentorship sessions. Start adding a few contacts who work in your niche so you are building a support network early.

Week 3 Adjust Your Budget and Simplify Your Offers

• Spend time in your performance dashboard reviewing what is working. Look at leads received, response time, booking conversion, and cost per lead. Adjust your budget and lead prices up or down based on how many leads you want and what is converting best.
  
• Add honest and helpful add ons to your profile for services customers commonly ask for. Standard pricing for these extras makes upsells easier and more predictable.
  
• Test one or two bundled offers and track how customers respond so you learn what truly sells.
  
• Ask mentors or community members for quick feedback by posting, commenting, or messaging them and make small improvements as you go.

Week 4 Build a Routine and Keep the Momentum Going

• Create templates for confirmations, follow ups, and common replies so you can stay fast and consistent. Include a day before confirmation and a short follow up message that asks for referrals or a quick testimonial.
  
• Double down on the services and messaging styles that are actually bringing in jobs. Reach back out to happy customers and let them know you are available for repeat work or referrals.
  
• Check your Pro Rewards points. If you hit Silver or Gold, use that momentum to promote your profile and take advantage of the perks that come with your tier.

Mic Mell
Owner, Eleven Coaching

Why the First 30 Days Make Such a Big Difference

Early wins help you build stronger match signals, earn more clicks in search, and convert customers who see your profile and reviews. Momentum in the first month helps your budget go further, brings in meaningful reviews faster, and sets you up for steady repeat work. Reaching Silver or Gold early also unlocks perks that support long term growth.

Simple Ways to Know You’re on Track

Each week, keep an eye on these signals: progress toward Pro Rewards tiers, number of reviews, average response time, conversion rate, and repeat customers. Pro Rewards are automatic once you hit the milestones. Silver starts at 300 points, Gold at 1,200 points, and Platinum at 2,400 points. If points are low, focus first on response time and review volume, then revisit your budget, and be sure to meet the quality standards, too

For our tenured pros, what is one move you made in your first 30 days that really paid off?