Getting your first landscaping clients in any business can be a daunting task. The following is a guide on how to get landscaping customers for your landscaping or lawncare customers.
Door Knocking
Don’t come off as salesy. Simply say, “Hey, I’m doing some work in the area and just wanted to see if you needed any work done.” You can also ask if they know anyone else who might be interested in your services. After you do each job knock on 10 houses in the neighborhood and see if they need any help. You may also want to go to VistaPrint.com and use their business card template to create a business card that you can leave behind. For under $50 you can have 1,000 cards that you can leave with people.
Social Media
You can create a free Facebook business page to showcase your business, post pictures and collect reviews. You can also join local town groups (many towns have more than one) where community members congregate online to discuss various issues. You can periodically post advertisements for your business in many of these groups, just be sure to read the rules to avoid being banned. You can also your friends, family and customers to recommend you within these groups when people post looking for lawncare or landscaping services.
Google Business Profile
You can create a free Google Business Profile. Google uses these business profiles to determine which businesses it should show in the map pack for local searches. When someone types in “landscaper near me” Google will show a map with 3 local businesses. This Google Business Profile also comes with a free website from Google. It normally has a name off of business.site but you can also purchase a custom domain for $12. You can also use a more expensive website builder tool such as Squarespace.com to have a more professional website, although you should consider doing that once you have your first clients.
Appearing in the Google Map Pack can bring in a lot of leads for a business. So make sure to build out your profile complete, including adding pictures, listing all of your services and creating posts showcasing your projects. Also make sure to focus on getting reviews from all of your clients. The number of reviews, how recent they were and the average rating are significant ranking factors in how well you will rank in the Google Map Pack. So make it a priority and part of your process to ask every customer for a review. Give them a reason when you ask and give them a direct link. You’ll find that you often have to ask multiple times and through multiple channels (in person, on invoices, in follow up conversations) to get someone to leave a review. So make sure to not pester them but keep in mind that people often get busy and will forget about leaving you a review.
Networking
Finding other non-competitive businesses and networking with them can be a great source of leads. Find lawn fertilization, tree services, pool companies and other related businesses and offer to refer them business if they will do the same for you. You can even talk with other landscapers and lawn care companies and see if there are opportunities to refer each other work when it’s not a good fit or when the location isn’t in their desired area.
Another option for networking is to visit a local BNI (Business Network International). These are paid groups but you can visit numerous times before having to commit to a membership. You can also offer to be a sub for those who can’t make a meeting. Members love having a roster of subs and you can attend meetings for free while still getting more exposure.
Additional Tactics
Consider leaving yard signs when you do work so that people passing by see your business. You can also leave door hangers on the houses on the street after you do a job. USPS Every Door Direct Mail can be a great way to pick up clients in a specific area by sending postcards to specific carrier routes or neighborhoods. This can be a great way to increase density in a specific neighborhood.
Also try to think outside of the box. A client started their landscaping business by standing outside of the train station in his suburban town after people got out of work. He handed out brochures for his new landscaping business and built his business by this unique approach.
How do landscapers find clients?
Landscapers use various strategies to find clients, combining traditional marketing methods with modern digital tools. Here are some of the most effective ways:
- Build an Online Presence: Create a professional website, optimize for local SEO, and maintain active social media profiles.
- Leverage Networking: Encourage referrals, partner with local businesses, and join community organizations.
- Advertise Strategically: Use Google Ads, Facebook Ads, flyers, and vehicle signage to reach local clients.
- Focus on Word of Mouth: Deliver excellent service to earn referrals and positive reviews.
- Offer Seasonal Promotions: Attract clients with discounts or bundles during off-peak times.
- Engage in Community Involvement: Volunteer for local projects, sponsor events, or host workshops.
- Share Educational Content: Create blogs, videos, or webinars to establish expertise.
- Highlight Reviews and Testimonials: Showcase positive feedback to build trust.
- Use Lead Generation Services: Subscribe to platforms like Thumbtack, Angi, or HomeAdvisor.
- Send Targeted Emails: Share newsletters and promotions with past and potential clients.
- Specialize in a Niche: Focus on unique services like eco-friendly landscaping or yard drainage solutions.
How do I market myself as a landscaper?
To market yourself as a landscaper, focus on building a strong professional image with a memorable brand, a user-friendly website, and active social media profiles showcasing your work. Leverage local SEO to appear in search results and encourage happy clients to leave positive online reviews. Network with realtors, contractors, and property managers to gain referrals, and engage with your community by volunteering for beautification projects or sponsoring local events. Use local advertising, such as flyers, vehicle signage, and Google Ads, to increase visibility. Finally, offer promotions, create a portfolio of your best work, and maintain consistent, high-quality service to build trust and grow your reputation.
What do most landscapers charge per hour?
The cost of landscaping services varies depending on the complexity of the project, the landscaper’s experience, and your location. On average, landscapers charge between $50 and $100 per hour, with rates fluctuating based on the specific services provided, such as lawn care, hardscaping, or garden design. For larger or specialized projects, landscapers may offer flat rates instead of hourly pricing. It’s best to request a detailed estimate to understand the scope of work and ensure you receive the highest quality service tailored to your needs.
What is the most profitable part of landscaping?
The most profitable parts of landscaping typically involve specialized, high-demand, or large-scale services.
Where do landscapers get paid the most?
Landscapers’ earnings vary significantly across the United States, influenced by factors such as geographic location, demand for services, and local cost of living. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, as of May 2023, the top-paying states for landscaping and groundskeeping workers are:
- Massachusetts: Average annual wage of $48,760.
- District of Columbia: Average annual wage of $48,060.
- Washington: Average annual wage of $48,010.
- Alaska: Average annual wage of $46,360.
- Connecticut: Average annual wage of $45,330.
How do I stand out as a lawn care business?
Standing out as a lawn care business requires delivering exceptional service, building a strong brand, and creating memorable customer experiences.
How to find lawn care leads?
Finding lawn care leads requires a combination of online marketing, networking, and community engagement.
What percentage of landscapers are men?
The landscaping industry is predominantly male. According to a 2021 study by the National Association of Landscape Professionals Foundation, women comprised only 8% of the workforce, while men accounted for 92%.
How do I market my lawn care business?
To market your lawn care business effectively, start by building a professional online presence with a well-designed website and active social media profiles showcasing your work. Optimize for local SEO to appear in searches for lawn care services in your area, and claim your Google My Business listing to attract local clients. Use online advertising, like Google or Facebook Ads, to reach your target audience and run seasonal promotions to draw in new customers. Engage with your community through sponsorships, partnerships with local businesses, and participation in events. Finally, prioritize excellent customer service and encourage satisfied clients to leave reviews and refer your services to others.
Why do people hire landscapers?
People hire landscapers to enhance the beauty, functionality, and value of their outdoor spaces while saving time and effort. Professional landscapers bring expertise in design, plant selection, and maintenance, ensuring that yards and gardens look their best year-round. They handle tasks that require specialized knowledge or equipment, such as installing hardscapes, resolving drainage issues, or creating sustainable landscapes. Hiring a landscaper allows homeowners to enjoy a well-maintained and aesthetically pleasing outdoor space without the stress of managing it themselves, making it a worthwhile investment.