Another hard thing about having a landscaping business or thinking about starting one is getting new customers. Word-of-mouth and flyers are still good ways to market your business, but today, many gardeners are using the internet to get more customers. One platform that gets a lot of attention is Thumbtack, which matches service providers with people who might need their services.
But is it the best choice for your gardening company? Let’s have a look!
What is Thumbtack?
Businesses make a website, list the areas they serve, and then bid on jobs that customers post. It seems like a way to get steady leads without having to spend a lot of time selling. It depends on things like price, competition, and how well the platform’s matching system works to decide if it’s worth it.
Pros of Using Thumbtack for Landscaping Businesses
1. Access to a Large Customer Base
Thumbtack has millions of users actively looking for home improvement services. If you’re struggling to get visibility for your landscaping business, being on Thumbtack could introduce you to a large pool of potential customers.
2. Pay for Leads, Not Ads
Unlike traditional advertising, where you pay for exposure without a guarantee of leads, Thumbtack charges you only when a customer reaches out. This means you’re investing directly in potential jobs rather than hoping your ads convert.
3. Easy Setup and Management
Setting up a profile is straightforward. You provide details about your landscaping services, add photos of past projects, and start bidding on jobs. Thumbtack also allows customers to leave reviews, which can build your reputation over time.
4. Customizable Service Areas and Pricing
You can define where you want to work and set your own pricing. This allows you to avoid wasting time on leads that are too far or not profitable.
Cons of Using Thumbtack for Landscaping Businesses
1. High Competition
One of the biggest complaints about Thumbtack is the level of competition. Landscaping is a popular service, and you might find yourself bidding against dozens of other providers, often driving prices down.
2. Cost of Leads
While you only pay for leads, these fees can add up quickly. Some landscapers report spending hundreds of dollars on leads that never turn into actual jobs. If you’re not careful, your return on investment (ROI) may not justify the expense.
3. No Guarantee of Jobs
Paying for a lead doesn’t mean you’ll secure the job. Customers often request multiple quotes, and you may lose out to someone offering a lower price or with more reviews.
4. Mixed Reviews on Customer Quality
Not all leads are good leads. Some landscapers find that many customers on Thumbtack are just shopping around or looking for the cheapest deal, rather than serious clients ready to invest in quality work.
How to Succeed on Thumbtack as a Landscaper?
If you decide to give Thumbtack a try, here are some strategies to maximize your success:
1. Optimize Your Profile
Your Thumbtack profile is like your online business card. Make sure it stands out by including:
- High-quality photos of past landscaping projects.
- A well-written description of your services and experience.
- Competitive pricing, while ensuring profitability.
- A call to action, encouraging customers to reach out.
2. Collect Positive Reviews
Reviews can significantly impact your success on Thumbtack. Encourage satisfied clients to leave positive feedback. The more good reviews you have, the more trustworthy you appear to potential clients.
3. Be Quick to Respond
Customers often go with the first few professionals who respond to their job request. Set up notifications so you can reply promptly and increase your chances of securing the job.
4. Choose Leads Carefully
Not all leads are worth pursuing. Some might be too small, too far, or not aligned with your services. Be strategic about which ones you pay for.
5. Offer Competitive Pricing Without Undervaluing Your Work
While low prices may attract more customers, they can also reduce your profit margins. Instead of being the cheapest, highlight the quality of your work and any unique services you offer.
Is Thumbtack Worth It for Your Landscaping Business?
The answer depends on your business goals, budget, and willingness to compete for leads. Here’s a quick summary to help you decide:
- Thumbtack is a good fit if:
- You’re looking to gain more exposure and build your client base.
- You have a competitive edge, such as unique services or strong customer reviews.
- You’re willing to experiment with lead generation and refine your approach over time.
- Thumbtack may not be worth it if:
- You prefer long-term clients rather than one-off jobs.
- You don’t want to spend money on leads that may not convert.
- You already have steady business through referrals or other marketing methods.
Other Alternatives to Thumbtack
If you’re unsure about Thumbtack, consider these other ways to market your landscaping business:
- Google My Business: This free tool helps you appear in local searches and collect customer reviews.
- Facebook and Instagram Ads: Social media platforms allow you to target specific audiences with paid ads.
- Nextdoor: This neighborhood-focused platform is great for getting local clients.
- Referrals and Word-of-Mouth: Offering discounts for referrals can help generate more business from satisfied customers.
Final Thoughts
Landscape companies that want to get more customers may find Thumbtack useful, but it’s not a sure thing that it will work. You have the best chance of making the platform work for your business if you know its pros and cons, make your page look its best, and use smart bidding strategies. There are many other ways to sell your landscaping services and make your business grow if this one doesn’t work.
In the end, the best thing to do is try out different ways of selling and see which ones work best. To grow your landscaping business, you need to be creative and flexible.