Did you know that most small-business ventures fold within the first five years? It’s not a fun statistic to look at, especially when you’re starting out in any business endeavor. However, the facts are clear. And unless you want to end up as another hash mark on the wall of statistics, it’s time to amp up your efforts.
Landscaping is a rewarding profession in many respects. You’re able to be outdoors and work alongside nature, and this is a reward in itself for many people. So, if you’re just starting out in landscaping and you want to turn your part-time passion into a full-time business, you’ll have to put in a little extra effort.
Here, we’ll discuss how you can take your landscaping career to the next level by marketing yourself and finding those big-paying clients.
It’s Time to Get Professional
Maybe you still have a day job and you’ve been working here and there on your off-time trying to get your landscaping business off the ground. Sound familiar? If this is the case, then you probably have a few tools and even an old work truck that you use to get yourself from job to job.
Well, it’s time for an upgrade. Instead of showing up to a potential client’s property in an old beat-up Ford, you can consider renting a ½ ton pickup truck. This will enable you to have quality transportation, and it will also give you a professional edge.
You can also get a magnetic logo made and apply it to the side of the truck for an even more professional look, as well as offering advertising that’s visible for everyone who passes by to see.
Build a Website
You’re also going to need a professional website if you don’t already have one. Studies show that over 85 percent of page views on a business website land on an “About” page. This means that anyone looking up a landscaping service will want to know about you and the services that you offer.
So, when building your website, it’s a good idea to have a top-notch, professional “About” page.
Social Media
Everyone is on social media these days. As such, you’ll want to jump on this train as well in order to reach even more people and tell them about your services.
Platforms like LinkedIn are great to use to list your education, skills, and to showcase your completed jobs. Others sites like Pinterest, Instagram, and Facebook are all great tools to show off your completed work and to interact with your local community.
Just remember to keep your social media presence professional and avoid any comments or debates that would otherwise paint you in a negative light.
Go For the Big Jobs
Now that you have a nice-looking work truck and you’re out there in the digital landscape, it’s time to go out and do some interpersonal work.
The idea here is to target the bigger properties that will offer you more money for your services. Places such as apartment complexes, condominiums, commercial properties, and large gated communities all will be in need of landscaping services.
Take a tour of properties that you suspect need some work done, then get out and speak with landlords and people in the neighborhood. The idea here is to build relationships within the communities. So, even if you’re unable to secure a contract, you’ll have alerted those in charge that you’re available for work.
Another helpful thing to remember is, especially when you’re starting out, you can offer your services at a reduced rate. This is an attractive option for any landlord or property owner, as everyone is interested in saving money these days. And, you can always increase your prices later on.
The key to any successful business, whether landscaping or making surfboards, is to present yourself professionally in all situations. Additionally, building quality relationships within your community and your customer base is your biggest asset when you first start out. By following these two rules of thumb, you’ll be on your way to scaling your landscaping business quicker than you might think.