You might have the trucks, the equipment, the staff, and the expertise, but if you don’t have the customers, your lawn care business will be DOA. How can you attract and get new customers and create success? Without proper marketing in place, it’s almost impossible to get leads and add new customers for your lawn care services. The good news is that there are some tried-and-true strategies that you can use to build up your customer base. Read on to learn how to get lawn care customers and the steps you can take to create a successful and sustainable lawn care business.
1. Advertise Through Your Personal and Professional Networks
Start with who you know. When you’re working to drum up business for your lawn care company, talk to anyone and everyone you know about it. Word-of-mouth advertising can be very powerful – people trust their friends and family when it comes to recommendations. Does your community have a chamber of commerce or local professional organization? Those can be great sources of referrals or leads as well. Attending lawn industry trade shows or conferences can also be a good way to meet new contacts.
2. Implement a Referral Program with Incentives
Referral programs are an excellent way for businesses to incentivize existing customers and attract potential leads. By rewarding customers with promotional offers or discounts, you’ll make them feel appreciated for their loyalty while encouraging them to share their positive experiences with your business. Customer reviews and testimonials are also important ways to spread the good word about your lawn care business. Most potential customers will look for reviews online before purchasing, and those reviews will affect their decision. Satisfied customers can be your most powerful advertising – they’re more likely to recommend your business to others, and potential customers will take their word seriously.
3. Have a Strong Social Media Presence
Having a strong social media presence is another important way to promote your business and connect with potential customers. It’s a great way to increase brand awareness, show off your good work, and build yourself up as a trusted authority on lawn care. For example, Facebook and Instagram are both great platforms you can use. Create a page for your business on Facebook, which will allow you to promote your business and interact with customers directly on the platform. Be sure to post regularly, include branded images, and use relevant Facebook groups to gain more followers. Instagram can be a good way to showcase your lawn company’s work as well, with beautiful shots of lush lawns and gardens. Use relevant hashtags and keywords so people can find you easily.
4. Optimize Your Website for Organic Search (SEO)
Having a slick, professional-looking website is a great way to capture leads and generate interest in your business, but if nobody can find it, it won’t do you any good. That’s where search engine optimization (SEO) comes in. Optimizing your website content for SEO should be a priority for you because it will help make your website more visible online. SEO makes it easier for search engines like Google to find and index your site – the better your optimization, the more likely it is that your site will show up on relevant search results when people are looking for lawn care businesses like yours. Here are a few simple steps to get started with SEO:
- Use relevant keywords in your page titles, headings, and content
- Create new content on a regular basis to make sure your website is fresh and updated
- Ensure that all pages on your site are linked correctly
- Send your site’s URL to search engines like Google and Bing to ensure it’s indexed correctly by them
- Take advantage of your social media platforms to promote your website and drive traffic there
With a bit of dedication and attention to detail, you can ensure your website is optimized and generates traffic and leads for your business!
5. Advertise Using Paid Media (PPC)
Digital advertising is also an important way to reach potential customers, but it can be difficult to know where to start. Pay-per-click (PPC) advertising is one way – it allows you to advertise on search engines as well as on social media platforms. The key to successful PPC campaigns is to ensure that your ads are targeted correctly. Target ads based on location, demographics, interests, and other criteria related to the customers you want to reach. (For example: Homeowners aged 30-50 near Denver, Colorado.) Additionally, you should make sure that the keywords or phrases used in your ads are relevant to what potential customers would search for. You should also track the performance of your PPC campaigns to see what works and what doesn’t. Keep track of click-through rates, conversion rates, and other metrics to identify weaknesses in your campaigns and make adjustments accordingly. The right strategies and careful optimizations will help you reach more potential customers via PPC campaigns.
6. Advertise with Print Marketing & Direct Mail
Print is another component of a solid marketing strategy. While you can spend time and money on targeted ads in local newspapers, newsletters, or magazines, the best way to focus your print marketing efforts is on branded pieces like brochures/flyers or door hangers, direct mail postcards or letter campaigns, and lawn signs. Done right, print marketing is an effective – and cost-effective – way to promote your lawn care company and attract new customers.
Direct Mail
There’s a reason lawn care companies still use direct mail marketing to promote their businesses: It works. Unlike digital marketing, printed pieces stick around, and because they’re actual, tangible items, they create a level of connection that digital ads cannot. Sending postcards to the neighbors of your existing customers is one way to connect with valuable leads – neighbors of happy customers are five times more likely to use you for their lawn care.
Lawn Care Flyers
Creating a flyer or brochure that highlights your company is another great way to advertise your business. Flyers are cost-effective and can easily be distributed to reach potential customers. Your flyer can include important company information, showcase previous work you’ve done, or even offer incentives or discounts. You can distribute flyers in neighborhoods where you’d like to expand, mail them to targeted households, or post them in local businesses. Flyers can also be easily customized – if you offer different types of lawn care packages or provide services in multiple locations, you can create separate flyers aimed at specific demographics.
Door Hangers
Door hangers are a great marketing tool when you’re targeting specific neighborhoods. It’s hard for people to ignore something that’s hanging on their doorknob! Make sure to include a bold image, straightforward content that makes it easy to understand who you are and what you do, and a strong call to action.
Lawn Signs
Lawn signs enable your company to take advantage of vehicle and foot traffic passing by your customers’ locations. Most people will walk or drive by the sign in just a few seconds, so it’s important to keep it simple: An eye-catching design with bold colors, your company name, and logo. The idea is to capture their attention so they look you up later. Make sure your sign is located in the right spot as well, at the edge of the lawn facing traffic so that they’re easily seen.
7. Provide Excellent Customer Service
Ultimately, the best thing you can do to help promote your business and get more leads is to provide excellent customer service. Not only will that encourage customer loyalty and repeat business, but your satisfied customers can provide some of your most powerful advertising. Word-of-mouth and positive reviews will help cement your reputation as a trustworthy business that does great work.
8. Harness the Power of Local SEO
Local Search Engine Optimization (SEO) is crucial for a lawn care business. Start by optimizing your website with local keywords and phrases that potential customers in your area might use to find services like yours. Registering your business on Google My Business is another powerful step. It not only improves your visibility in local search results but also allows customers to find your location easily and leave valuable reviews. Remember, positive reviews on your Google My Business profile can significantly enhance your credibility and attract more local clients.
9. Forge Partnerships with Local Businesses
Collaborating with local businesses can be a game-changer. Consider partnering with companies that offer complementary services, such as garden supply stores or tree trimming services. These partnerships can lead to bundled service offerings or mutual referral agreements, broadening your customer base. Additionally, sponsoring local events or sports teams can be a great way to increase brand visibility and show your commitment to the community. Such collaborations not only expand your network but also establish your business as a local staple in the lawn care industry.
10. Offer Enticing Discounts to New and Seasonal Customers
Attract new customers by offering first-time customer discounts or seasonal deals. These offers can be a compelling way to encourage people to try your services. Promote these discounts through various channels, including your website, social media platforms, and local advertising. Seasonal discounts, in particular, can attract customers looking for specific lawn care services at different times of the year. Remember, the key is to make these offers appealing and timely, aligning them with the needs and interests of your target audience. Such strategic discounts can not only bring in new customers but also help in building long-term customer relationships.
Learn How RealGreen’s Lawn Care Marketing Software Can Automate Your Marketing Strategy
Marketing your lawn care business can almost be a full-time job in and of itself! Utilizing the right software can help automate those marketing tasks, enabling you to focus on providing a great customer experience. Schedule a demo today to see how RealGreen’s software solutions will help your business grow!
Getting leads is the first step in creating and maintaining a successful lawn care business. New leads allow you to reach potential customers that you may never have been able to connect with before. With a solid lead generation strategy in place, your business will be well on its way to growth! So make sure to invest time and resources into creating a lead-generating system that works best for you and your business. You won’t regret it.
Looking for the best lawn care software that shows up to work 24/7? RealGreen has the tools lawn care business owners need to succeed. Schedule a free demo today to find out how we can help you turn those leads into sustainable, scalable growth!
Schedule a free demo today to see how RealGreen
can help you grow your lawn business!
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What are some of the best ways to get lawn care customers?
Some of the best ways to get lawn care customers are through word-of-mouth referrals, online advertising, and marketing, offering competitive pricing and promotions, and providing excellent customer service. Additionally, partnering with local businesses or homeowners associations can also lead to acquiring new customers in the lawn care industry.
2. How can I use social media to attract more lawn care clients?
You can use social media to attract more lawn care clients by consistently posting high-quality content showcasing your work, before-and-after photos, and testimonials from satisfied clients. Utilize targeted hashtags and location tags to reach your target audience effectively. Engage with your audience by responding to comments, direct messages, and inquiries promptly. Collaborate with influencers or local businesses to expand your reach further. Additionally, consider running targeted ads or boosted posts to increase visibility and reach a wider audience on social media platforms.
3. What are some cost-effective advertising methods for lawn care businesses?
Some cost-effective advertising methods for lawn care businesses include creating a professional website and utilizing social media platforms to showcase before and after photos or videos of your work. Online directories, such as Google My Business, can also help increase visibility. Additionally, offering referral incentives to satisfied customers and distributing flyers or business cards in local neighborhoods can attract new clients without breaking the bank.
4. How important is a strong online presence for attracting lawn care customers?
A strong online presence is extremely important for attracting lawn care customers. In today’s digital age, a majority of customers turn to the internet to find and research the services they need. Having a strong online presence allows potential customers to easily find and learn about your lawn care business. It provides an opportunity to showcase your skills, services, customer reviews, and contact information. Additionally, a strong online presence allows you to connect and engage with your target audience through social media platforms, blogs, and online marketing campaigns. A well-designed and informative website, active social media accounts, and positive online reviews can significantly increase your visibility and credibility, ultimately attracting more lawn care customers.
5. What kind of partnerships should I look for to expand my lawn care business?
To expand your lawn care business, you should look for partnerships with complementary businesses in the landscaping and outdoor maintenance industry. These can include partnerships with gardening centers or nurseries, where you can offer each other mutual referrals and potentially collaborate on projects. Additionally, forming partnerships with local property management companies or real estate agents can provide you with a steady stream of clients who require lawn care services. Collaborating with other lawn care professionals in your area can also be beneficial, as you can share resources, equipment, and knowledge, and potentially offer joint services to clients.
6. How can I use content marketing to attract lawn care customers?
To use content marketing to attract lawn care customers, you can start by creating informative and engaging content related to lawn care. This could include blog posts, articles, videos, or infographics that provide tips, advice, or insights on maintaining a healthy and beautiful lawn. Optimize your content for search engines by incorporating relevant keywords and phrases that potential customers may search for. Share your content on social media platforms, lawn care forums, and relevant online communities to increase visibility and reach a wider audience.
7. What are the best practices for using paid media in lawn care marketing?
The best practices for using paid media in lawn care marketing include identifying your target audience, selecting the right platform for advertising (such as social media or Google Ads), creating compelling and visually appealing ads, setting a reasonable budget, and monitoring and optimizing your campaigns regularly. Additionally, it is crucial to track the return on investment (ROI) of your paid media efforts to ensure that you are maximizing your marketing spend.
8. How can attending local events and trade shows help in getting customers?
Attending local events and trade shows can help in getting customers because it provides an opportunity to showcase your products or services to a targeted audience. These events attract potential customers who are specifically interested in the industry or niche being represented. By having a presence at these events, you can engage with attendees, offer demonstrations, and build relationships with potential customers. Additionally, attending local events and trade shows allows you to network with other businesses and industry professionals, potentially leading to partnership opportunities or referrals. Overall, these events provide a platform for direct marketing and exposure to a relevant audience, increasing the chances of acquiring new customers.
9. What are the benefits of using direct mail for lawn care marketing?
The benefits of using direct mail for lawn care marketing are that it allows for targeted advertising to a specific audience, has a high response rate compared to other forms of marketing, and allows for personalization and customization to appeal to individual customers. Additionally, direct mail can be cost-effective and allows for tracking and measurement of campaign success.
10. How can I effectively target my ideal lawn care customers?
To effectively target your ideal lawn care customers, you can start by conducting thorough market research to understand your target audience’s demographics, psychographics, and specific needs and preferences. This will help you tailor your marketing efforts and offerings to meet their expectations. Additionally, you can focus on building a strong online presence through a professional and user-friendly website, social media platforms, and online directories. Utilize targeted advertising and SEO strategies to increase your visibility and attract potential customers. Offering personalized and customized lawn care services, with competitive pricing and excellent customer service, can also help you attract and retain your ideal customers. Finally, networking with local organizations, businesses, and homeowners associations can provide valuable referrals and word-of-mouth recommendations.
11. What are the common pitfalls to avoid in lawn care marketing?
The common pitfalls to avoid in lawn care marketing include not targeting the right audience, not differentiating your business from competitors, failing to track and analyze marketing efforts, neglecting to establish a strong online presence, and not consistently engaging with customers. By avoiding these pitfalls and implementing effective marketing strategies, lawn care businesses can increase their visibility and attract more customers.
