Most landscape contractors would like to grow their business – and they know that marketing is the way to do that – but they have very little time.

However, with just a few basic steps, you can significantly increase the value of your company. Just work these steps into your routine – and keep them in your routine. If you do, they will pay dividends over time – with no additional work on your part.

THESE ARE THE BASIC STEPS THAT SUCCESSFUL LANDSCAPE
LIGHTING CONTRACTORS SAY WORK FOR THEM

1. CREATE AND MAINTAIN A WEBSITE

Your website is your storefront. If you don’t have one, you need one. Your website should be visually impressive, but it does not need to be complex. You can create your own website using any of the popular website builders, such as Wix, GoDaddy, SiteBuilder or Squarespace. These services have templates that are ready to use and designed for each type of business, including landscaping. Choose one that contains the page layout that best suits your business. Then, enter information and upload photos.

However, if you are not comfortable building your own site, you can find a local web developer to build a website for you. The best way to find a developer is by asking other local business owners whose websites you like. It’s important to ask if they had a good experience and how much they paid, because web-building experiences and costs vary widely – more so than with other types of services. (We would not recommend searching for web designers on the internet. It’s better to get a recommendation.)

For an example of a good landscape lighting webpage:

Visit Patrick Cheatham’s creativenightscapes.com.

2. TAKE PHOTOS OF YOUR LANDSCAPE LIGHTING JOBS

When you complete a job, ask your customers if you can take photos of the completed work at night. Then, ask your customer for permission to use these photos for promotional purposes, including your website. Search online for a “photo release form” that you can have your customer sign. Now upload these stunning photos onto your website and keep them on your tablet for sharing during sales calls.

3. GET A REFERENCE, ASK FOR AN ONLINE REVIEW

If your customer is happy with your work, ask if you can use their name (and contact information) as a reference when bidding on other jobs. Do this in person as you are completing the work. Later, you can share your list of references with your prospective customers.

Also, ask if your customer would be willing to review your work online. If so, tell them you will send an email or text invitation. You want all your reviews to live in one place, so pick a platform (e.g., Yelp, Google, Angie’s List). If you choose Google, you will need to claim your Google Business listing. Go to business.google.com. Search for your business by name and address. Fill out the basic information about your business, including your website, and submit your verification. Google will send you a postcard in a few days with a PIN so you can complete your verification. Now, you are set up for online reviews. Online reviews will also help your local website search rankings.

You can search online for how to email or text an invitation for a Google review, or you can subscribe to a platform that will make this especially easy for you (try searching under “Google Review Partners”). If you do not send an invitation for a review, the chances of your customer following through are much less.

4. ADVERTISE YOUR WEBSITE

Now that you have a website with stunning photos of your work, make sure the whole world knows about it. Reference your website on other marketing materials, like truck wraps, yard signs and door hangers. Of the many ways to advertise your business, a truck wrap is among those that will provide the best return. There are many services that will create a custom design for your business for between $3,000 and $5,000. Contact your distributor to see if they might be willing to provide support for your truck wrap. After this initial investment, your truck wrap will continue to provide a return for years to come. Truck wraps will last between 5-7 years depending on your climate and how you care for it.

5. PROVIDE A CLEAR CALL TO ACTION

On your website, truck wrap and other marketing materials, make sure you provide your contact information (phone number and email) in a very prominent place. Be easy to reach and respond quickly to inquiries. Responding quickly is very important to many prospects.