Landscapers Pro Tip: How to Find and Keep New Customers

Looking to grow your landscaping business this season? Let's talk about finding those new customers and - even more importantly - turning them into regulars who'll stick with you for years. Trades CXO has seen the difference recurring customers can make in a landscaping businesses' growth trajectory. Growing your customer base doesn't have to mean spending big bucks on advertising either. Here's the real deal on getting more business rolling in.

SET UP A REFERRAL PROGRAM

Tap into your current customers - they're your best marketing tool, and it won't cost you a dime. Start asking your satisfied customers if they know anyone who needs landscaping work. Better yet, set up a referral program. Something like offering 10% off their next service when they refer someone new who signs up. Happy customers love to brag about finding a good landscaper, so give them a reason to spread the word. Just make sure you're doing jaw-dropping work for them first - that's what really gets people talking.

HAVE A WELL-REVIEWED ONLINE PRESENCE

Get your online game sorted out. Yeah, I know - you'd rather be outside working than messing with the internet. But these days, people check online before hiring anybody. Set up a Google Business profile (it's free) and ask your current customers to leave reviews. Take some before and after photos of your work and post them. They don't need to be fancy - just snap them with your phone. The key is showing what you can do. One big mistake people make is not responding to reviews - good or bad. A quick "thanks" on good reviews and professional responses to any complaints show potential customers you care about service.

BUILD A NETWORK

Network with other local businesses that aren't direct competitors. Build relationships with real estate agents, property managers, and home improvement contractors. These folks are always getting asked for landscaper recommendations. Local garden centers and hardware stores are good connections too. Sometimes it's as simple as dropping off some business cards and chatting with the owners. Just remember, this is a two-way street - be ready to send business their way too.

STAND OUT FROM THE COMPETITION

Here's something a lot of companies mess up - be crystal clear about what makes you different. Maybe you're the most reliable company in town, or perhaps you specialize in eco-friendly landscaping. Whatever it is, that's your selling point. When people ask what you do, don't just say "landscaping." Say something like, "We're the guys who show up when we say we will and leave your yard looking better than anyone else in town." Give people a reason to pick you over the competition.

TURN NEW CUSTOMERS INTO REGULARS

This is where the real money is. First impressions matter big time. Show up on time, do exactly what you promised (or more), and leave the site spotless. But here's the secret sauce - follow up after the job. Send a quick text asking if they're happy with everything. If they are, that's when you mention your regular maintenance services. Maybe offer a first-time customer discount if they sign up for regular service. People love feeling like they're getting a deal, and it gets them in the habit of using your service regularly.

BUILD CUSTOMER TRUST

The key to keeping customers is staying organized and reliable. Keep track of what each customer likes and doesn't like. If Miss. Jackson hates it when grass clippings get on her driveway, make sure every crew knows that. Send maintenance reminders before they have to call you. And when you mess up (because we all do sometimes), own it and fix it fast. Nothing turns a one-time customer into a regular faster than seeing how well you handle problems.

Remember, getting new customers is important, but keeping them is what builds a sustainable business. Focus on doing quality work, being reliable, and treating people right. Word will spread, and before you know it, you'll have more work than you can handle. That's when you can start being picky about which jobs you take on - and that's a nice problem to have.

If you need help with marketing, advertising, or bookkeeping for your landscaping business, Trades CXO is here to help. We specialize in the skilled trades and will build you a customized plan that not only grows your business, but adapts with your business as it grows. Reach out for a free consultation today!