Marketing Help
Landscapers, Greenhouses, Nurseries
“Spring is on the way! Let us help you gear up for the lawn care season.
Marketing is the backbone of every successful business. Simply put, you have to let people know about you before you can make money. But, if you’re not careful, you can waste a lot of time and money on advertising.
With that in mind, here are the three most effective advertising outlets for lawn care businesses
1. Flyers: Not sexy or high-tech, but effective. As a general industry rule, direct mail - which is the classification flyers fall into - garners a 1-3% response rate, in some cases much higher.
The fact is, lawn care is a service that people both need and want, or they don't. It's not something you have to talk them into.
2. Door Hangers: Akin to flyers, but a bit more personal because you actually go up to the prospect's house and put them on the door.
According to a form on www.lawnsite.com, these garner a 1-3% response rate. Many advertisers say they get a much higher response if they actually speak with people. For example, instead of just leaving the door hanger, you ring the bell and hand it to the homeowner.
Many business owners are intimidated by this type of face-to-face selling, but it is the most effective type of selling. Why? Because businesses are built on relationships.
By actually interacting with customers - especially in their front yard - you can give on-the-spot consultations, job estimations, lawn care tips, etc. If prospects like you and perceive that you know what you're talking about, they're much more likely to hire you.
This type of marketing is priceless!
3. Word-of-Mouth: A general marketing rule is that 80% of your business will come from 20% of your existing clients. Nothing breeds success like satisfied customers so put them to work for you!
a) Provide superior service: A given, but the first step in making it happen.
b) Ask for referrals: Many business owners leave it up to their customers to recommend them. Be proactive - ask them for the names of potential customers.
c) Get testimonials: Again, ask for them, and once you get them, place them on your website, your brochure, your flyer, your door hanger, etc. Nothing speaks to potential customers like existing customers.
d) Follow-up with existing clients: Once you've serviced a client, don't forget about them. Send follow-up materials - a customer service survey, a discount coupon, a referral incentive, etc. to keep your name constantly in front of them.”
