Landscaping is a competitive industry with low barriers to entry.
So how does a small, independent Landscape Contractor with limited resources distinguish themselves?
Firstly, don’t think what’s important to you as an owner is what’s important to your clients.
Yes, it would be best if you kept your vehicles maintained, your tools sharpened and your employees neat and tidy. But these are “permission to play” factors.
They don’t win business, but not doing them will lose business.
Below are five practical ways you can provide real value for your clients at negligible cost.
Tip #1 – Make Conversations Meaningful
Very few clients have a clear idea of what they want.
Even if they can imagine it, they might not have the vocabulary to convey it adequately.
This is where a portfolio of work with photos of past projects and product samples can come in very useful.
Social media apps like Pinterest and Instagram can provide great material for clients to discuss their vision.
These apps are cheaper and can be more flexible than a website.
Tip #2 – Provide Peace of Mind with Landscape Contractor Liability Insurance
Peoples’ homes are their biggest assets and choosing a Landscape Contractor can be stressful.
Prospective clients may be tempted to mitigate risk by looking for a firm with longevity.
But, even as a young business, you can offer clients confidence by having the right Contractors Liability insurance in place.
Experts on this area wrote this article to help out business owners like you choose the right policy.
Liability insurance will step in to pay damages if you’re sued for damage to property or people.
It will also protect your business and provides peace of mind to you and your clients.
Tip #3 – Make Reference Checking Easy
Increasingly people are going to online review platforms like Yelp and Angie’s List to find contractor recommendations and check references.
Make sure prospective clients can find you on these and your local equivalents.
Also, make sure that your reviews are positive by asking happy clients to review you.
Respond immediately and professionally to any negative reviews.
Give contact details of reference clients to prospects without them having to ask.
And consider joining your local chapter of industry bodies such as the local Landscape Association.
Such organizations lend credibility to their members.
Actively participating in, and contributing to events will enable others to recommend you with confidence.
Tip #4 – Provide Flexible Maintenance Plans
Landscaping invariably requires some maintenance.
Depending on your clients’ interests and budgets, design personalized maintenance plans for them.
Some will want hassle-free regular professional service.
Others will want to keep maintenance to a minimum or even do it themselves.
For the latter, you could consider incorporating training and some educational material into the initial project fee.
Tip #5 – Be Clear about your Strengths and Weaknesses
Lastly, protect your reputation and be clear about what you’re good at versus things other firms might do better.
Try to build up a network of contractors you can recommend, and who will recommend you.
Your clients will respect your integrity and come back to you when they’re looking for the services you provide.