It’s an exciting and rewarding adventure to start your own landscaping business, especially if you’ve been working for somebody else for a while, and you know that you can do it better. If you love being outdoors and you love working with your hands, then it makes total sense to start out on your own, but like with any small business success is going to take so much more than just the passion for what you do.
You need to have a solid plan in place and the right tools to get started. You also need a good strategy to stand out in a competitive market. Whether you’re turning your side hustle into a full time gig or not, we’ve got 7 essential tips for launching a successful landscaping business.
How to Start a Landscaping Business
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Define what your services are
Landscaping is such a broad field, and not every business offers the same services. You have to do your research and figure out what’s going to make you stand out from all the others in your local area. There are some businesses out there that focus on lawn maintenance, while others will choose to specialise in design or installation.
You can decide as early as possible whether you’ll offer mowing, planting, hardscaping or more. Defining your service will help you target your work accurately and invest in the right tools. You’ll also be able to target and attract the right clients. Once you have a core offering to begin with, you can expand as your business grows and learn what’s in demand in your area.
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Invest in the right equipment
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The work that you do is only ever going to be as good as the tools that you use. Investing in reliable and professional grade equipment doesn’t just improve your efficiency, but it can also help you to look more professional in front of your clients. You should consider eco-friendly options, such as a battery powered weed eater, or electric powered mowers.
Battery powered items are lighter, quieter, and do not produce harmful emissions. More homeowners are looking for eco conscious service providers, and this simple upgrade can really help you to set yourself apart from the rest.
Be up to date on your local licensing and regulations
Before cutting your first blade of grass, you need to check with your local government to find out what licences or permits are required. Depending on where you operate, you may also need a business licence or certification for handling certain chemicals like fertilisers or pesticides. If you forget this step, you could find yourself open to liability. You want to build credibility with clients, not be a liability in their front yard.
Start building a strong brand
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For a strong brand to happen, you need to have an online presence as much as you do a physical one. First impressions matter in your brand is so much more than just your logo. Think about how you want people to perceive your business, and lean into that as much as you can. A simple website that outlines your services including a booking page so people can thank you online will really make a difference and if you can link that to your social media pages, all the better.
Be smart about your pricing
One of the biggest mistakes that small business landscapers make is not overcharging, but undercharging. It’s always tempting to offer rock bottom prices to win business, but it can quickly become unsustainable as you have to work harder to gain more traction. You still have to cover your time, your equipment maintenance, your fuel, and other overhead costs, and you still need to make room for a profit because of your expertise.
Research what people are charging in your area and build your pricing accordingly. You want to be transparent and competitive, and you should consider offering packages or even seasonal contracts to help cash flow.
Be aware of your customer service
Landscaping is a service industry and the way that you treat your customers will matter just as much as the quality of the work that you do. Showing up on time, following through on commitments and being communicated will all help. The smaller touches, such as sending reminders before appointments and leaving a property neat and tidy, can make a big difference. Happy customers will refer you to the neighbours and social proof is important so make sure everybody knows your social media.
Think for the long term
It’s very easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of daily mowing and trimming, but don’t forget to think long term. As your client base grows, you need to make sure that you can strategize to hire help, upgrade your equipment, or expand to new service areas. If there are ways that you can improve your efficiency, all the better!
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