Are you a small business that specialises in exteriors, garden and landscaping services? If so, you probably already know how important it is to market yourself. In such a competitive industry, having an effective marketing plan for your business can be the difference between success and failure. But don’t worry, there are plenty of ways that you can increase visibility for your small business.
We will cover the most effective marketing strategies in this guide, but you should be mindful that marketing efforts require constant attention and work. While these strategies are a great starting point, it's important to continually adapt and refine your approach to stay ahead of the competition. Using a marketing agency can be a valuable investment for your business. With a team of experts and a comprehensive approach to marketing, an agency can help you create and execute a customised marketing plan that will help your exterior, garden and landscaping business stand out from the crowd. From local offline marketing approaches to social media management and digital advertising, TWO.Marketing has the expertise to help grow your small business. So why not take the stress out of promoting your services and let us handle it for you? Contact us today for a quick chat about what we can do for you.
In this article, we will explore some strategies to get more customers and make your business stand out from the crowd. Keep reading to find out how you can successfully market your exterior, gardening or landscaping services!
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How to Make Your Exterior, Garden and Landscaping Business Visible
Embrace Social Media
Starting a new exterior, garden or landscaping business is exciting, but it can be challenging to get noticed in a crowded market. One way to dramatically increase the visibility of your small business is to use social media. With the power of platforms like Instagram, Facebook and Twitter you can reach a massive audience with just one post. It's essential to embrace social media early on in your business journey, as it will help you build an online presence and connect with potential customers.
But, you can't just post any old thing and hope for the best. Take the time to create quality content that reflects your brand and showcases your work.
Here are some ideas that work really well for exterior, garden and landscaping posts
Share pictures of completed projects
Before-and-after shots
Behind-the-scenes glimpses of your team at work
Use captions to tell the story behind each post and engage with your followers by responding to comments and messages. Don't forget to add some hashtags to your post. Again, don't just guess these, take some time to see what's trending in your area and choose hashtags that you know are generating views.
Another great way to use social media is to collaborate with influencers or other businesses in your industry. You could offer a free service or product in exchange for a shoutout or collaboration post. This will give your business exposure to a broader audience and help you build relationships with others in your niche. Remember to be consistent and authentic on social media. People want to see your personality and what makes your business unique. Don't be afraid to show some personality and have fun with your posts, it will help you stand out from the competition!
Distribute Print Materials
While social media is a fantastic way to market your exteriors, garden and landscaping business, it's important not to overlook the power of print materials. Flyers, business cards, and brochures can be an effective way to grab the attention of potential customers who may not be active on social media or prefer tangible marketing materials.
Let's take a moment to think about your ideal customer. They are most likely going to be homeowners with a higher disposable income, which would probably indicate an older age bracket. There's a high possibility that your target audience doesn't use social media in the same way as the younger generation. Research into printed media reveals that 82% of consumers trust print ads the most when making a purchasing decision and 48% of people who get printed marketing materials, keep it for future reference.
When designing your print materials, it's important to keep your branding consistent with your online presence. Use your logo, colour scheme and any other visual elements that are unique to your business. Make sure your contact information is prominently displayed and easy to read, including your phone number, email address and website.
Flyers can be distributed in high-traffic areas like shopping centres or community bulletin boards. Business cards can be handed out to potential clients you meet in person or left at local businesses that complement your services. Brochures can be mailed to homes or businesses in your target area and they're also great to have on hand at events or trade shows.
While print materials may seem old-fashioned in the digital age, they can still be an effective way to target a specific audience and build brand awareness. Just make sure your message is clear, concise, and visually appealing to capture the attention of potential customers.
Encourage Word Of Mouth
Word of mouth is one of the oldest and most effective marketing techniques in the book. People trust the recommendations of their friends and colleagues over any they see on social media or print. That's why it's important to encourage satisfied customers to spread the word about your exteriors, garden and landscaping business.
One way to do this is by asking for testimonials from your happy customers. You can ask them to leave a review on your website, Google Business Profile or social media profiles. Positive reviews will give your business credibility and help attract new customers who are looking for trustworthy service providers.
Another way to encourage word of mouth is by offering referral incentives. For example, you could give a discount or free service to existing customers who refer new clients to your business. This will motivate your satisfied customers to recommend your services to their networks and help you generate more business through referrals.
Don't forget to also engage with your customers on a personal level. Building a relationship with your clients can help create a loyal customer base that will continue to use your services and recommend them to others. Send personalised emails, thank-you notes, or even call them to check in after a project is complete.
Create an Online Presence - Build a Website & Focus on SEO
Creating an online presence is essential for any business in today's digital age. A website is a powerful tool that allows you to showcase your brand, services and let potential customers know what you're all about. It's like having a 24/7 open digital storefront that anyone can access from anywhere in the world. However, merely having a website is not enough - you need to focus on getting found on search engines like Google and Bing.
All search engines are important, while Google clearly has the lion's share of the market with over 93% of the UK population using it as their first choice, it's important to remember that Bing has 3.7% of the UK searches. That doesn't sound like many, but 3.7% of a population of 67 million is still two and a half million people, and the majority of Bing users probably fall into the demographic of your ideal customer. If you focus on optimising for Bing you might just find yourself appearing in searches by your ideal customer base and with less competition.
SEO, or Search Engine Optimisation, involves optimising your website to improve its visibility. When someone searches for services or products related to your business, you want to appear at the top of the search engine results page (SERP). By using relevant keywords, optimising your website's structure and content, and building quality backlinks, you increase your chances of appearing higher in search results.
Building a website may seem scary, but don't worry - you don't have to do it alone. Hiring a professional marketing agency like TWO.Marketing can help you create a high-quality website that reflects your brand and meet your small business needs and budget. Our team of experienced designers and developers specialise in creating custom websites that are visually appealing, easy to navigate and optimised for search engines.
Develop Your Brand & Rebrand If Necessary
Developing your brand is crucial in letting your customers know about you and what you represent. Whether you're a new startup or an established business, creating a brand that is recognisable and consistent is important. But what if your brand needs a refresh? Rebranding can be a complicated task, but sometimes it's necessary to stay relevant in an ever-changing market.
Don't be afraid to reflect on your brand and ask yourself if it's still representing your company in the best way possible. Keep in mind that a successful rebranding strategy starts with research, planning, and a clear understanding of your company's values and goals. So take a step back and evaluate your brand, because a strong and polished brand can make all the difference in the success of your business.
Rebranding your small business can be a difficult task, but it's essential to stay competitive and relevant in today's ever-changing market. At TWO.Marketing, we specialise in helping small businesses in the exteriors, garden and landscaping industry rebrand to become more appealing to their target audience. Our team of experts will work with you to understand your unique brand identity, values, and goals to develop a rebranding strategy that sets you apart from the competition. Contact us today to find out more.
Use Special Offers to Attract New Customers
Special deals or promotions are an excellent way to get people interested in your services and increase foot traffic. Everyone loves a good deal, whether it's a percentage off their purchase or a buy one, get one free offer. These promotions make customers feel like they are getting great value for their money, which creates a positive impression of your business.
When creating special offers, be creative and think outside the box. Offer discounts on specific services or products, bundle services together at a discounted price or provide first-time customers with an introductory offer to encourage them to give your business a try. You could also run seasonal promotions, such as a spring clean-up deal or a discount on autumn planting. The possibilities are endless, so don't be afraid to get creative!
Ideas for promoting your small business
New Customer Discount Offer a percentage off to first-time customers who book your services.
Referral Program Reward existing customers who refer new clients to you, with incentives like discounts or a free service.
Seasonal Packages Create packages that target specific seasons, such as spring clean-up deals or autumn planting promotions.
Bundle Services Offer multiple services at a discounted price when booked together.
Social Media Contest Run a social media contest where followers can win a free service or product from your business by sharing or commenting on your posts.
Loyalty Program Reward repeat customers with exclusive discounts or free services once they've reached a certain number of bookings.
Birthday Promotion Offer special promotions or discounts for customers celebrating their birthday month.
Free Consultation Provide a free consultation or estimate for potential customers.
Charity Partnership Partner with a local charity and donate a portion of your profits to the organisation.
Limited-Time Offer Create a sense of urgency by offering a limited-time discount or promotion on a particular service or product.
Promote your special offers like crazy on your website, social media profiles and through email marketing campaigns to make sure that potential customers are aware of your deals. Consider partnering with other businesses to cross-promote your offer or run targeted PPC ads on platforms like Facebook or Google Ads to reach a wider audience.
Ultimately, special offers can turn a one-time customer into a loyal fan of your brand. Once customers experience your services or products, they are more likely to come back for more. So, don't hesitate to make your customers feel appreciated and let them know that you value their business by offering them exclusive deals.
Embrace the power of Image and Video Marketing
In a non-stop world, where people are bombarded with information from all directions, it can be tough for businesses to cut through the noise to stand out and capture people's attention. That's why visuals like photos and videos have become so important in marketing - they provide a quick and engaging way to communicate your message and capture people's interest.
When it comes to exterior, garden, and landscaping businesses, visual content is particularly important. After all, your business is all about creating beautiful outdoor spaces - what better way to showcase your skills than with stunning photos and videos of your work?
Whether you're looking to show off your latest garden design, highlight the unique features of a particular property or simply add some visual interest to your website or social media channels, photos and videos are the way to go.
But don't worry if you're not a professional photographer or videographer - you don't need fancy equipment or years of experience to create great content. With today's smartphones and simple editing tools, anyone can take high-quality photos and videos that will impress their audience.
Here are some tips for getting great images and videos using a phone camera:
Clean your lens Before taking any photos or videos, make sure your lens is clean and free of smudges or fingerprints. This will ensure that your shots are clear and sharp.
Use natural light Whenever possible, try to shoot in natural light. This will help your photos and videos look more vibrant and true to life. Avoid using flash unless absolutely necessary, as it can often create harsh shadows and make your scene look unnatural. The first hour after sunrise and the last hour before sunset are the best times to get the perfect shots so try to plan your photoshoots around these times.
Find interesting angles Don't be afraid to experiment with different angles and perspectives. Sometimes the most interesting shots come from unexpected angles or viewpoints. Get low to the ground for a unique perspective, or try shooting from above for a bird's-eye view.
Use the rule of thirds The rule of thirds is a basic principle of composition that can help you create more visually interesting shots. Simply imagine your frame divided into thirds both horizontally and vertically and try to place your main subject at one of the intersecting points. Tip: Most phone cameras have a setting you can turn on to make the grid lines appear on your screen.
Edit your photos and videos Don't be afraid to play around with editing tools to enhance your shots. Most smartphones have built-in editing tools that allow you to adjust brightness, contrast, and other settings. And there are also plenty of third-party apps available that offer more advanced editing options.
Which marketing strategy will you try first?
Marketing your exteriors, garden and landscaping business requires a strategic and multifaceted approach. By following even just a few of the ideas we have covered, you can reach more potential customers and grow your small business. Remember to stay true to your values and communicate your passion for creating beautiful outdoor spaces. With the tips outlined in this guide, you will be well on your way to creating a successful marketing plan. So get started today and watch your business flourish!
TWO.Marketing is an ethical and values-based marketing agency that is committed to helping businesses succeed. We understand the unique challenges faced by exterior, garden and landscaping businesses and we specialise in creating customised marketing strategies tailored to your unique needs and goals. Whether you need help with social media management, content marketing, website design, local marketing, business coaching, training or mentoring, our experts are here to help. With a focus on transparency, collaboration, and results-driven marketing, we can help your business grow and thrive. So if you're looking for a partner to take your marketing to the next level, contact us today to learn more about how we can help!