Introduction
Many landscaping businesses start the same way: a mower, a truck, and a few customers from word of mouth or flyer dropoff.
The challenge isn’t doing great work \- it’s consistently finding new customers while keeping the existing ones happy.
Most landscaping companies can generate steady leads using simple, low-cost strategies. Here is a solid list of 15 proven ways to grow your customer base.
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1\. Create and Optimize Your Google Business Profile
When homeowners search for:
- landscaper near me
- lawn care service
- mulch installation
- spring cleanup
Google tends to show local businesses at the top of the results page.
Make sure your Google Business Profile includes:
- Business name
- Phone number
- Service area
- Photos of completed jobs
- Business hours
- Customer reviews
For many small landscaping companies, this is the single most important marketing asset, as this allows you to have easily searchable reviews online.
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2\. Ask Every Happy Customer for a Review
Online reviews build trust before you ever answer the phone. These are social proof for future customers. A landscaping company with 40 positive reviews often receives more calls than a company with only a few reviews.
The best time to ask is in person immediately after a successful job.
Customers are usually happy to fill out a review, but the problem is they might be unwilling to search for your business and find where to click to complete the review.
So here's what I recommend:
Google allows you to create a direct link to leave a review on your profile. Once you create that direct link, you can generate a QR code, and print that onto Thank You cards that you present to your customer. When a customer scans the QR code, they’re taken straight to the “Leave a Review” screen for your business.
So here's how it can all work:
After completing a job, walk the customer around the property, and ask them if they’re happy with the work.
Hand them the Thank You card with your QR code and say, “If you have a minute, reviews really help businesses like mine grow.” Many customers will leave the review while you’re standing there.
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3\. Put Yard Signs on Every Job Site
Yard signs are one of the cheapest forms of advertising. Neighbors often notice landscaping work while it’s happening.
Include:
- Business name
- Phone number
- Website
- Simple service description
For a bonus boost, you can add a large QR code to the lawn sign that links right to your Google Business Profile. Make sure it’s at least 3 inches wide so that it’s large enough to be scannable.
Anyone who scans it can instantly see your reviews and more information about your business.
One sign can generate multiple future jobs in the same neighborhood.
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4\. Encourage Customer Referrals
People trust recommendations from friends and neighbors.
Consider offering:
- $25 gift cards
- Discount on future services
- Free seasonal cleanup add-ons
Even a simple thank-you can encourage referrals.
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5\. Join Local Facebook Community Groups
Many homeowners ask for recommendations in local groups.
Look for:
- Community groups
- Neighborhood groups
- Town discussion groups
- Homeowner groups
Participate genuinely and answer questions when appropriate. Avoid spamming.
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6\. Take and Share Before-and-After Photos
Landscaping is one of the easiest businesses to market visually because the results are immediately noticeable.
Take photos of:
- Lawn renovations
- Mulch installations
- Garden bed cleanups
- Shrub trimming
- Retaining walls
- Seasonal cleanups
Always ask the homeowner for permission before using photos in your marketing. Before the work begins, ask your customer, “If the project turns out well, would you be comfortable with us using before-and-after photos for our public portfolio?” You don’t really need permission if you’re taking photos from public view, but building trust, credibility and demonstrating respect can go a long way
Over time, these photos can be used on:
- Your website
- Google Business Profile
- Estimates and proposals
Every completed job becomes proof of the quality of your work. Before-and-after photos help potential customers imagine what you can do for their property.
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7\. Build a Simple Website
A landscaping website doesn’t need to be complicated.
At minimum, include:
- Services
- Service areas
- Photos
- Contact information
- Customer reviews
Many homeowners will check your website before calling.
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8\. Network with Other Home Service Businesses
Build relationships with:
- Handymen
- Cleaning companies
- Tree services
- Roofers
- Plumbers
- Realtors
These businesses frequently encounter homeowners who need landscaping services. Referral partnerships can become a consistent lead source.
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9\. Claim Your Social Media Profiles
At minimum:
- Nextdoor
Post:
- Project photos
- Seasonal tips
- Team updates
- Completed jobs
You don’t need to become an influencer. You simply need to show that you’re active and legitimate.
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10\. Offer Seasonal Services
Many landscaping companies focus only on mowing.
Consider additional services such as:
- Spring cleanup
- Fall cleanup
- Mulch installation
- Shrub trimming
- Leaf removal
- Snow removal (where applicable)
Additional services create additional opportunities to win customers.
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11\. Leave Door Hangers in Neighborhoods
After completing a job, distribute door hangers on nearby homes. Targeting nearby houses works because neighbors have similar landscaping needs. This can be especially effective after visible projects.
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12\. Partner with Realtors
Realtors often need landscaping help before:
- Home listings
- Open houses
- Closings
A reliable landscaping partner can become their go-to recommendation.
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13\. Create a Customer Follow-Up System
Many homeowners need recurring services but forget to schedule them.
Follow up for:
- Spring cleanup
- Mulching
- Fall cleanup
- Seasonal pruning
Past customers are often the easiest customers to sell to.
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14\. Be Easy to Contact
Sometimes homeowners hire the first qualified landscaper who responds\!
Make it easy for potential customers to reach you by:
- Answering calls promptly
- Returning voicemails
- Responding to text messages
- Responding to website inquiries
- Keeping your contact information up to date online
You don’t have to be available 24/7, but you should make it easy for customers to contact you and receive a timely response. Many small businesses lose opportunities simply because customers can’t reach them.
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15\. Focus on Customer Experience
The fastest way to get more customers is to impress the ones you already have.
- Show up when promised.
- Communicate clearly.
- Keep work areas clean.
- Be professional.
Happy customers generate referrals, reviews, and repeat business.
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Start with Visibility and Trust
This list is 15 solid items, but the first two on this list will deliver you the biggest results. The best landscaping companies make it easy for customers to find them and easy for customers to trust them.
So focus on building your visibility and reputation in your local market. Those two efforts alone can have a bigger impact on your business than almost anything else.