The winter is certainly a time to relax, recharge, regroup, and rethink some strategies for your business. That’s actually what some lawn care business owners fail to do – and they just run on fumes year-round.
Don’t make that your legacy. You can run a healthy business both evaluated by your numbers as well as your time relaxing with your family and friends (more on that later).
But when you do start getting things ready for the spring, I wanted to share three things you definitely should be doing to prepare for a successful year ahead.
#1. Print and Distribute Door Hangers
Using a free tool like canva.com or our pre-designed lawn care business door hangers as your guide, you should put your contact and services information on a simple door hanger and go distribtue them!
The cool things about door hangers is that 1) they are relatively cheap, 2) they are personal as you literally are seen walking around and representing your brand, 3) you can self-select which homes you’d like based on their current appearance or size or approximate home value etc, and 4) they are proven to work!
Adding a QR code from a free service like QRmonkey.com is an easy way to send them to your website to fill out a quote.
Or just put your cell or work phone on there.
Make it simple – offer something for free in exchange for a phone number or email (ex: Free Estimate! Just text us at yada yada...)
#2. Print Google Review Cards
Most people will check out your Google Business Profile before trusting your services. They will look for nice photos, great reviews, and see if you are offering any specials. Before you lose sleep over how to keep your business profile updated, start by getting as many reviews as you can!
You can go to your profile and copy your URL for your ‘leave a review’ link – and then go to QRmonkey.com for free to make a QR code that links to your profile!
Then, simply use one of our review card templates from Canva.com and add your review QR code, print 50 or 100 of them, and keep them with you in your truck. Leave them behind after every job and ask people for reviews.
Don’t be afraid of negative feedback. Embrace criticism (as long as it’s valid) and respond using our simple pre-written answers and always be willing to say something like: Oh no! That’s not the excellence we always provide our customers so reach out to us and let’s straighten it out!
The great thing about Google Business Profile (GBP) reviews is you get the last word.
But defensiveness never wins. If their critique is unfounded, there’s easy ways to flag and notify google.
So, bottom line is print review cards and make it EASY for people review your services. Have them ready and on you at all times.
#3. Update your website services and offerings
Make sure in the off-season that you are reviewing your pricing, people, and services listed on your website.
A lot of times you may have removed, added, or tweaked your services and you want to make sure your sole platform that you control (your website) is accurate and inviting to potential customers.
- Need to add a money-back guarantee?
- Maybe add a link to some helpful resources?
- Add a returning customer discount shout-out or coupon?
- Put updated before/after photos in your gallery?
Make sure your website says “we know, we care, and we pay attention!” by having updated information.
Off-seasons can make you stronger
Take time to rest and think and work on your business (not just “in your business”) before the leads start rolling in this spring.
Your friends, family, co-workers and bank account will all thank you!
