How to Make a Landscaping Business Thrive

Good landscaping can make a home beautiful. It can also save homeowners money by offering efficient maintenance, solve costly soil and weather-related problems and extend the living space of a house outdoors. If you are knowledgeable about construction, building materials, gardening and different kinds of plants, you can make a good business out of landscaping. But to make it thrive, you will need a lot more than knowledge, good abilities or even talent.

Instructions

1. Put together a business plan and update it often. Most people start a landscaping business because they have hands-on experience with gardens and building. But to make a landscaping business thrive, you must also be able to set up how your business will function day to day; how records will be kept, overhead budgeted and taxes and employees paid. Getting organized on paper (or computer) will help you know where to trim waste, clarify where money is best spent and increase your profit.

2. Check into all the legalities. Make sure you are covered in all the most important vulnerable areas like licensing, insurance, certification and tax registration. Don’t skimp on the business part of running a business. Although paperwork may seem dull and unimportant, this is the pivot point of making a business successful. Improper documents, certification or other technicalities can make the difference between operating safely and risking lawsuits, fines, penalties and even the collapse of your business.

3. Market your business. Let people know what makes your business special and let potential customers know why you should be hired. Network, join trade organizations, advertise, get a website and make your presence known on the Internet. Volunteer your services so you are noticed by potential customers.

4. Find a niche. Specialize in an area that makes your business stand out. Consider focusing on water features, lighting, irrigation, pest control or other specialties that will set you apart from the competition. Keep learning. Stay up on the latest technical developments, materials and plants. This will keep you in demand.

5. Learn your local building codes, new restrictions and laws so you can install your landscapes right the first time and keep to your budget.

6. Build in a buffer zone to all your estimates so if the unexpected occurs (as it frequently does), you will have the money to handle it and still make what you need to keep your business thriving.

7. Purchase a good landscape software program so you can keep track of all your financial transactions and customers and so you can print professional invoices and bids.

8. Get everything in writing, even details of services, materials and costs for each job, and get clients to sign off. This way you’ll reduce the chance of misunderstandings and have written proof of fulfilled service should a client be unhappy. And keep your clients happy by showing them respect no matter what you may feel. Happy clients will refer you new clients.

Tips & Warnings

• If you keep your business well-organized, attend to paperwork and legalities, follow a basic business plan, budget carefully, promote your services and offer high-quality work, you will be taking the most important steps to growing a successful landscaping business.

Resources

• Landscape magazine for contractors