Hey everyone! I'm currently struggling to get my landscape design business off the ground here in the NC foothills. The mowing industry is super crowded, and it seems like just about anyone with a mower considers themselves a designer, even when they're not! I focus on landscape design and consultation and work at a local nursery, which has helped me build a good reputation for my design skills. However, I often find myself giving advice to the mowing guys who then undercut me. It's frustrating! Right now, it's just my husband and me, and we've mainly done work for friends and family. I've quoted some jobs lately, but it's been tough with clients either having unrealistic budgets or still looking around. I've learned that hourly rates don't seem effective in this field, and while I've been hustling on Facebook, I'd really like to find some solid strategies to attract clients and stand out in this oversaturated market. Any tips would be super appreciated!
2 Answers
Honestly, the way you're approaching this is important. Working at a nursery means you’ll have to balance sharing knowledge while protecting your business. If everyone can just come and learn for free, why would they hire you? I'm a mowing guy myself, and I often take the 'boring maintenance work' route because it positions me as the go-to for the bigger projects. It might be worth considering how you can differentiate your services—like highlighting your design expertise more clearly compared to the mowers. Otherwise, you might stay stuck in that cycle unless you've got more credentials to stand on!
Hey there! I’ve been running my own landscape business for six years, and my biggest piece of advice is to invest in advertising and lead generation. In my first year, I tried Google ads, but honestly, it didn't bring much value. Instead, I found that platforms like NextDoor can help you reach locals effectively and are cheaper too. Home Advisor (or Angie’s List) has been a game changer for me as well—despite the lead fees, it can bring in long-term clients. Just make sure to focus on lawn care leads, as they’ll keep you busy! Trust me, once you establish a base of regular clients, it pays off in the long run. Wishing you the best!
Thanks for the insights! That's really helpful to know. I appreciate you sharing your experience. I'm gonna look into those options, especially Home Advisor!
I get what you're saying, and while that’s true, I really want to focus on providing a service that combines both design and execution. I definitely don’t want to compete with them directly—I just want to make sure clients understand the value I bring!