Inspired by a young entrepreneur starting his landscaping business, this guide is packed with actionable, budget-friendly strategies to help new service businesses gain traction and attract clients. Whether you’re starting a landscaping business, cleaning service, or any other local venture, these steps will set you on the path to success.
1. Establish Your Business Foundation
Before diving into marketing, ensure your business is set up properly:
Get an LLC
- An LLC (Limited Liability Company) protects your personal assets and gives your business a professional image.
- Filing an LLC is straightforward in most states, and platforms like LegalZoom or ZenBusiness can guide you through the process.
Create a Business Bank Account
- Keep personal and business finances separate to simplify accounting and taxes.
- Use this account to manage payments, purchases, and future ad spending.
Get Insurance
- For service businesses, liability insurance is essential to protect you in case of accidents or damages.
2. Build Your Online Presence
In today’s digital age, being online is non-negotiable.
Create a Facebook Business Page
- A Facebook business page is free and serves as a central hub to showcase your services, share updates, and engage with potential clients.
- Include your contact information, hours, and high-quality photos of your work.
Claim Your Google My Business Profile
- A Google Business Profile (GMB) makes it easy for clients to find you on Google Search and Maps.
- Add photos, respond to reviews, and update your profile regularly.
Related: Check out my in-depth article on optimizing your Google My Business profile for success.
Set Up Profiles on Relevant Platforms
- For service businesses, platforms like Nextdoor and Thumbtack can connect you with local clients.
Tip: when adding profiles in places like angi, yelp, yp, nextdoor, thumbtack, use a separate email than your main. These sites will solicit and spam your email a lot.
3. Join Facebook Groups and Community Pages
- Join local Facebook groups where residents post about their needs. Many groups have “looking for recommendations” (LFR) threads.
- Don’t just promote your services—engage with the community by answering questions and offering tips.
4. Get Comfortable with Video Marketing
If you’re open to being on camera, video content can be a game-changer.
Post Short Videos Across Platforms
- Use platforms like Instagram, and YouTube Shorts to share quick, engaging videos.
- Ideas:
- Before-and-after shots of your work.
- Tutorials or tips related to your industry (e.g., “3 Tips for a Healthy Lawn”).
- Introduce yourself and share your story.
Why Video Works:
- Video builds trust and makes your business more relatable.
- Most social media platforms prioritize video content, increasing your reach.
5. Use ChatGPT to Brainstorm and Execute Marketing Ideas
AI tools like ChatGPT can be your personal marketing assistant.
How to Use ChatGPT:
- Brainstorm Free Marketing Tactics: Ask it for ideas tailored to your business, like how to attract local clients or create engaging social media posts.
- Generate Content: Use it to draft ad copy, captions, or even scripts for your videos.
- Plan Campaigns: Ask for step-by-step plans to promote a seasonal offer or new service.
Related: I’ve written articles on leveraging AI tools like ChatGPT for small business marketing—check them out!
6. Offer Referral Incentives
Word-of-mouth is invaluable for service businesses.
- Create a referral program offering discounts or freebies for clients who refer new customers.
- Example: “Get 20% off your next service for every new client you refer!”
7. Network Locally
- Attend local networking events, trade shows, or Chamber of Commerce meetings to connect with potential clients and partners.
- Leave business cards or flyers at local businesses like coffee shops or hardware stores.
8. Start Small, Then Scale
Don’t overwhelm yourself by trying to do everything at once. Focus on:
- Building an online presence.
- Connecting with your local community.
- Offering excellent service to generate positive reviews and referrals.
As your business grows and you generate revenue, reinvest in paid advertising like Google Ads, Direct Mail or Facebook Ads.
9. Track Your Progress
Keep track of where your leads and clients are coming from.
- Use a simple spreadsheet to log referrals, social media inquiries, and GMB messages.
- Knowing what works will help you focus on strategies that yield the best results.
10. Stay Consistent
Success won’t happen overnight. Consistency in your efforts—whether it’s posting on social media, engaging with groups, or providing top-notch service—will pay off in the long run.
Conclusion
Starting a service business is no small task, but with the right strategies, you can build a thriving operation.