During the off-season, landscaping companies have to battle the winter blues as demand drops and business slows down, leaving them to rely on profits from busier months to survive until spring blooms again. So, what do landscapers do in winter?
We know it can be a struggle to keep your income steady around that time of the year and we have some ways you can continue getting customers.
Points to consider for winter commercial landscaping sales
Here are some landscaping business ideas on how to make the most of the off-season:
- Plan ahead for off-season sales
- Scale back and focus
- Offer promotions on your services
- Upsell winter services to your customers
Plan ahead for off-season sales
Someone wise once said, “The best preparation for tomorrow is doing your best today”. Take inspiration from that and start planning for off-season sales in advance. Identify the slowest months of the year and come up with strategies to promote your services during this time. You can offer services like cleaning up fallen leaves, building raised garden beds, and xeriscaping to your customers. Here are some key strategies that can help:
Analyze sales data
Take a look at your sales data from the previous year to identify trends and patterns. This will help you understand which services and products were in high demand during the off-season and organize your inventory accordingly.
Plan your marketing strategy
Use the insights gained from analyzing your sales data to plan your marketing strategy for the off-season. This could include creating targeted email campaigns and offering discounts and promotions in local publications.
Build relationships with customers
Keep in touch with customers during the off-season by sending newsletters, holiday greetings, or other communications to stay on top of their minds.
Scale back and focus
Sometimes movement isn’t the only definition of success. It’s okay to pause for a while and evaluate things. The pause during winter can be used to develop innovative marketing strategies and you can use that time to upgrade your inventory. When you scale back, you need to evaluate your resources and determine what is necessary for the business. Look at your staffing levels, equipment, and supplies to determine what is essential to keep the business running. By doing so, you can reduce unnecessary costs and prioritize spending on the most important aspects of your business like chasing more leads.
Take advantage of this break to purchase essential supplies at discounted prices, lower the demand, cheaper the price. You can also think of upgrading or replacing equipment during the off-season when prices may be lower. This can benefit you by making you more efficient during the busy season.
Offer promotions on your Services
Nothing grabs somebody’s attention like a lucrative deal. Offer discounts or other incentives to encourage customers to book services during the off-season. Evaluate your pricing strategy and consider giving discounts or special offers during the off-season to encourage customers to book services early. Here are some ideas that you can use:
Offer bundled services
Bundle services that are typically in high demand during the off-season and offer them at a discounted rate. For example, offer a “Fall Clean-Up” package that includes leaf removal, pruning, and winterization services.
Discount your rates
Offer discounted rates on your services for a limited time during the off-season to create urgency. A study shows that as high as 93% of customers buy a product or service with a discount on it. You can give discounts to customers who book their services in advance for the upcoming season. This can help you fill your schedule and generate revenue during the off-season. You can consider offering discounts to loyal customers. This can encourage repeat business and generate referrals.
Refer a Customer
Offer a referral program during the off-season where customers can receive a discount on their next service if they refer somebody who also books a service with you. Word of mouth can help you get more business than any other marketing strategy.
Social Media Promotions
Double down on social media for your off-season marketing. Share before and after photos of past projects, along with details of your current services. You can also consider running a social media contest where customers can enter to win a free service. Almost 70% of Americans use Facebook, so running promotional ads there can be beneficial.
Upsell winter services to your customers
You can offer winter services such as snow removal, ice control, or holiday lighting to your existing customers. This can help you generate revenue during the off-season and keep your customers engaged with your business. Here are some services that you can offer:
Promote Seasonal Planting
While winter may not seem like the ideal time for planting, there are still some plants that thrive in colder weather. Consider promoting seasonal planting options to your clients as an upsell option.
Highlight Hardscaping Services
Hardscaping services, such as building retaining walls, installing outdoor lighting, or creating walkways, can be done year-round. Promote these services as an upsell option to clients who may not be aware of the possibilities for winter projects.
Offer Holiday Decorations
Many businesses like to decorate for the holidays, but may not have the time or resources to do so themselves. Offer holiday decoration services as an upsell option, including Christmas lights, wreaths, and other festive decorations.
Provide Seasonal Maintenance
While landscaping needs may be minimal during the winter months, there is still maintenance work that needs to be done to keep the property looking its best. Consider offering seasonal maintenance services, such as pruning trees, cleaning gutters, or removing debris, as an upsell option.
As stressful as the off-season can be, if you stay attentive.ai to the needs of the winter commercial landscaping industry and keep upgrading your ways, your business will thrive as you will never run out of services that can be opted for by your customers.
FAQs
How do I make my landscaping company stand out?
You should offer exceptional customer service. Providing outstanding customer service is a key way to set your landscaping company apart from competitors. Respond promptly to inquiries, be professional and courteous, and go the extra mile to ensure customer satisfaction.
How can I improve my landscaping business?
Focus on quality, delivering high-quality work should be a top priority for your landscaping company. Make sure your employees are well-trained and experienced, and use high-quality materials and equipment.
How do I get more landscaping clients?
We would recommend using social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter to showcase your work, share customer testimonials, and engage with potential customers.
