How To Market A Tree Service Business On A Budget
A tree service business is dedicated to keeping the trees and shrubs of any grounds in good condition. You are proud of your work, but getting started on a small business budget can be a challenge. It can be tough to market your tree service business without spending more than your marketing budget has to spare. Even PPC and Adwords can wear thin. That’s why it’s important to know how to market effectively on a budget.
Your tree service business is a local service, so local marketing techniques will work for you whether the marketing is free or paid. Let’s dive into the eight best ways to market your tree service business on a modest budget and make a difference.
1) Build Your Basic Online Presence
- Website
- Google Business Profile
- Social Media Presence
When marketing a tree service business, start with the basics. Know your customers and build a basic online presence that will encounter and impress them. That means a social media presence and a lively campaign to draw attention. From there, you need a website for your audience to click through and a Google My Business profile to show your company is local, well-rated, and legitimate to trust. Make sure you are digitally on the market so new customers can find you.
2) Ask Your Clients For Referrals To Neighbors And Friends
Referrals make the world go around when it comes to property and home services contractors. Referrals don’t just connect you with new leads, they often come with recommendations in the other direction, as well. You may find yourself greeting eager new clients who have heard of your work and would like tree service for their properties – or greet new leads to discover they’ve heard of you and are glad to sign on.
3) Spread Leaflets And Door Hangers
One of the most affordable and effective outbound marketing techniques is just to spread leaflets. Tape them to signs, post them to bulletin boards and let the neighborhoods nearby know that tree services are available.
One popular approach is to provide a door hanger or door-taped flyer offering tree services to houses and businesses with lawns that could use a trim. This is a great way to invest a little for a lot of exposure to potential clients who might be in need of your services.
4) Offer Free Quotes – Spread The Word
You provide free quotes! State it on your business cards, flyers, website, and brand description. You will assess yards for free, which will get phones off the charger and call for services. This way, you get a larger scoop of leads who are on the fence and ready to be sold on the benefits of tree services for their property.
5) Connect With HOAs And Property Managers
One of the best ways to get repeat customers is to work with an organization. Partnering with an HOA (or a few local HOAs) can get you recommended to all homeowners in the neighborhood as a go-to way to keep lawns compliant with HOA rules. You could be the pro that can do it right. Property managers who handle rental homes and businesses also need tree services, often for more than one property at a time. By building a network of property manager contacts, you might get both steady and on-call work in the future.
6) Gather Online Reviews
Start asking for reviews online. Post links to review locations and just outright say that reviews are important to your company’s growth. Satisfied customers will often appreciate your honesty and some will then spend a few minutes writing you a detailed review about the work you’ve done for them so far. Online reviews lend credibility to your brand, have some nice keyword details, and are a neat way to populate your website design.
7) Advertise On Low-Cost Platforms
Start your advertising campaigns on free and low-cost platforms like Craigslist and even TaskRabbit. Look for ways to reach clients on their platforms and favorite spaces without overspending on AdWords or guest spots.
You should also join local business associations and get on those low-cost directory listings. The last remnant of the pre-Google yellow pages, local business associations often have an address book directory of all members – including a backlink and a phone number.
8) Treat Your Website Like Your Storefront
Last but not least, treat your website with care. Build it like your storefront, as if you had a picture window with your services on display just inside. Invite window shoppers to come inside and become leads. Invite leads down a pleasant, curated buyer experience to become customers. Your website should represent your company well and elegantly. Include good photos, clear contact info, a list of your services, and your complete service area.
Looking for a great and affordable website design for your tree services business? Contact us today!