7 Factors to Consider When Starting a Landscaping Business
When you think of the American dream, do you picture a beautiful house with a white picket fence and a gorgeous lawn? There are about 50 million acres of lawn in the United States, and Americans pay billions to ensure their home’s yard is the best on the block.
But maintaining a yard is time-consuming. So, America’s obsession with the perfect lawn provides an incredible opportunity for individuals who want to start a landscaping business. With the high demand for landscaping services, it can be an easy way to become your own boss.
Do you want to get into the landscaping industry? Read on for seven things you should keep in mind when starting.
1. Do You Have a Business Plan?
A business plan outlines your business goals and how you will achieve them. Landscaping business plans include a mission statement, offered services, a market analysis, a sales and marketing strategy, and financial projections. If you want to apply for a loan, the bank will ask to see your business plan.
2. Services and Pricing
Landscaping businesses do more than mow lawns. They also offer services like landscape design, patio installation, and pest control. You must determine what services your company will provide and if you will do commercial or residential landscaping.
Next, you will have to determine how much to charge for your services. First, assess your business costs for labor and equipment to know what you need to break even. Then, set a higher price to earn a profit that still allows you to be competitive.
3. Acquire a Business License
You will need to register a unique business name to operate. Some states also require businesses to have a license or permit. You will also need an Employer Identification Number which acts as your federal tax ID and is necessary for opening a business bank account.
4. Startup Equipment Costs
Landscaping startup costs vary depending on the scale of your business. Regardless, their biggest startup cost is equipment. Most landscaping businesses need a truck, trailer, lawnmowers, safety equipment, and power tools.
Take a look at the services you plan to offer and determine what extra equipment you will need. Only buying what you need will help you stick to your budget. You can save money by renting or purchasing used equipment.
5. Hiring Employees
Landscaping takes a lot of time and effort, so if you want to serve more customers, you’ll need help. Focus on finding employees who have the right skills and mentality that you can trust. You can network with other businesses or your family to see if anyone is interested in addition to posting job ads online.
6. Get Your Company Name Out There
Potential customers have to know your landscaping business exists to hire you. So, create a marketing plan for increasing audience awareness and acquiring customers.
Start by creating a website and optimizing it for local SEO. Local SEO will help your business appear when people search for landscaping services “near me.” Social media is also a great place to visually show off the quality of your work to potential customers.
7. Growing Your Business
When starting your landscaping company, you will only have a small team with limited equipment. As a result, you will only be able to serve so many customers. So if you are looking to grow, you have to balance your team and equipment with customer acquisition.
You can increase your profits by offering additional services to your current customers. You should also create a referral program to get new business leads from your existing customers.
Find more tips for growing your landscaping business at www.account-solve.com.
Start a Landscaping Business Today
When starting a landscaping business, you must have a clear business plan that outlines how your business will operate and grow. Considering factors like equipment and employees before you start will set your business up for success.
Do you want more tips to help you run a successful landscaping business? Check out our website for more business tips and guides.