6 Affordable lead generation techniques for landscaping businesses

1. Lucrative Partnerships. 
Partner with local HOAs (Homeowners Associations).
Do you need to know how to find or reach HOAs? Click here.  You can register on the HOA site for free and search their directory. Contact information such as the phone numbers are not listed but finding it is as simple as a Google search. Depending on what type of property it is, the name of the property manager might be listed or name of the property company. In some instances, they list the names of all of the HOA board members. You should ask to speak to the property manager as they are likely not going to list the contact info for the members. Introduce yourself, tell them what you do and ask to attend their quarterly meetings as a guest speaker to educate homeowners on lawn care, landscaping, and other outdoor maintenance tips. They may already have a vendor in place that they use exclusively. If they do, move on to the next one. Try to focus on properties that are either brand new or look like they need a little work. 

2. Join Local Leads Groups. 
Some leads groups are completely free or are as little as $5 per meeting, while others can cost as much as $500 annually. Regardless of what path you choose, it is an excellent way to network with other small business owners. Word of mouth is still a very powerful marketing technique. If you have a limited budget, just start with the free ones or connect with someone who is already part of a leads group and attend as a guest. 

3. Find a Strategic Power Partner. 
Find a small business, contractor, or independent agent that has consistent access to the customer base you want. Make sure it is a like-for-like relationship. You have access to customers they want, and they have access to customers you want. It's a one-on-one referral exchange. Ideal power partners for landscaping companies are locksmiths, contractors, painters, roofers, carpet cleaners, security system sales reps, pest control- anyone with regular access to homeowners and businesses. 

4. Create a mobile optimized website.
Believe it or not, Google has reported that most of their searches are done from smartphones and other mobile devices. So if your website is not mobile responsive, that is a problem. You are seriously missing the boat. If you want to know if your website meets the specifications, click here.  Enough said.

5. Go door -to-door in new communities. 
Yes, this is old school but it works. If you see new communities being built in your area, ask the builders what the anticipated completion date will be for that community. Check the local paper or online for announcements. You want these neighborhood newbies before your competition gets to them. You can even jump ahead by contacting the property company to find out if they have a landscaping vendor already. The earlier, the better.

6. Utilize your existing customer base for referrals. 
This might seem like an obvious solution but it would surprise you how many people don't tap into their existing customer base. They already know you, they already like you, and they would likely buy from you again or refer you. It's easy math. Feel free to offer incentives, if you desire. For example, offer $20 off their next service for 3 referrals or more. Offer whatever you want. Whatever makes sense. Never ask just for one referral, ask for multiple. If you ask for one, they will give you one. If you ask for 10, you might get 7. See how this works?

You don't have to use all of these tips, but admit it, they are gold aren't they? Good luck on your endeavor to generate more business. If none of these methods are a fit for your particular type of business, don't fret. There is a particular company that has red hot leads available just for you.