Article written in collaboration with Two Rivers Marketing
Whether you own a large, established tree care company or you’re just starting out, you may benefit from using online tools to help market your business. Here are a few tips to help you get started.
Website
In this day and age, every business should have a website; it is one of the first places people go to learn about your business. The good news is that your website doesn’t have to be fancy, but it does have to be functional. Do you have years of experience in the tree care industry? Your website gives you a chance to brag about it. Does your business offer services that differentiate you from your local competitors? Showcase those offerings. Finally, include your company’s contact information, including phone number, and email address and operating hours so customers know how and when they can reach you.
Once you’ve set up a functional website and mastered the art of keeping it up to date, you may be ready to move on to more advanced marketing tools, like blogs and social media channels.
Blog
A blog is your own personal publishing platform. You can set up a blog for free and use it as an educational resource for your customers. For example, are there services that should be performed during the spring or fall to protect trees or property? Do you need to alert homeowners to insects or plant diseases that are affecting trees in the area? Your blog is the perfect place to tell your customers about it. Start by posting an update each week and increase your frequency from there.
Social media
There are so many social media channels available today. One of the most common mistakes businesses make is trying to post a little bit on every platform. The key is to pick one channel — whether it be Facebook, Twitter, Instagram or Pinterest — and use it well. Many businesses start with Facebook because of its functionality and broad appeal. Start by posting jobsite photos (remember to wear your PPE) a few times a week. Once you get the hang of it, you can work your way up to sharing promotional offers and hosting contests and giveaways on your page to engage current and potential new customers.
Mobile devices
Cell phones and tablets allow you to remain connected while you’re on the go. When you’re ready to step up your marketing game, you can send mobile appointment confirmations and reminders to customers. If your crew is running behind schedule or Mother Nature creates weather delays, you can send your customers a quick text to let them know you will be a few minutes late for the appointment. Mobile alerts are also a great way to provide updates throughout the course of the project. Make sure your customers opt-in to mobile alert programs and clearly state if cellular data charges may apply.
Digital advertising
If there’s room in your tree care company’s marketing budget for paid advertising, digital ads can be a cost-effective, measureable way to raise awareness about your business and service offerings. Your local newspaper or TV news stations’ websites may be good places to start. Contact the companies’ sales representatives to learn more.
Videos
Most people have used their cell phones to record videos of their children, friends or animals. Now is a chance to go one step further and use your cell phone camera to promote your tree care business. Videos let you tell customers about your tree care services in your own words. Start by showcasing the professional appearance of your crews and equipment. Demonstrate how your crew puts on PPE and holds jobsite safety briefings at the start of each project. Ask a loyal customer to give a quick testimonial explaining why they like doing business with you. Unless you have room in your marketing budget to pay a professional videographer, these videos should be short, conversational and unrehearsed. Once the video is recorded, you can share it on your blog and social media channels to broaden the reach.
We’re sharing tips on how to market your business throughout the month of May. Visit the Landscape, rental and landscape blog each week to learn more.
This article contains third-party observations, advice or experiences that do not necessarily reflect the opinions of Vermeer Corporation, its affiliates or its dealers. Advice or suggestions provided in this article are statements of general applicability that may or may not apply to individual businesses, whose circumstances and operations may vary.