Do Landscapers Need a Website?

Known Objections – does this sound like you?

“I do landscaping, which is not an online business. So I don’t see the need for a website.” A lot of people have this misunderstanding. It would be the same as saying “I don’t need to be in the phone book” fifty years ago. Customers need to be able to find you online. They want to learn about you, read reviews, check out what you post on your blog and get to trust that they will be treated right. Even if you do not offer products or services for sale on your website, your business revenue will likely grow from having a website. This term is called ROPO: Research Online Purchase Offline.

 “My business is small, and I don’t have a budget for a website.” A website is your number one marketing asset. You can compare it with not getting an LLC license to establish a business. Your website does not have to be fancy or expensive, but it needs to exist and it needs to be found by search engines like Google.

“I have more than enough business”. Even if you have enough business, you want to show your existing clientele that you take your business seriously. They may find out that you offer services that they want, for example, snow removal or Christmas lighting.

“We already have a Facebook page”. Social Media is a great way to reach out to your customers, but it is not enough. Social Media platforms change their rules and privacy often and ultimately you have not enough control. Your website is your own and you control what information is displayed.

“Building a website is too much work, and I don’t know how”. It is a misconception that you should build and maintain the website yourself. You probably hire an accountant to help with taxes, and a lawyer to help with contracts. Unless you are truly comfortable and have time, you owe it to yourself and your business to hire a developer. The web developer will need some time with you because they need information and pictures of your business. If you are going to use a standard template, they may not charge you as much as you expect.

Do Landscapers Need a Website?

The short answer is, yes, you as landscapers need a website.  A website is your finest online marketing tool. It does the best job of selling your services (and products), promoting events, and special deals.  

If you are interested in growing your business, then these numbers will make you happy. Small businesses that are digitally advanced grow faster with twice more revenue per employee, 4 times revenue growth in a year, and 3 times more likely to create new jobs. (Small Business Technology Trends)

Credibility and Customer Service

A website not only helps to grow your business, but it is also a stamp of credibility for your business. Consumers no longer look in the Yellow Pages, instead, they are using their phone and Google. Your customers will look for businesses and reviews on Google Maps. You can put those reviews and referrals on your website as well; read the December 2019 article “Google My Business” Many consumers will only consider a business that has a website, and 97% of people research local businesses online. A website is part of your customer service. In today’s economy, customers want the anonymity of asking questions online, want their answers quickly if not instantaneously. 

Consider eCommerce

Another advantage is that a website can help streamline your operations, for example by allowing to schedule jobs and take payments online. 
That is eCommerce!

You can browse the website examples on Colorlib and get ideas for your new website. Write down notes for what you want on your website. Next month we will talk about website content, cost, and how to begin.

Read more in our eCommerce article series.