Why Your Landscaping Business Isn't Growing

By Jorge Melo

Introduction

"No profit, no business."

That’s not a catchy quote. That’s a fact. According to the 2024 State of the Landscape Labor Market Report, 70% of landscaping businesses fail within the first 18 months. That’s brutal. And most of the time, it’s not because the work is bad. It’s because the business side isn’t getting the attention it needs.

You’re great with lawns. You know mulch, edging, hardscaping, irrigation—like the back of your hand. But where are the customers? Why aren’t the phones ringing? Why is the schedule looking light even during peak season?

This blog is for you. We’re going to break down why your landscaping business isn’t getting customers—and exactly what to do about it.

1. You're Not Marketing to the Right People

Lead with Your Ideal Customer’s Problem

You might think you're selling landscaping services, but what you're really selling is peace of mind, pride in homeownership, and more free time. Focus your message on how you solve your customer’s problems.

Use a One-Liner They’ll Remember

Instead of “Top-tier lawn care,” try: “We handle your lawn so you can reclaim your weekends.”

Align Your Message Everywhere

Your flyers, website, truck wrap, and social media should all echo the same clear message.

2. Your Website Isn’t Doing Its Job

Answer 3 Questions in 7 Seconds

What do you do? Why does it help me? How can I hire you? If your site doesn’t answer these fast, you're losing leads.

Add Calls-to-Action (CTAs) Throughout

Every section of your website should have a button or link prompting visitors to book, call, or get a quote.

Show Before-and-After Photos

Proof sells. Let your results speak.

3. You’re Invisible Online

Claim and Optimize Your Google Business Profile

This boosts your local SEO and helps people find you on Maps.

Post on Social Media

Photos of your work, tips, and happy clients go a long way. Start with 1–2 posts per week.

Be Cautious With Paid Ads

Facebook and Google Ads can burn money fast if not managed well. Focus on organic growth first.

4. You're Not Seen As an Expert

Share Educational Content

Write blogs or post quick videos about seasonal lawn care, how to choose plants, or DIY tips.

Email Customers Monthly

Short emails with lawn tips, before-and-afters, or promotions keep your brand top of mind.

Use Reviews to Tell Your Story

Feature customer reviews on your site and social channels. Don’t just talk about your business—let your customers do it.

5. You're Not Engaging Locally

Attend Local Events

Farmer's markets, home shows, and charity events are great for visibility.

Create a Referral Program

Offer discounts or perks to customers who send new clients your way.

Partner With Related Businesses

Think nurseries, pool builders, irrigation companies—cross-promotions help.

FAQ About Landscaping Marketing

Why Am I Not Getting Landscaping Jobs?

You're likely not marketing consistently or targeting the right audience. Start with Google My Business and local SEO.

What’s the Best Way to Market a Small Landscaping Company?

Focus on organic content—Google reviews, social proof, a strong website, and clear messaging.

Should I Invest in Marketing for My Landscaping Business?

Absolutely. Treat it like any other equipment. Marketing brings in the jobs that pay for everything else.

How Do I Compete with Bigger Landscaping Companies?

Niche down. Be faster. Offer better service. Bigger isn’t always better—personal attention wins.

How Much Should I Spend on Marketing My Landscaping Business?

Start small (5–10% of revenue) and scale what works. Don’t throw money at ads without a strategy.

How Do I Stop Losing Money on Landscaping Jobs?

Track costs, tighten bids, and focus on profitable services. Use tech to manage jobs, not just paper and pen.

What Is Reputation Marketing?

Reputation marketing is the strategy of building and promoting positive customer experiences to increase trust and sales. It's not just about getting reviews—it's about leveraging them to grow.

Reviews

Google reviews improve SEO and build trust.

Referrals

Word-of-mouth is powerful when supported by an actual system that rewards it.

Repeats

Stay top of mind with seasonal promotions and email reminders.

Social Proof

Before-and-after photos, testimonials, and video reviews build confidence in your brand.

Insights

Use tools like Google Analytics or ArborNote to track your marketing ROI.

Gifts

Referral gifts or thank-you promos make customers feel appreciated—and more likely to refer.

Sites

Make sure your website is fast, mobile-friendly, and clear.

How Does It Work?

Marketing works by positioning your business in front of the right person at the right time with the right message. Consistency wins.

Home Services

Tailor your message to homeowners’ pain points—messy lawns, wasted weekends, unreliable contractors.

Professional Services

If you’re targeting HOAs or commercial spaces, emphasize reliability, scalability, and maintenance plans.

Health & Wellness

Green spaces improve wellbeing. Use this benefit to appeal to customers who care about lifestyle.

Hospitality

Target hotels, resorts, and restaurants with landscape design that enhances their guest experience.

Franchises

Consistency and branding matter here. Show you can deliver uniform results at scale.

Final Takeaway

Most landscaping companies don’t fail because they’re bad at landscaping. They fail because they never learned how to market.

If you want more customers, you need a plan—and you need to stick to it.

Like what you see? Share with a friend.

Need help growing your landscaping business?

Contact J Melo Media for marketing that actually works for local service providers.

MLA Citations

“2024 State of the Landscape Labor Market Report.” National Association of Landscape Professionals, 2024, https://www.landscapeprofessionals.org.

“Marketing Landscape Companies: 5 Strategies That Actually Work.” Guide Marketing, 2024, https://guidemktg.com/marketing-landscape-companies/.

“15 Best Landscaping and Lawn Care Marketing Strategies.” RealGreen by WorkWave, 2024, https://blog.realgreen.com/15-best-marketing-strategies-for-landscapers-and-lawn-care/.

“Reputation Marketing: What It Is and How It Works.” NiceJob, 2023, https://get.nicejob.com/resources/reputation-marketing.

BrightLocal. “Local Consumer Review Survey.” BrightLocal, 2023, https://www.brightlocal.com/research/local-consumer-review-survey/.

Sprout Social. “The State of Social Media Marketing.” Sprout Social Index, 2023, https://sproutsocial.com/insights/data/social-media-marketing/.