Busy Season Marketing Checklist For NJ Landscapers
NJ landscapers, we all know what's coming (or starting right now in early April) – the busy season. Phones ringing off the hook, crews running flat out, long days... it's great for business, but it can be pure chaos if you're not ready.
The last thing you need when you're swamped is your website causing problems, missing out on great reviews, or letting good leads slip through the cracks because your online "shop" isn't prepared.
A little bit of prep now on the marketing side can save you massive headaches later and actually help you have a more profitable busy season. This isn't about adding complicated marketing tasks; it's about making sure the basics are solid so they help you, not hurt you, when things get crazy.
Here’s your simple checklist to get your online presence ready for success this season:
1. Tune Up Your Website Now (Before the Real Rush)
Your website is often the first impression potential clients get. When you're too busy for lengthy phone calls, your site needs to answer questions and make it easy for the right clients to reach out.
Check Contact Info: Is your phone number easy to find and clickable on mobile? Does your contact form actually work (test it!)? Is your email address correct?
Update Services: Does your site clearly list what you do and don't do this season? Mention spring cleanups, lawn maintenance packages, mulch install, planting services, hardscaping, etc. Being specific helps pre-qualify leads.
Set Expectations (Optional): Consider adding a small note about response times during peak season, or guiding people to the best way to request a quote (form vs. phone).
Mobile Check: Pull up your site on your phone. Is it easy to read and use? Most customers search on mobile!
2. Ask for Those Reviews (Don't Wait!)
Good reviews on Google are like gold, especially when homeowners are comparing landscapers. Don't wait until mid-season when you're exhausted and don’t want to think about reviews – do it now.
Reach Out: Think about happy clients from last season or any early birds this year. Send them a quick, polite email or text asking if they'd mind leaving a review.
Make it Easy: Include a direct link to your Google review page (you can find this in your Google Business Profile). The easier it is, the more likely they'll do it.
3. Capture Your Best Work (Especially Big Jobs!)
When you finish a great-looking patio, a new lawn install, or a big planting project, that's powerful marketing material!
Photo Habit: Get decent photos! Your phone is fine, just make sure they're clear, well-lit, and show off the quality. Before-and-after shots are fantastic.
Ask for the Review + Pics: Right after finishing a big job (when the client is happiest), ask for that review. Also, ask if they mind you using photos of the project in your marketing (most are fine if you ask). A glowing review combined with pictures of their awesome new patio? That sells!
4. Keep Social Media Simple (Consistency > Complexity)
Feeling stressed about posting online during the busy season? Don't be. You don't need to be a social media guru.
The Goal: Just stay visible and remind people you exist and do great work.
The Plan: Aim for one solid post per week. Seriously, that's it to start.
- Ideas: A good before/after photo, a shot of your crew finishing a job (with permission!), a quick seasonal tip (e.g., "Best time to prune X"), share a positive customer review.
Keep it Simple: Snap a photo, write a quick caption, post it. Tools exist to schedule posts if you want, but even just setting a reminder to post every week on a specific day and time works too.
5. Have an Easy Lead Handling System (Stop Wasting Time)
When leads come in via your website form, email, or voicemail, you need a simple way to track them so good opportunities don't disappear into the chaos. Forget complicated software if you're not using it already.
Define Your Process: What works for you?
- Maybe all website forms go to a specific email address you check morning and night.
- Maybe you use a simple Google Sheet to log new inquiries.
- Maybe voicemails get noted in a specific notebook or app immediately.
The Key: It needs to be simple and consistent so you actually do it, even when you're tired and covered in dirt. Block 15 minutes at the start or end of the day just for lead follow-up. This prevents wasting time and losing potential jobs.
Get Ready Now, Relax (a Little) Later
Taking a few hours now to run through this checklist can make your busy season run much smoother. A prepped online presence helps attract better leads, builds trust, and saves you time – letting you focus more on doing the great landscaping work you're known for.
Tired of generic marketing companies? You deserve to work with someone who understands your lifestyle and the work you do.
This is the foundation TradeTough Marketing is built on, I grew up in the trades and worked a blue-collar job most of my life.
I’m focused on helping blue-collar businesses with web design and marketing that actually works.