Opening a small business is incredibly difficult, and the process only gets harder with time. If you have dedicated your time and money to start a landscaping business, but do not see the growth and earnings you need to stay in business, don’t be discouraged. 

By following simple and measurable steps, you can make proactive progress towards enhancing your landscaping business, gaining clients, and making money. 



1. Narrow Your Focus

Oftentimes, new businesses attempt to take on more than they can handle. Whether it’s accepting too many projects or trying to be an expert in too many fields, these overlooked errors can be the cause of a failing business. 

If your landscaping business is struggling to turn a profit and gain repeating customers, it may be time to reconsider your business’s focus. When you opened your new business, what was your chosen specialty? Whether you failed to follow your decision or neglected to make the choice altogether, this oversight could be the reason behind your failing business. 

Customers appreciate businesses who are experts in their field rather than companies who are average at a variety of tasks. Choose one landscaping specialty, practice, and become an expert. Your skills will register well with your clients, and it will help you narrow down the jobs and equipment your business needs to focus on. 

Potential landscaping specialties include:
Trimming trees
Building decks
Creating unique outdoor living spaces
Planting gardens and flower beds

Whatever specialty you choose, ensure your landscaping business whole-heartedly commits to your decision in order to narrow your focus and achieve growth. 

2. Take Necessary Precautions

Landscaping businesses have the unique opportunity to alter their business models and services during the colder months. Neglecting these considerations could be the reason behind your business’s struggles. Take time and make plans to ensure your business is not blind-sighted when the temperature drops. 

Consider installing Christmas lights, offering leaf or snow removal, or cleaning gutters. Your business could also strategically set aside money for the winter months and elect to take the time off instead. 

Whatever your decision is, make sure you are prepared to change your business for the off-season, so you don’t lose money or your business. 

3. Search for Areas to Save Money 

When your company encounters a financial hardship, it is important to reevaluate your funds and costs to discover where you can save money. 

Startup costs for a new business can quickly get out of hand if you are not careful. It is essential to create a well-thought-out list and shop around for the best deals in your area. If you rush this process, you will end up purchasing over-priced tools you don’t need. Spend some extra time to save your business money when purchasing supplies. 

Transportation is a pricey aspect of a landscaping business. Purchasing vehicles and trucks to transport workers and equipment comes at a steep cost. Consider renting trucks for larger jobs to save your business money. 

Remember, you do have to spend money to make money, but be careful in this step to not cut out every expense and leave your business with nothing. Instead, take your time to truly realize what costs are necessary and what purchases are avoidable. Save your struggling business from running out of funds before it is too late. 

4. Advance Your Marketing Strategy 

If the cause behind your struggling business is lacking marketing efforts, it’s time to evaluate your strategy and kick your marketing plan into high gear. 

Research cost-friendly methods for marketing your small business to see what method will be most effective. Consider building a website, participating on social media, or blogging regularly. You can even give tips and tricks on how to revive a dying plant! In addition, it may be necessary to reach out to a marketing professional to guarantee your marketing efforts will be fruitful.

Whatever decision you make to boost your marketing strategy, make sure you are taking active steps towards gaining brand awareness and growing your business. 

If your new landscaping business is struggling to turn a profit and earn clients, take time to reevaluate your business model, save money, and boost your business’s visibility. Don’t wait to take action before it’s too late. 

Work now to strategize how you can save the time and money you poured into your dream landscaping business.