In the next issue I will outline a marketing plan for landscape businesses that specialize in commercial work.
Running a typical small to medium sized residential landscaping business is not easy. Running a bad one is harder, but running a profitable one is fun. One way to make your landscape business more profitable is to do a marketing plan. Sure it may take a little work, but to be successful it is essential. Next time you have a rainy day, or simply no work, make this a priority. In this issue I have constructed the framework of a basic marketing plan, designed for a small to medium sized landscape business, which specializes in residential landscaping. This plan is full of examples, which are random and do not relate to any particular business. Hopefully the examples will help you formulate your own plan. I have tried to simplify the planning process a much as possible, so the task should not be too hard. So sit down with a pad and paper, or a computer and get to it. At least make it your next rainy day project; that is if we ever get so lucky and it rains.
Executive summary (Read this quickly and come back to it at the end)
The executive summary provides a quick run-down, or synopsis, of the overall marketing plan. This helps your group as well as others quickly identify the main points. This summary should be written after you finish the rest of the marketing plan, (done last) but placed at the beginning of the first page.
A table of contents should follow the summary so readers can easily find more details about each point. Off course if this is only for you, and no one else, you can dispense with some of these formalities, although if you are going to do the exercise, then the extra work may help the bank, or your employees better understand your business.
Research Phase (I find this the fun bit)
Here is where you gather information about landscaping market forces, your