There’s been a rise in websites dedicated to connecting landscapers with the local customers who need them. These sites offer a great advantage to landscapers in that if your business is slowing down, you can just hop online, submit a few bids, and land work.
But don’t start submitting those project bids just yet. It’s easy to get lost in those websites, especially if you’re not sure how to set up a successful bid. And since your time is money, you could end up costing your business if you submit too many unsuccessful job bids.
Here are six tips on how to create a winning online project bid, the kind that will land you more landscaping jobs whenever you need them:
1. Check out the competition
On most project sites, you should be able to check out the top landscapers and lawn care businesses in your area. Take a look at their profiles for inspiration as to how you should set up your own. Be sure to pay attention to:
● Services provided
● Licensing and business insurance
● How they speak to customers
● Pricing information
● Photos from previous jobs
● Number of customer reviews
Your competition should give you a good starting point for creating an eye-catching online profile of your own.
Read next: Can social media replace your company website?
2. Personalize every bid
It seems like common-sense advice, but you’d be surprised at how many landscapers take a one-size-fits-all approach with submitting online bids.
Resist the urge to shoot off a basic bid, as it’s probably not going to impress the customer.
Instead, it’s recommended that you tweak the bid to reference:
● Customer’s name
● Project details
● How you can help
It only takes a few minutes to input these details, but it can make a world of difference in helping your client feel like you understand what they need.
3. Call ASAP
This technique often comes down to a matter of timing, but if you see a project you know you can crush, call or text the customer right away.
When calling, make sure you introduce yourself, let them know where you saw the project, and ask if they’re still looking to hire.
From there, answer any additional follow-up questions the customer might have. 99% of the time, the customer will end the call by asking if you can come by to provide a project estimate.
4. Meet in person (in a non-COVID world)
You’re a lot more likely to win a landscaping project if you demonstrate that you’re open to a walkthrough with a customer. This is especially important for larger projects, as the walkthrough gives your client the chance to get comfortable with you.
Bonus advice: Bring a project portfolio with you, particularly if it has examples of similar work you’ve done in the past. Even if you have an online portfolio, having something in person can really make that difference for a customer who’s ready to hire.
5. Provide your licensing and insurance info
Don’t neglect to mention that you’re licensed and have business insurance within your project bid. Clients want to know that they’ll be covered in the event of an accident or property damage. If you’re not insured, you may find that you’re losing out on clients who would rather work with someone who offers more protection and peace of mind.
When providing your portfolio to a customer, sneak in your license and insurance certificate at the very front. That way, when they flip the folder open, they’ll immediately see that you’re a professional they can trust with their work.
6. Ask for reviews
Read Next: Do Online Reviews Really Matter?
As soon as you’ve completed a project linked to your online bid, ask your customer for a review. You’ll find that the more reviews you accumulate, the easier it will be to land more projects online. Over time, you may not even need to bid at all; the customers will come right to you and request your work.
