5 Proven Ways to Get More Landscaping Clients in 2025
Relying on word of mouth alone is not a growth strategy. It may have kept you busy in the past, but in 2025, the contractors winning high-value landscaping jobs are the ones who actively generate and convert leads.
Lead generation in this industry isn’t complicated, but it does require structure, speed, and consistency. The landscapers doing it well pair smart marketing habits with landscaping estimation software to move faster and close more deals.
Below are five proven strategies that work.
1. Referrals Done Right
Most landscapers say referrals are their best source of new business. Few have an actual referral system. That’s a mistake.
Ask for testimonials at the end of a job, not months later. Right after the yard looks perfect, take photos, then ask for a short written line you can use publicly. Offer a small incentive to refer you, such as a discount or a thank-you gift. Don’t assume people will take the initiative, give them the initiative.
Make referrals easy. Create a QR code or link that goes directly to your booking form. Hand clients a simple card before you leave the property. Follow up a month later to check on their yard (put it in your calendar!). That small touch keeps you top of mind and often triggers referrals.
2. Show Before and After Work Online
Before and after photos are one of the most effective ways to sell landscaping work. They let potential clients visualize their own space.
Use the same angle for both shots. Same spot, same height, same time of day. Natural light is better than filters. Post consistently, not randomly. Even one strong post a week builds credibility and trust with your clients.
Use Instagram and Facebook for reach. Just post as soon as you can and don’t overthink it when you’re first starting off. Many homeowners browse these platforms when they start planning outdoor work. Tag the neighborhood, add local hashtags like #RaleighLandscaping, and geotag the location. Local visibility matters more than going viral.
3. Local SEO Matters
Google is still one of the most underused lead sources in this industry. A well-optimized Google Business Profile puts you in front of motivated buyers searching “landscaping services near me.” The best part, a Google Business Profile is free.
Claim your profile. Fill in every field: services, service area, hours, photos, website. Add new photos monthly. Ask satisfied customers for Google reviews on a regular basis. A steady stream of recent five-star reviews does more for lead flow than a short burst of paid ads.
Use relevant keywords in your profile description. If you provide lawn care, hardscaping, or design services, say it clearly. Create a basic landing page on your website that targets “[City] landscaping services” to improve your organic ranking.
4. Partner with Other Local Businesses
Some of the most reliable lead sources are other businesses already working with your ideal customers.
Nurseries and garden centers can display your flyers or QR codes. Realtors often need landscaping help immediately after or before a home sale. Hardware and home improvement stores host workshops and seasonal events.
Drop by in person. Bring coffee to a realtor’s office and introduce yourself. It’s not complicated. Most landscapers don’t bother. That’s why this works.
5. Respond Faster
Speed wins jobs. Homeowners often hire the first contractor who gives them a clear, professional estimate; they don’t want to wait days or weeks. Many landscapers lose work simply because they take two or three days to send a quote.
Contractors lose jobs every week to competitors who send estimates the same day. Landscaping estimation software gives you the ability to respond fast without sacrificing accuracy.
Set a standard: respond to new leads within 24 hours, ideally same-day. Stop building every estimate in Excel at night. Use tools that let you generate accurate quotes in minutes from your phone. Fast, professional proposals give you an advantage in every bidding situation.
Conclusion
Lead generation is not guesswork. It’s a system built on consistent referrals, strong visual proof, local search visibility, strategic partnerships, and fast response times.
Pairing these methods with landscaping estimation software is how modern contractors stay ahead. You’ll move faster, present more professionally, and convert more leads into jobs without burning yourself out in the process.
OpenSprouts was built for this reality. If your current process involves slow turnaround times and scattered estimates, you’re losing work to faster contractors. That’s fixable.