How to promote your wildlife-friendly gardening business: tips for small businesses and solo gardeners
If you are a solo wildlife-friendly gardener or you run a small gardening business, you likely spend most of your time doing what you love – working in gardens and creating beautiful, eco-friendly spaces that support local wildlife.
Promoting your business is essential to attract new clients and keep your schedule full, but it can be tricky to find the time. The good news is that there are effective strategies you can use to market your services without taking too much time away from the work you enjoy.
1. Focus on your core strengths
As a small operation, it’s important to emphasise what makes your service unique. Are you passionate about native plants, creating habitats for specific wildlife, digging wildlife ponds, or using organic gardening methods? Highlight these strengths in every interaction, whether it’s a quick conversation with a potential client or a short description on a flyer. Keeping your messaging simple and consistent will make it easier for clients to understand your value.
2. Keep Your Online Presence Simple
While a full website with a regularly updated blog is a brilliant way to promote your business, it can be too time-consuming and expensive. However even a basic online presence can build trust, as well as help potential clients find you and learn about what you offer. A simple one-page website, a well-crafted social media profile and a listing on the Wildlife Garden Directory can do wonders for your business. Use these platforms to showcase your services, a few photos of your best work, glowing quotes from your customers and your contact information.
3. Leverage word-of-mouth and referrals
Word-of-mouth is one of the most powerful marketing tools, especially for solo businesses. Encourage satisfied clients to refer you to their friends and neighbours. Additionally, ask for testimonials that you can quickly share on your social media or website – just a few positive reviews can make a big difference.
4. Use social media sparingly and effectively
If you’re short on time, you don’t need to post daily to maintain an active social media presence. Aim to post once or twice a week with updates on your latest projects or share your wildlife gardening tips. Give the Wildlife Garden Project a follow on social media and we’ll follow you back, and tag us into your posts so we can share them where possible!
Make use of free tools like scheduling apps to help you plan and automate posts in advance. You can also join local gardening groups where you can occasionally share your expertise and build up your reputation as a wildlife gardening expert.
5. Keep marketing materials simple and sustainable
There’s no need to spend hours on detailed marketing materials, instead create a straightforward flyer or business card that highlights your services and contact information. Opt for eco-friendly options like recycled paper to align with your values.
6. Offer consultations as part of your service
If you don’t already, consider offering brief, low-cost consultations to potential clients. This can be a quick way to showcase your expertise and build trust without committing to lengthy, time-consuming processes. These consultations can often lead to larger projects once clients see the value of your knowledge and skills.
7. Network with local businesses
Instead of handling all your promotion yourself, partner with local businesses that complement your services, such as nurseries or eco-friendly landscapers. You can refer clients to each other, share leads, and even co-market your services at local events, reducing the time you spend on promotion while expanding your reach.
8. Raise your visibility at community events
Participate in community events when possible, but choose those where you can make the most impact with the least time investment. Setting up a small booth at a local farmers’ market or a garden show, even just once or twice a year, can help you connect with potential clients.
The Wildlife Garden Directory is a free resource for wildlife-friendly gardeners, designers and landscapers. Register for free today to promote your services and get your business in front of customers in your local area!