So, you’ve decided to start a snow removal business. Since it’s still summer, you’re ahead of the game because this is the time to start marketing your services to potential clients.
If you already own a green industry company—such as lawn care or landscaping—finding customers will be a cinch. You just need to look at your current client list and let them know that you’re now a four season business.
But what about starting fresh with your snow pushing company without an in-depth database of customers to call?
Then you need to start pounding the pavement to build up your base. In this blog post, you’ll learn 5 tips to help you market your new snow removal business.
Keeping It Simple
You don’t have to spend a lot of money to generate an extensive list of customers. Instead, you need to think about what you can do for very little money to get your name out there.
If you’re providing residential services, here are some marketing ideas:
Use social media: Set up a LinkedIn, Facebook business page and an Instagram. If there are other social media channels where your ideal clients go, make sure you’re active on them too. Plot out what your potential customers need to know about calling you for snow services. And remember: Look at your services through your client’s needs and wants. Then share how you’ll solve their snow and ice problems.
Consider making your Facebook business page fun with games and contests. Or if that’s not your thing, offer promotional discounts if people sign on with you before November 1.
Door hangers: Door hangers are an inexpensive way to get the attention of new prospects. Get them through Vistaprint or other online printing companies.
Newsletters: Create a newsletter, reminding people that winter will be here in no time, and it’s time to think about snow and ice removal. Offer specials or coupons.
Word of mouth: This option works best if you have an existing company that works with homeowners all year long. But you can also let your family and friends know (including your Facebook friends) you’ll be offering snow removal services this winter.
Mailers: There are all kinds of mailers available. Look at your junk mail and make a note of why you follow up with some of these services. Then write out your ad using the language that will make homeowners call
If you’re aiming for commercial clients, such as HOAs and property managers, the above tips may help you. However, you may need some other marketing tips to get commercial customers to call you:
Invoice stuffers: If you provide mowing and landscaping to properties during the growing season, then include a small flyer with your invoices telling your existing customers you’re adding snow and ice removal services to your company.
Prepare a packet: In some states, HOAs and POAs have a particular time where they’re taking bids for winter services. Learn how to connect with these associations and prepare a sales packet for them.
Look at past clients: If you have past customers—either for your green industry or home improvement company, send them a letter telling them about your snow pushing services.
Cold calling: Some people are comfortable with cold calling while others would rather have a root canal instead. If you don’t mind cold calling, develop an elevator speech and make a list of commercial properties you want to service.
Take out an ad: Most towns and cities have a regular weekly newspaper. Find out how much it costs for a weekly ad as well as for an ad in the classified section. Both are inexpensive and will help you reach your target market.
Also, consider buying advertising through Facebook and other social media outlets.
Facebook ads are inexpensive and are easy to set up. Plus, you can pick specific cities and other demographics to ensure the right people see your posts.
Here are 4 tips to adding ice removal to your snow pushing services.
Remember, the summer and early fall are good times to start marketing your new snow removal business. Employ some of the above ideas and see your client list grow.
Sources:
Goodman, Gail, “Marketing a Seasonal Business All Year Round,” Entrepreneur.com: October 10, 2014.
Shelley, Brianne, “8 Ways to Market Your Seasonal Business During the Off Season,” Hubspot.com.
Treyger, Victoria, “6 Ways to Market Your Small Business for Less than $100,” Entrepreneur.com: April 1, 2015.
If you don't mind cold calling, develop an elevator speech and make a list of commercial properties you want to service. Take out an ad: Most towns and cities have a regular weekly newspaper. Find out how much it costs for a weekly ad as well as for an ad in the classified section.
A snow removal estimate template should include contractor and client information, a detailed description of the services, itemized costs for labor and equipment, total estimated cost, and terms and conditions.
Expect to pay between $45 and $150 for a single visit and between $350 and $500 for a fixed-rate seasonal contract. Before you start your contract, ask your snow removal company if there are any limits to the number of times they'll come and remove the snow.
The global snow clearing vehicles market size was USD 536 million in 2023 and market is projected to touch USD 724.11 million by 2032 at CAGR 3.4% during the forecast period.
You price the total cost of snow removal for your customer per inch of snow on the ground. You typically want to charge a flat rate for the first 4-6 inches of snow, then add an additional amount per additional inch of snow.
Indeed, a snow removal business is a profitable way to make some extra cash. The hours may be long, and you could go a day or two without sleep, but for a short season, it's very profitable.
Snow blowers are typically more powerful and can clear more snow than snow throwers. If you have a large driveway or need to clear a parking lot, a snow blower is the best option.
When it snows, get out there bright and early, knock on your neighbors' doors, and ask to help them on an hourly basis. Start with an hourly rate 20% higher than what you get paid at work. If you get paid $15/hr at work, charge at least $18/hr for your first snow shoveling gigs. Otherwise, it's just not worth it.
Per Inch. Some snow removal companies charge per inch because the concept is so simple. All you do is price the total cost of snow removal based on how many inches of snow are on the ground. It's typical to have flat rate price breakdowns for 1-3 inches, 3-6 inches, and then charge hourly after 6 inches of snow.
What does age have to do with it? “People don't run into trouble if they're 20 or 30 because they haven't developed coronary artery disease," says Franklin. “But if they're 45 to 50 or older, with known or hidden heart disease, especially people who are habitually sedentary, this activity is very dangerous.”
Rather than just shovel the whole of the drive way to one side, it's much more efficient to shovel a line straight down the middle of residential driveways, bisecting them in two. This should be done with a plow shovel, which is designed in a way that will make it easy.
Sales for a typical shaved ice or snow cone business will average around $100 to $2,000 a day but it all hinges on a number of factors including location, competition, length of your season and business history.
Airport Snow Removal Vehicles and Equipment Market Size is expected to reach USD 3.2 Billion by 2030, registering a CAGR of 3.2% during 2020-2030. Airport snow removal vehicles and equipment are specifically designed vehicles, which can remove snow on the airport within a short span of time.
Indeed, a snow removal business is a profitable way to make some extra cash. The hours may be long, and you could go a day or two without sleep, but for a short season, it's very profitable. Use the above ideas to start slow and make money at the same time so that you can grow your seasonal snow removal business.
Introduction: My name is Van Hayes, I am a thankful, friendly, smiling, calm, powerful, fine, enthusiastic person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.
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