Amie Jane Leavitt - Start Your Yard-Work Business

A yard-work business can include more than just lawn mowing. Here are some other ideas:

• weeding
• tree or bush trimming
• flower or shrub planting
• garden care (vegetables and flowers)
• leaf raking and removal
• sidewalk, deck, and porch cleaning
• snow shoveling
• putting up and taking down holiday lights

Keep your equipment in a secure place while you work. Equipment left out on sidewalks or driveways could be stolen. When youre not working, store equipment in a place that is well protected from weather.

Youve made your initial plans for your business. You know what . Here are some top marketing tips.

A business name is very important. You want a name that will tell your customers exactly what your business does. You also want a name that your customers will remember. Professional yard-care companies often use adjectives, , catchy slogans, or personal names.

If youre an artist, you could make your own Logos help people better remember a company. Think of your favorite brand name products. Are their logos recognizable? Strive to be just as memborable with your logo. For a yard-work business, you could use blades of grass, trees, flowers, or a lawnmower. Try to match your business name with your logo. For example, a logo for Emerald Lawn Care could be an illustration of a bright green lawn. Or it could be an emerald gemstone with some blades of grass. A logo isnt required, of course, but it will help your company to stand out and your customers to remember you.

Business Names Are Important!

Check out these make-believe companies and see what is good or bad about their names.

GOOD EXAMPLES	WHY IS IT GOOD?
Emerald Lawn Care	Emerald is another word for green. Everyone wants a green lawn!
Home Rangers Yard Care	A ranger is a guardian or protector. Using the word rangers makes people think that the company will really look after yards.

POOR EXAMPLES	WHY IS IT POOR?
Brown Lawn Care	Who wants a brown lawn? Even if your last name is Brown, avoid using it in your yard-care companys name.
Last-Minute Yard Care	Last minute makes people think that you will wait until the last minute to do the work.

The main point of advertising is to make your business known to potential customers. Once they know who you are and what kinds of services youre offering, theyll be more likely to hire you. There are numerous ways to advertise your business. But be cautious with how much information you give out, and make sure you get permission from your parents before you start.

Posters are a great way to advertise your business. Include general information about your business, as well as your contact information on posters. Ask for permission before hanging them on job boards at your local community center, libraries, or supermarkets.

Flyers are smaller versions of posters. They contain the same important information, such as your business name and contact information. But instead of posting them at local businesses, place flyers on doorsteps in your neighborhood.