How to Start a Lawn Mowing Business
Did you make a casual gig out of mowing neighbors’ lawns at some point? I would suggest that you convert it into a full-fledged business because this venture has impressive earning potential. The lawn care market is worth $130 billion currently (in 2022), and experts estimate this value to grow further. This information should have you searching ‘how to start a lawn mowing business.’
The good news is that setting up this business isn’t a hassle, as long as you know what you’re doing. This blog will guide how to set up a lawn mowing business and provide a few tips to hit the ground running.
So, let’s get started!
Conduct Basic Market Research
We mentioned that the lawn care market is growing, but you also need to conduct small-scale research within your region. The goal is to discover if there is a viable market for lawn mowing and how much people are willing to pay for such services.
You may have provided lawn mowing services occasionally, but remember that that would be different. You must have likely charged less per hour and had fewer responsibilities to manage. Hence, you’ll need to create the research questions anew and see what people have to say.
Create a Business Plan
The next step in the process is developing a business plan. A business plan will help you sketch your primary business strategy, earning estimations, and overall operational dynamics. It will also give you a realistic idea of how long it will take you to break even once you factor in all the costs and demand.
Aside from providing clarity, your business plan is also an external document and needs to be prepared carefully. For example, you’ll need to use it if you’re considering taking some loans to start your business. Banks or lending institutions will review this document, licenses, and certifications before determining if you qualify for the loan.
Pick a Name
Your business name is your venture’s identity, and you need to choose something that can represent the image you want for your organization. However, simply deciding on a name isn’t enough. You’ll need to approach the trademark issuing authority to confirm if your chosen name is available for registration. If it is, you can register it; otherwise, you’d have to choose a different name.
Most people add their family names (f they are unique), knowing that it is unlikely for the trademark to be registered. However, you can also experiment and see if creative options are available.
Get a Logo Designed
The next step is the logo design. We recommend you give this project to a professional logo designer because they know how to manipulate the graphics to create eye-catching and memorable logos. Your goal should be for the logo to align with your overall image and be easily recognizable.
Start the Process of Setting Up Your LLC.
Once you finish the initial phase, it is time to register your business as an LLC. Technically, you can also opt for sole proprietorship; however, we recommend limited liability company status. This type of organization includes personal liability but won’t affect all your assets. In contrast, a sole proprietorship will put all your assets on the line.
Select and Register a Name
Establishing the company will take a few steps, but you’ve already taken two of them by this point. That’s right! Selecting a name and registering it are the first two steps of the process. If you’re done with the steps mentioned below, you have already covered these.
Choose a Registered Agent
A registered agent is a person who agrees to receive lawsuits, official documents, and similar material on behalf of an LLC. is considered a registered agent. Most states in the US require businesses to name such a person to ensure they can transfer relevant documents to the concerned person within the organization.
Create Your LLC Operating Agreement
An LLC operating agreement is similar to defining the operational framework of your organization. It starts from listing details about company ownership and member voting rights and goes on to describe core SOPs for aspects like profit sharing, governance, the shift of responsibilities, etc.
You won’t need to file it, but it is best to maintain it to ensure new members can review it before joining. It will prevent unnecessary claims and allow you to contest unwarranted requests and demands.
Submit Articles of Registration
Your articles of registration are necessary documents that you will need to submit with the state authority to establish your LLC. Requirements differ from state to state, so please click on this link and choose your state to see what procedures your need to follow.
Get State Certificate
Finally, you’ll receive a document that attests that your LLC. has been established, and you can start your business operations as soon as you’re ready.
Gather Funds to Buy Materials
Some of these steps can technically happen while you’re establishing the LLC. For example, you should start collecting funds to buy necessary items you’d need to run the business. In this case, your essentials will include:
Lawn Mower
Leaf Blower
String Trimmer
Gardening Gloves
Earmuffs
Gas Can
Trash Bags
A truck for traveling around
These items are the primary things you’ll need and will cost you $5,000 - $15,000 on average. You can add more support items once you start generating revenue.
Work on Business Brochures or Flyers to Distribute
Your business is operational, and you have the materials to get started. Your next step needs to be getting clients. For this purpose, you should begin preparing branded materials like flyers and brochures to distribute in the neighborhood and other regions.
It would be ideal to partner with a local store and request them to place your flyers at the cash counter. It would increase the likelihood of them catching people’s interest. You can also distribute them at popular commercial spots to increase the chances of gaining customers.
Launch Your Website
Most of the country is online, and that’s where you need to be to get noticed. You’ll need a functional, aesthetically pleasing, and SEO-optimized website where customers can book services online and get more information about your business.
Make the booking process as simple as possible and provide business contact details that they can use to get in touch to ask questions.
Remember that it is best to work with a professional to build your website for the best results. Trady is one of the best website development and design companies, and our team has extensive experience creating websites for new ventures.
We are experts and will ensure you get an optimal solution that attracts customers and sells your service.
Leverage Traditional and Digital Media Marketing
Distributing flyers and brochures is a marketing activity, but you also need a more streamlined marketing strategy for traditional and digital channels to get the best results. The good news is that Trady also offers marketing strategy and execution services, allowing you to maximize your reach, awareness, and conversion.
Our scope of services includes:
Email marketing
Phone Marketing
SMS Marketing
Search Ads
Social Media Marketing
Local Mailing Drops
Our integrated communication strategy and execution will help you get noticed among your target audience and help you grow your business.
Get Insurance
Accidents and emergencies can happen, and your business needs a safety net against them. Thankfully, several insurance plans for small and medium businesses can help you buy some basic and non-basic coverage.
Your initial priority should be protecting your assets, which can change depending on how you grow your business.
Get Ready for the Hustle
You have completed all the essentials, and it’s time to prepare for the hustle and struggle of owning an entrepreneurial venture. It will be challenging for the first few months, and you may find yourself working for over 70 hours per week.
However, this struggle is limited to the earlier phase and will ease after your marketing starts getting results and more customers start requesting your services. In time, you’ll be ready to hire team members and can opt for 40-50 hours per week of work.
Hire Employees
Diligent efforts, a growing market, and the right partnerships will help you grow your business to a size where you need more people. So, get an employer ID and start looking at ways to hire new employees. You’ll need to refer to your business plan and see how you mapped out job roles.
You’ll need to implement the structure, get an office, and start hiring.
Final Thoughts
We hope you enjoyed reading our guide to starting a lawn mowing business and found it informative. Please refer to it when you begin executing to follow a systematic approach when establishing your business.
The Trady team would love to support your venture and has the expertise to facilitate website development and marketing operations. Don’t hesitate to contact us to learn more about our services and book a meeting to discuss potential partnerships.