Winning a Craigslist Ad/Promotion - Increase in business

[MAKLawnCutter]

I have been posting on Craigslist for the past 3 months, even before i took over my business. I was pushing HIS business so i could make more money before he realized he wanted out... Anyways. I havent had a TON of luck until i posted an ad YESTERDAY. I had been posting as a "Corporation" even tho i said i was an independent. I changed my tactics. I slowed the ad down and pointed out that as an INDEPENDENT, i can TAKE THE TIME TO DETAIL their yard, instead of RUSH to get to the next one. I dedicate a full hour to ANY yard i approach. I include anything upto 1/3 Acre, i start at a base of 25$, cut/mow, edge, weed eat, clean beds (with a weed eater) and trim hedges and cut out anything in my way to make my JOB easier for the next time. It also sharpens the yard up for the customer. I usually lose out on the FIRST cut but, i win atleast one yard off of every 3 i do, i have an increase of 33% monthly just from voice of mouth. Back to the CL ad. You can present yourself as you want but, i usually post Business Name Location Insured - Licensed -IF YOU ARE- Residential and Commercial Opening - Introduce Yourself and your Business Body - Point out something you do that someone DOESNT do (I point out detail and my hurricane prep kits and my "light it up" program). I also point out i use a SMOKE FREE oil and CORN FREE fuel, more "earth" friendly" Closing - Usually has a CATCHING to it, THROW something in that you DONT usually do on yards... i do organic spraying, i added it in here. Closing2 - short and sweet, thank them for looking at your ad and hope they give you a try over their CURRENT guy... challenges them to ponder "maybe this dude is just ****y" - people talk to me and realize im educated... Your Business name again Contact number - "CONTACT US ANY TIME FOR QUICK SERVICE!" -people like everything done, RIGHT THEN AND THERE... I will post a link to my ad if you want, just let me know. Matt

[Steve]

Lawn care business tips

I will post a link to my ad if you want, just let me know. Hi Matt, Yes I'd love to see it. I think it would make it a lot easier to follow along with what you are saying when we have an example to look at too.

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[MAKLawnCutter]

M.A.K. Landscaping
Insured and Licensed
Serving Volusia and Seminole
Residential and Commercial

M.A.K. Landscaping is dedicated to the highest quality in Lawn Care, Landscaping and Customer Service!

We take the time and effort to cut, edge, weed eat, hedge trim and clean up on every piece of property we take care of. We take pride in knowing your home looks good from the street, and from the view out your sliding door to your back yard. We have many references and local connections to nurseries to bring you the best affordable lawn care and maintenance available!

M.A.K. Landscaping purchases the highest quality blades and lines to bring the best lift to your lawn. We use a smokeless oil to prevent additional dispense into the atmosphere that is un needed. All of our commercial equipment is kept upto par to make sure it performs at its peak for you every week!

We are looking for new customers in Southern Volusia and all of Seminole Counties, we are fully licensed and insured.

Covering - DeBary - Orange City - Deltona - Deland - Sanford - Lake Mary (heathrow/alaqua/lakes) - Longwood - Altamonte Springs - Casselberry

Basic Cuts starting at 25$ for upto 1/3 acre (average single family home).
*** 25$ Cut includes - Cut/Mow, Edge, Weed Eat, Hedge Trimming and Bed Cleaning and final clean up.

We offer:
Full organic; pet and children safe spraying of weeds, tic and flea eliminators (chemical FREE)
Hurricane Prep Kits and 24 Services (only company in Central FL with hurricane assistance) June 1st - Nov 30th
Mulching and Rock Bed instillation
Sod and Seeding
Design and Instillation
Retaining Walls

We Push you to challenge our service to your current lawn care company. We are locally owned and managed. Raised in Central FL.

Your Leading Central Florida Lawn Care Company!

407 *** **** - Direct contact for instant service.

[Steve]

I changed my tactics. I slowed the ad down and pointed out that as an INDEPENDENT, i can TAKE THE TIME TO DETAIL their yard, instead of RUSH to get to the next one.

This is very interesting! How did you come up with this idea? What was the inspiration behind it?