Outdoor lighting can be a lucrative and creative business to start. It involves a combination of creativity, electrical savvy, and knowledge of outdoor space design. Whether you’re installing LED lights around decks or putting up decorative string lights in gardens, there are plenty of opportunities to bring your own ideas and flair to the table. In this article, we’ll explain how to start an outdoor lighting business, from the types of lights and equipment you need to finding clients and marketing your services.
#1. Understanding Your Market
Before setting up a shop, it’s important to understand who your target customers are. Are you targeting residential homeowners looking for unique backyard designs? Do you want to work with contractors to install floodlights on a new subdivision? Are you looking to work with commercial clients who need parking lot lighting? Once you know the types of clients that you want, look for areas and neighborhoods where your services can be in high demand.
In essence, it’s important to do your research and understand the market before getting started. Until then, you won’t have a good sense of what lights and equipment you need or how to best market your services.
#2. Sourcing Lights and Equipment
Once you know who you’re targeting, the next step is to source the lights and equipment necessary for your projects. If you plan on doing residential lighting, consider focusing on LED lights, as they’re becoming the most popular choice for homeowners. You may also want to look into string and rope lights, landscape lighting systems, and even decorative fixtures like lighted planters. Keep in mind that you don’t need to purchase all of your equipment at once – many suppliers offer discounts when buying in bulk or on a monthly basis.
#3. Consider Franchising
If you’re feeling overwhelmed at the thought of setting up a business from scratch, consider looking into franchising opportunities. With franchising, you have the benefit of working with an established brand and have access to its resources and training programs. This can also make it easier for you to get your name out there, as many franchises have existing marketing strategies that you can use to get your business up and running in no time.
A good recommendation is to look for franchises that specialize in outdoor lighting, such as Blingle, as they will have the best resources and contacts for you. When researching, make sure that you find out about any additional costs associated with the franchise.
#4. Finding Clients
Once all of your equipment is purchased and ready to go, it’s time to start looking for clients. This can be done through a combination of techniques, including word-of-mouth referrals, online advertising on platforms like Facebook and Instagram, and even cold-calling businesses in the area. You should also consider getting involved with local organizations in your community, such as homeowners associations or local business groups. This will help you increase your reach and get more people aware of your services.
It’s also helpful to set up a portfolio of your work (on websites like Houzz) so that potential customers can get a better idea of the type of work you do. Don’t forget to leverage online reviews and ratings, as this is an often-overlooked but crucial way to spread the word about your business.
Conclusion
As you can see, there’s a lot that goes into starting an outdoor lighting business. But with the right research and dedication, it can be a rewarding and lucrative venture. You only have to take the first step and you’ll be on your way to success. Don’t worry if it takes some time to get established – with the right strategies and determination, you’ll be able to find success in no time. As a business owner, it’s important to stay positive and focused on your goals – you can do this!
