Streamline Your Landscaping Business with Jobber: A Comprehensive Walkthrough
Hey, it’s Keith Kalfas here! If you’re running a landscaping or lawn care business—whether you’re just starting out or you’ve been grinding for 10 years—there’s one thing you’ve probably realized: running a business is hard.
From acquiring customers to scheduling jobs, sending invoices, and getting paid, the workload can feel overwhelming. That’s why I want to talk to you about Jobber, a software platform I’ve been using for over four years. Honestly, I can’t imagine running my business without it.
Jobber is a CRM (Customer Relationship Management) software that streamlines your entire operation. It handles billing, invoicing, automatic payment collection, follow-ups, and so much more. Today, I had the pleasure of sitting down with Ethan, a product specialist at Jobber, to walk through how this software can revolutionize your business. Let’s dive in!
Why Jobber?
First off, let me tell you why I love Jobber. It’s not just a tool; it’s like having an extra employee who never sleeps. Whether I’m in the office or sitting in my truck while my crew is working, I can send invoices, collect payments, and even let customers leave tips—all from my phone.
Ethan explained that Jobber is built around a four-step workflow:
- Request: Capture customer inquiries.
- Quote: Send professional quotes with optional add-ons.
- Job: Schedule and manage the work.
- Invoice: Get paid faster with automated invoicing.
This simple workflow makes it easy to stay organized and efficient, no matter the size of your business.
Step 1: Capturing Customer Requests
When customers start looking for your services online, first impressions matter. Jobber allows you to add a request form to your website, Facebook page, or Google listing. This form captures all the essential details—name, address, and the type of service they’re looking for. Customers can even upload photos of the job site, giving you a better idea of what to expect before you even step foot on their property.
Here’s the best part: you don’t need to be a tech wizard to set this up. Jobber provides a simple snippet of code that you can embed on your website. Once a customer submits a request, it shows up in Jobber as a new lead. You’ll get notified immediately, so you can follow up without delay.
Step 2: Sending Professional Quotes
The quoting tool in Jobber is a game-changer. It allows you to create detailed, professional quotes that include photos, optional line items, and clear pricing. Ethan shared some powerful insights:
- Photos on Line Items: Adding images to your quotes can increase your win rate by over 50%. Customers are more likely to approve a quote when they can visualize the service.
- Optional Line Items: This feature lets you upsell additional services. For example, if you’re quoting a landscaping job, you can offer optional add-ons like tree trimming or seasonal maintenance packages. Customers can select the extras they want, boosting your revenue without any awkward sales pitches.
I’ve personally used this feature to upsell thousands of dollars in additional work. For instance, I once added options for tree trimming and garden bed cleanups to a $9,430 landscaping job. The customer ended up approving everything, turning it into a $14,000 project!
Step 3: Scheduling and Managing Jobs
Once a quote is approved, it’s time to schedule the work. Jobber’s calendar view makes it easy to assign jobs to your team and keep track of everything. Here are some standout features:
- Job Forms: These are customizable checklists that ensure every task is completed to your standards. For example, if you’re doing window cleaning, the form might include steps like “clean basement windows” or “remove cobwebs.” Employees can check off each task as they go, providing accountability and consistency.
- Route Optimization: For those of you doing multiple jobs in a day, this feature is a lifesaver. Jobber calculates the most efficient route, saving you time and gas money. Ethan mentioned that optimizing your routes can turn a 15-job day into a 20-job day—just by reducing drive time.
Step 4: Invoicing and Getting Paid
This is where Jobber truly shines. Once a job is marked as complete, you can send an invoice directly to the customer or collect payment on the spot. Jobber even allows you to automate the entire process:
- Batch Invoicing: Send multiple invoices at once at the end of the day, week, or month.
- Automatic Payments: Set up recurring billing for regular customers. Their credit cards are charged automatically, ensuring you get paid on time.
Ethan shared a great tip: if you’re worried about credit card processing fees (typically 2.9%), just build it into your pricing. Most customers won’t even notice, and the convenience of getting paid faster is well worth it.
Automating Follow-Ups and Reviews
One of my favorite features is Jobber’s ability to automate follow-ups. If a customer hasn’t responded to a quote or paid their invoice, Jobber will send them a friendly reminder via text or email. This saves you the hassle of chasing down payments and ensures no money is left on the table.
Jobber also helps you grow your online presence by asking customers for reviews. Positive reviews boost your visibility on Google, making it easier for new customers to find you. Ethan shared a story about a Jobber user who went from 12 Google reviews to 65 in just two weeks, simply by turning on this feature.
Re-Engaging Past Customers
Did you know it’s easier (and cheaper) to sell to existing customers than to acquire new ones? Jobber’s campaign system lets you re-engage past clients with targeted email campaigns. For example, you can send a message to all your snow removal customers in September, reminding them to book early for the winter season.
I’ve personally used email marketing to close $18,000 in work with a single campaign. Imagine what you could do with Jobber handling this for you automatically!
Why You Need Jobber
If you’re still managing your business with pen and paper or a basic spreadsheet, it’s time to level up. Jobber doesn’t just make your life easier; it makes your business more profitable. By automating tedious tasks, improving customer communication, and optimizing your workflow, Jobber frees you up to focus on what you do best—delivering exceptional service.
Final Thoughts
Running a landscaping or lawn care business is tough, but it doesn’t have to be. With Jobber, you can streamline your operations, increase your efficiency, and grow your revenue—all while providing a better experience for your customers.
If you’re ready to take your business to the next level, I highly recommend giving Jobber a try. You can get a free two-week trial and an exclusive discount by visiting https://getjobber.com/kalfas. Trust me, once you see what Jobber can do, you’ll wonder how you ever managed without it.
