Landscape architects are an essential part of any community, whether they’re working on designing parks and open spaces or helping homeowners add curb appeal to their properties. But for every project that comes your way as a landscaper, there are probably dozens more—as such, finding ways to get clients as a landscape architect is essential. We’ll go over some proven strategies for getting new clients so that you can start building up your business and making money!
To get clients as a landscape architect, you need to try to network in your community (attend events), get active on social media (Facebook), leverage existing clients for new leads (ask for referrals), and create a portfolio of your work. Clients will come easily if you’re willing to do the work.
Network

One of the most important ways to get clients is by networking. It’s often the easiest and most effective way to land new work. Networking is about building connections with people who can refer you to others they know (and vice versa). It also builds trust and credibility over time by providing excellent service, sharing your expertise, and being a good listener.
But before you jump into networking, think about your target market.
- Who are your clients?
- Do they tend to be older or younger?
- Are they primarily families with kids who need help designing their backyards, or do they mostly have elderly parents who need help keeping their yards in order?
This will help you determine the type of people you want to network with and how best to reach them.
What Landscapers Make Per Hour (On Average)
Here are a few tips for getting started:
- Learn about the industry you’re entering—get familiar with what landscape architects do and how they get jobs.
- Check out local design associations or meetup groups where designers like yourself regularly gather for networking events; these groups usually have free membership dues that provide access to their online members-only website forums, with lots of opportunities for potential clients!
- Join a local professional organization or two related to your field, such as ASLA (American Society of Landscape Architects) or ISA (International Society of Arboriculture). This will help build your credibility when someone searches for a “landscape architect near me,” and you’ll have a better chance of getting clients to your business.
- If you want to focus on local groups, consider joining the Rotary.
- Attend conferences, workshops, and trade shows, and talk with people who might need your services.
- Make sure your website has a “Contact Us” page that includes your email address and phone number so people can reach out quickly if they want more information about what you do or how they can work with you!
Get Active on Social Media Platforms

Social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter are a great way to reach a large audience, with hundreds of millions of users on each platform alone. If you know your audience, you can use social media to market your landscape architecture services to potential clients and get your name out there in the field.
With so many people using these platforms, sharing high-quality content is essential if you want to build a personal brand with potential employers or clients. The best way to do this is by posting photos of projects you’ve worked on; try tagging relevant hashtags that might attract new followers who would be interested in hiring you (for example, #landscapearchitecture).
Another great way is by sharing articles related to landscape architecture on LinkedIn—this will help build credibility and share information that might be useful for other landscape architects looking at hiring someone like yourself!
But with so much work to do, it can be hard to keep up with social media and marketing.
That is why we’ve put together these tips on hiring social media help when busy as a landscape architect:
- Find someone who understands your brand and the industry
- Search on Indeed or other job boards for a social media manager
- Create a plan and let them do the work
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Leverage Existing Clients for New Leads

One of the most important ways to get new clients is by leveraging existing clients for new leads.
Why? Because it’s an easy way to stay in front of your clients without having to go through the hassle of cold calling or emailing people who don’t know you.
When you are working with a client, they’ll often give you information about their other needs—landscaping services, interior design, or whatever else. You can then use this information to market to them with a personalized message that references their current work with you.
It’s also a great way to keep your name out there when it comes time for them to hire someone else: if they remember how great working with you was, they’ll connect the dots and hire you again.
Here are a few tips on how to leverage your existing clients:
- Ask for referrals. Make it a point to ask your existing clients for referrals. You can do this in person, over email, and in your newsletter.
- Ask for testimonials. Clients are often willing to provide testimonials if they are happy with the work you did for them (and they usually will be). If a client is unwilling to give you a formal testimonial, then perhaps they would be willing to write down some positive things about your business on their website or LinkedIn profile page.
- Offer case studies of past projects on your website that include photos and details about how great the project turned out—this will speak volumes about how much pride you take in what you do and how much quality workmanship goes into each project!
- Offer referrals from existing clients who might have similar needs as those looking at hiring landscape architects: landscapers, engineers who specialize in grading/stormwater management systems; irrigation system installation companies; utility providers like gas & electric companies offering rebate programs, etc.
Create A Portfolio Of Your Work
Creating a portfolio is one of the most important things you can do to attract new clients. Potential clients will see that you are serious about your business and will be more willing to work with you if they know what kind of work you can do.
It’s also an opportunity for them to get an idea of what kind of experience and expertise you have, which helps them decide whether or not they want to hire you as their landscaper.
What should you include in your portfolio?

Your portfolio should include examples of previous work, such as:
- Photographs or drawings for all the projects listed on your proposal letter, with captions explaining what was done (for example: “This project involved designing a landscape plan for this client’s backyard.”)
- A list describing each project, including its location and size (for example: “This project was located in Seattle, Washington and was 4500 square feet.”)
- Photographs to show how the proposed design works with existing structures like patios or fences. For example, if we designed a new patio area, but there wasn’t enough room left for our lighting scheme, we would include pictures showing how it fits into place using other available structures such as nearby walls.
If you are going to include any of these tips in your portfolio, I hope they give you a good idea of what you might want. However, don’t let this list be the end-all and be-all of portfolio tips. As I said before, always remember the audience you need to impress. Communicate with your potential clients. Ask them what they are looking for in your portfolio, and then make sure it’s there. A good portfolio can help you secure clients and establish yourself as a reputable landscape architect; it is one way of representing the work that will help you get more work.
If you are eager to get clients as a landscape architect business, then now’s the time. You can jump-start your business with small projects along with the tips mentioned above, which will help build your portfolio and promote your business further. It is important not to get discouraged if you don’t see immediate results from your efforts. With these tips, you’ll be well on your way to working as a professional landscape architect.
We Answer: Are Landscaping Architects Worth Hiring?
Frequently Asked Questions
Is landscape architecture in high demand?
Landscape architects are in high demand. This industry is expected to grow in the upcoming years gradually. Since there can be clients of all sizes ranging from commercial to residential, there is an opportunity for more employment as it grows.
How do I become a successful landscape architect?
It is ideal to try to get licensed when trying to become a successful landscape architect. Most landscape architects attend college to earn a bachelor’s or master’s degree. They also attend training and focus on specialized skills. Finding your niche is essential when trying to earn consistent income.
How do I start a landscape architecture business?
To start a landscape architecture business, ensure you have the proper licenses, permits, and systems for legal issues, finances, clients, employees, and insurance. Remember to register your business and eventually focus on branding and marketing yourself.
To learn more on how you can start your own landscaping business, check out my startup documents here.
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Meet Shawn Chun: Entrepreneur and Landscape Business Fan.
I’m a happy individual who happens to be an entrepreneur. I have owned several types of businesses in my life from a coffee shop to an import and export business to an online review business plus a few more and now I create online resources for those interested in starting new ventures. It’s demanding work but I love it. I do it for those passionate about their business and their goals. That’s why when I meet a landscape business owner at a job site, driving down the road or anywhere else I see myself. I know how hard the struggle is to retain clients, find good employees and keep the business growing all while trying to stay competitive.
That’s why I created Landscaping Business Boss: I want to help landscape business owners like you build a thriving business that brings you endless joy and supports your ideal lifestyle.