Imagine this: a few months into the New Year, and all you’ve finished all your holiday light takedowns.
Now is the time to hang up your “lights” hat and focus on other home services for the summer.
Right?
Wrong.
You don’t need to give up on holiday lights just because you’re in the wrong season. All over the country, homeowners are starting to take the tarp of their barbecues, power wash their patios, and start getting ready to host their friends.
There’s no reason why they wouldn’t want awesome lights to bring a festive atmosphere to their outdoor areas. So, what should you start selling?
We’re offering you a clear roadmap so that you can boost your off-season revenue through patio lighting.
Table of Contents
- Why Patio Lighting is Hot Right Now
- Getting Your Business Ready to Shine
- Showcasing Your Skills: Marketing That Works
- Nailing the Consultation and Quote
- From 'Yes' to Installation Day: Smooth Sailing
- Keeping Clients Happy and Coming Back
Why Patio Lighting is Hot Right Now
Think about Sarah. She just bought a house with a nice backyard, but the patio feels dark and unused after sunset. She sees pictures online of cozy, lit up spaces and dreams of hosting friends or relaxing under gentle lights.
Sarah isn't alone. More and more homeowners see their patios as extensions of their living rooms. They want comfortable, inviting outdoor areas for entertaining or unwinding. This trend is huge for lighting professionals! People are searching for ways to make their patios usable and beautiful after dark. They want ambiance, safety, and that 'wow' factor. Understanding this desire helps you connect with clients like Sarah and show them how your services meet their needs.
It's not just about stringing lights. It's about creating experiences.
Getting Your Business Ready to Shine
Before you can book jobs reliably, your business needs a solid foundation. Imagine a prospect asks about your previous installations, and you fumble for the details.
Not a great start!
If you don’t have any patio light installs under your belt, consider showing some of these photos as marketing collateral to impress your clients. Sarah wants to see examples of your work so that she can wow her spouse and kids. Approach new prospects with a smile and a winning personality. Make it impossible for them to say no to you.
💡 Pro Tip: Organize your online portfolio by project type (e.g., 'Christmas Lights,' 'Poolside Lighting,' 'Commercial Spaces') to make it easy for potential clients to find relevant examples.
Showcasing Your Skills: Marketing That Works
Okay, your business is prepped. Now, how do clients find you? You need to let people like Sarah know you exist! A professional looking website is key. Make it easy for people to find you by populating it with SEO (Search Engine Optimization) keywords.
What’s SEO?
Here’s a simple explanation: You want people who find contractors on Google to find you by ranking high on Google’s search results. A good way to do this is by including keywords that your customers might Google, such as “[Your Town] Patio Lights”, “Patio Light Installation”, “Patio Lights Installer Near Me”.
You might be thinking, “That sounds great for techies, but word-of-mouth is my biggest marketing tool.”
We completely agree.
That’s why print marketing is one of the best ways you can invest in your business. Purchase door hangers and yard signs. If you own a truck, brand your vehicle with your company logo, and include “Patio Lighting” somewhere in the mix.
If you already have a reliable client for your Christmas light installation business, offer them a reduced rate on patio lighting. They can be your test subject and, if they’re open to it, you can hang a yard sign for easy publicity.
💡 Pro Tip: Offer a small discount or referral bonus to past clients who send new customers your way. It encourages word-of-mouth marketing.
Nailing the Consultation and Quote
The phone rings – it's Sarah! This is your chance to shine.
The consultation is crucial. It's not just about measuring the space; it's about understanding Sarah's vision. Ask questions: What does she want to use the patio for? What feeling does she want (cozy, festive, modern)? What's her budget? Listen carefully. Walk the space with her, pointing out possibilities and potential challenges (like power sources). Take good notes and measurements.
Image suggestion: Photo of an installer talking with a homeowner on their patio, pointing towards areas for potential lighting. — Alt text: “Professional discussing patio lighting options with a client onsite.”
Which Light Is Right for You?
Offer several aesthetic options to give your client ownership over the design.
We typically find that patios look incredible when lights hang overtop a dining table or a communal fireplace. The extra illumination makes clients’ outdoor spaces feel comfortable and cozy.
For those seeking a more traditional look, the “Edison Style” S14 Bulb is a smash hit.
For those wanting a more modern ambience, the G50 Bulb is the way to go.
💡 Pro Tip: Use a simple visual sketch or basic design software during the consultation to help clients visualize the proposed lighting layout.
From 'Yes' to Installation Day: Smooth Sailing
Sarah loved the quote and said yes! Now it's time for smooth execution. Good scheduling is key. Use a calendar or scheduling software to keep track of jobs. Confirm the installation date and time with the client a day or two beforehand. Before heading out, double check your inventory. Do you have all the lights, clips, extension cords, and tools needed? Arrive on time and be professional. Communicate with the client upon arrival and explain the basic steps. Work efficiently and cleanly. Test everything before you leave to make sure it works perfectly and the client knows how to operate timers or controls.
💡 Pro Tip: Create a pre-installation checklist for your team covering tools, materials, safety gear, and client communication points to ensure consistency.
Keeping Clients Happy and Coming Back
The job is done, and Sarah's patio looks amazing! But your work isn't over. Follow up a few days later. Ask Sarah if she's happy with the lights and if she has any questions. This shows you care and helps catch any minor issues early. This is also the perfect time to politely ask for an online review or if she knows anyone else who might need your services. Think long term. Could Sarah benefit from landscape lighting next year? Or maybe offer a yearly maintenance checkup service for her patio lights? Building relationships leads to repeat business and valuable referrals, making it easier to book your next job.
💡 Pro Tip: Offer an optional annual maintenance package that includes checking connections, replacing bulbs if needed, and adjusting timers for seasonal changes.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I price custom patio lighting jobs fairly?
For custom jobs, calculate the cost of materials (lights, wires, hardware, timers), estimate the hours of labor required (including consultation and design time), add overhead costs (insurance, vehicle expenses), and then add your desired profit margin. Be transparent about the factors influencing the price during the quote.
What are the most popular types of patio lights clients ask for?
LED string lights (especially Edison bulb style) are extremely popular for their ambiance, energy efficiency, and durability. Mason jar pendant lanterns are also in high demand and pair well with the Edison bulbs.
How important are photos of my work?
Very important! High quality photos are proof of your skills and help potential clients visualize what you can do for their space. A strong portfolio is one of your best marketing tools for booking patio lighting jobs.
Summary
- Booking more patio lighting jobs comes down to a smooth, professional process.
- Start by understanding client needs and preparing your business with insurance and a great portfolio.
- Market effectively online and locally, focusing on showcasing your work and gathering reviews.
- Master the consultation and quoting process by listening, providing clear options, and setting expectations.
- Streamline scheduling and installation for efficiency and client satisfaction.
- Finally, follow up after the job to ensure happiness, request reviews, and explore future opportunities.
- By implementing these steps, you can turn inquiries into booked jobs more consistently and grow your patio lighting business.
- Ready to brighten more patios? Check out our summer lights collection for high quality options!