The top ways to get commercial snow removal contracts are:
- Improve PPC advertising
- Sign up to government contracts
- Form partnerships
- Promote your projects on social media
Improve PPC advertising by using Google Ads to target high-intent keywords. Use terms like “Business parking lot snow plowing near me” or “Commercial snow removal services [City]”. According to WordStream, snow removal service ads using location-specific keywords have an average click-through rate of 3.17%. Go to LinkedIn Ads when reaching facility directors or corporate managers. Send direct messages giving free estimates for seasonal contracts. Local businesses can request a quote on LinkedIn without using external platforms.
For government contracts, prepare workers’ compensation insurance and general liability insurance. Prepare necessary equipment like salt spreaders, trained operators, and snowplows. These requirements are necessary to showcase your expertise with government officials. You need to establish trust before working with long-term government projects. Also, register with SAM.gov and get a CAGE Code. These make your business eligible for contracting and federal funding.
Form partnerships with property managers, and general contractors. Give seasonal or multi-year agreements to increase repeat partnerships. Attend Chamber of Commerce training to introduce your business to more contract opportunities.
Promote your projects on social media to get commercial snow removal contracts. Join local community groups on Facebook. Post before-and-after photos of de-icing and shoveling walkways. Present your services in comment sections for users looking for emergency snow removal services. According to Service Autopilot, snow removal businesses convert 41% of interactions into seasonal contracts when responding to emergency service requests in community forums.
In this article, we discuss the top ways to get commercial snow removal contracts. We also discuss licensing and insurance, response time, and expertise.
1. Improve PPC advertising to market snow removal services online
Start with Google Ads when improving PPC advertising for commercial snow removal contracts. Bid on keywords such as “business parking lot snow plowing near me” or “commercial snow removal services near me”. Target specific service areas where you want to receive contracts. Create high-converting landing pages with testimonials and strong CTAs. This boosts your online presence so it’s easier for users to find your website. Also, LinkedIn Ads are good for targeting commercial landlords, municipal decision-makers, and property managers. According to HubSpot research, 80% of B2B leads from social media are from LinkedIn, making it valuable for commercial snow removal contracts.
Ryan Moran recommends Google Ads for snow removal companies because of fast results and a trackable ROI. it quickly puts your company at the top of search engines. Prepare a budget of at least $750-$1,000 per month. Prepare a reliable follow-up system to effectively manage new leads. Prioritize solving customer concerns through quick responses and having a user-friendly website. Also, use call extensions so customers can call from the ad without visiting your site.
Alex Does Digital recommends choosing “Leads” as your campaign goal. Reach the goal using phone calls and website visits. Select “Clicks” for new campaigns and set a maximum cost-per-click bid. Make ad groups for commercial snow removal services. Use Google’s Keyword Planner to find relevant keywords like “commercial snow removal” and “snow removal near me”. Craft interesting descriptions and ad headlines that include pricing, services, and location.
2. Sign up your commercial snow removal business to government contracts
Meet government requirements before settling snow removal contracts. These include legal business registration and insurance. Prepare necessary snow removal equipment like salters, plows, and shovels. Register your business to your state’s procurement portal. According to SCORE, small businesses are 23% more likely to secure public sector work when properly registering for government contracts. Check country government websites for Invitation for Bids (IFBs) and Requests for Proposals (RFPs). Focus on bidding contracts that match your company’s strengths.
Explore state and local government platforms like U3P and Bonfire. SAM.gov is good for getting federal opportunities. Check pricing structure, experience requirements, and bid deadlines. Focus on a strategic approach to have successful bids. Highlight your expertise and give cost estimates based on seasonal contracts or per-plow rates.
Engaging in teaming agreements or joint ventures (JVs) is also beneficial. Offer exceptional services like salt/sand application and pre-storm preparation treatments. Below are details to include when crafting a joint venture agreement:
- Division of responsibilities
- Profit sharing
- Contract management
- Compliance and reporting.
- Dispute resolution
3. Form partnerships to boost commercial snow removal contracts
Find potential partners in the local chamber of commerce, business directories, or Snow & Ice Management Association (SIMA). Offer your winter services to landscaping companies. Subcontract for plowing, sidewalk maintenance, and de-icing. Providing these specific services increases referrals for businesses. According to Lawn & Landscape Magazine, snow removal contractors see a 31% increase in client retention year-over-year when partnering with landscaping companies. Find property maintenance partners in trade shows and local business networking events.
Contract with commercial companies that manage small lots. Discuss your services to facility managers or building owners. Highlight how your services reduce slip-and-fall liability. Give commission incentives in exchange of referring new clients to you.
Before growing your snow removal business, work with a lawyer to manage your insurance. Not being properly insured can lead your business to financial challenges. A Redditor mentioned that their former friend lost $30,000 for doing some damage without being insured.
4. Promote your commercial snow removal projects on social media
Promote your projects on Facebook, YouTube, Instagram, or TikTok. Most social media users would ask, “Which plow companies are available in [City]?” When creating a profile, upload your business name, logo, and cover photo. Post a caption about available services such as roof snow removal, sidewalk clearing, and snow hauling. According to Social Media Examiner, posts generate 43% more inquiries than generic snow removal posts when mentioning specific services like “roof snow removal”. Update before-and-after services of successful projects. Share video reviews of happy customers to boost credibility.
Join local business groups on Facebook or LinkedIn. Engage in discussions about snow removal with property managers and business owners. Users ask questions like “Can someone recommend a good snow removal company near [City]?” Present your services and attach a website link in comment sections. People can tell your business operations are legal if they know you also have a website.
Create engaging graphics about limited-time promotions or discounts. Give bundle deals to users who need snow removal with salting services. Encourage them to sign up for your upcoming seasonal snow removal plan. Utilize video marketing through behind-the-scenes clips of snowstorm preparation. Publish educational videos discussing why pre-season contracts are better than last-minute plowing.
What factors do businesses consider when selecting a snow removal contractor?
- Expertise and experience – Provide a portfolio of projects to get contractor leads. Businesses prefer if you have experience with de-icing or large-scale snow removal.
- Services offered – Give detailed descriptions of snow blowers, seasonal snow removal, sidewalk clearing, and relocating snow. These services must be listed on your website or social media platforms.
- Response time and availability – Reply to messages, calls, or emails for overnight and early-morning snow events. Your company’s response time must be available 24/7 in case of emergencies.
- Licensing and insurance – These show that your business operates legally. Liability insurance safeguards the company from property damage or accidents.
- Compliance with local regulations – Strictly follow environmental regulations, city ordinances, and property safety requirements. Also, learn de-icing restrictions and snow disposal laws.
