The Christmas light season is brutally short, and most customers decide in October and early November. If your calendar isn't filling by then, you're already behind. Here's how to get ahead of it.
Start with last year's customers
Your warmest leads are the people you installed for last season. Reach out in early fall — before your competitors do — and offer to lock in their spot. A simple "we'd love to light you up again this year" note converts remarkably well.
Ask for referrals while the lights are up
The best time to ask for a referral is when a customer is thrilled — usually the week their lights go on. A small discount for a successful referral turns happy customers into a sales team.
Get found locally
Make sure you show up when someone searches "Christmas light installation near me." Claim your Google Business Profile, gather reviews, and put your service area on your website. Local search is where ready-to-buy customers look.
Use the neighborhoods you're already in
When you install one house on a street, the neighbors notice. Leave a door hanger on adjacent homes, or offer a "block rate" for multiple houses. Your truck in the driveway is the best advertising you have.
Make it easy to say yes
An online quote request form beats phone tag every time. The faster you respond with a clear price, the more jobs you close.
Fill the calendar early, and the rest of the season runs itself.