Turn Your Job Sites Into Marketing Gold With Just a Smartphone
If you’re in the lawn and landscape industry, one of the easiest and most effective ways to win new customers is by showing off your work. Real photos. Real job sites. Real results.
The best part? You don’t need a professional photographer. With a few simple tips, your crew can take eye-catching photos using the phones they already carry in their pockets.
Here’s how to make it happen.
Why Photos from Your Crew Matter
Photos taken on the job are marketing gold. Here’s why they work:
- They build trust – Customers want to see your work, not generic stock photos.
- They keep you visible – Posting regularly keeps your business top of mind.
- They tell a story – A great before-and-after transformation can speak louder than a
hundred words - They get attention – Real photos are more likely to earn likes, shares, and referrals
Set Your Team Up for Success
You don’t need expensive gear.
Most smartphones today have excellent cameras and a few simple habits can make a huge
difference:
- Keep lenses clean: Dirt and smudges can ruin even the best shots. A microfiber cloth is a cheap, easy fix.
- Create a system: Use Google Photos, Dropbox, or another shared drive to make
collecting and organizing photos easy for your team.
Key Photo Tips to Share With Your Crew
Want consistent, great-looking photos from your team? Here’s the cheat sheet:
1. Focus on Lighting
- Natural light is your best friend.
- Shoot in the early morning or late afternoon (“golden hour”) when the light is softer.
- Avoid harsh midday sun that creates hard shadows and washed-out colors.
2. Mind the Background
- Check the background before snapping the photo: move trash bins, loose tools, or anything that clutters the shot.
- A clean background makes your work stand out.
3. Capture Before and After Shots
- Always take a before photo before the crew starts working.
- Match the angle and distance for the after photo to create a true transformation story.
4. Get Different Angles
- Wide shots: Show the entire property or lawn.
- Close-up shots: Highlight details like sharp edging, fresh mulch, or vibrant plants.
- Creative angles: Try low shots aiming slightly upward to make lawns and beds look expansive
5. Focus on Straight Lines
- Mow lines, clean bed edges, and symmetrical rows are very photogenic.
- Encourage crews to frame the shot squarely to showcase crisp lines.
6. Show Off Happy Clients (When Possible)
- With the homeowner’s permission, a quick photo of them smiling next to their fresh landscaping can be priceless marketing content.
- Always get verbal or written consent before sharing photos with customers in them.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Blurry photos: Hold the phone steady with two hands or lean against something to stabilize.
- Dirty lenses: Always wipe before snapping!
- No before photo: Easy to forget, but critical for a good transformation post.
- Too much clutter: Take a second to tidy up the area before shooting.
- Photos taken too far away: Make sure the lawn or landscaping details are visible and impressive
How to Make It Easy for Your Team
Your crew already works hard so keep photo expectations simple:
- Create a quick “Photo Cheat Sheet” they can review once.
- Set clear, simple rules: For example, “Take at least one good before-and-after set for each major project.”
- Incentivize good photos: Offer small rewards, shoutouts, or even monthly contests for the best photos captured by the team.
A little motivation goes a long way.
Let’s Turn Your Hard Work into Online Results!
Every job is a chance to create powerful, authentic content that attracts new customers and shows off the quality you bring to every project. At Lawnline Marketing, we specialize in helping lawn and landscape businesses create, share, and grow through powerful, data-driven marketing. Contact us today and let’s turn your hard work into online results!
This page was produced by North Coast Media’s content marketing staff in collaboration with Lawnline Marketing. NCM Content Marketing connects marketers to audiences and delivers industry trends, business tips and product information. The Landscape Management editorial staff did not create this content.