In the evolving digital landscape, search behaviors are shifting dramatically. Conversational search—a new search trend—is poised to redefine how landscaping and lawn care businesses connect with their customers. This shift is not just about technology; it’s about rethinking how businesses interact with potential clients in a natural, engaging manner.
What is conversational search?
Imagine searching for something online and feeling like you’re having a conversation with someone who truly understands your needs. That’s the essence of conversational search. It goes beyond keywords and links, offering results that feel personal and intuitive. For example, instead of typing “landscaping service Phoenix,” a user might ask, “I need a landscaping service in Phoenix to redesign my backyard with a pool and kid-safe features. Can you help?”
This kind of detailed, conversational query opens up incredible opportunities for businesses to connect with customers on a deeper level. For landscaping and lawn care professionals, it’s a chance to move beyond the limits of traditional keyword-focused strategies. By adopting conversational search, you can meet customers where they are and provide exactly what they’re looking for.
Why does it matter for landscaping businesses?
Think about it: Landscaping projects are personal. Whether someone is planning a lush backyard oasis or ensuring their commercial property looks pristine, every customer has unique needs. Conversational search allows businesses to understand and respond to these specifics.
For instance, consider this query:
“I’m looking for a landscaping service in Phoenix that can install drought-tolerant plants, design a kid-safe backyard, and incorporate a modern pool design. My budget is $50,000, and I need it completed in three months.”
With a conversational search strategy, your website or chatbot can capture the intent behind such detailed requests and deliver tailored recommendations. Traditional search can’t do that. It’s like having a one-on-one conversation with a potential client, even before they reach out.
The role of voice search
Voice search has been the buzzword of digital marketing for years, but 2025 might finally be its moment. Conversational AI, which powers many voice search tools, is projected to grow from USD 7.61 billion in 2023 to USD 34.7 billion by 2030, with a compound annual growth rate of 20.9% during this period. Why? Because voice search and conversational search go hand in hand.
Imagine trying to type this:
“I’m planning a landscaping project in San Francisco. I need help designing a modern backyard with drought-resistant plants, a pool, and kid-safe features. My budget is $30,000, and I’d like it done by the summer.”
Typing that out feels like a chore, but saying it? Simple. Voice search lets users articulate complex needs effortlessly, giving businesses a clearer picture of their intentions. For landscaping businesses, this is a golden opportunity to connect with customers early in their decision-making process.
Shifting from traditional to conversational content
For years, we’ve optimized for search engines rather than people. But now, the focus is shifting. Conversational search is about engaging naturally, asking questions, and providing clear, relevant answers. Nearly 80% of CEOs have made or plan to make adjustments in how they engage with clients, driven by the rise of conversational AI technologies. This demonstrates the growing priority for businesses to meet customer expectations with more humanized digital interactions.
So, how do you make the transition?
Here are a few steps:
1. Create content that tackles real customer queries, such as:
- “What are the best drought-tolerant plants for a modern backyard?”
- “How do I design a kid-safe landscape with a pool?”
2. AI-powered assistants can engage with customers in real-time, helping you understand their preferences and refine your strategy.
3. Outdated, irrelevant pages? Get rid of them. Focus on high-quality, engaging content that ranks for multiple conversational queries.
Practical steps to get started
- Evaluate your business goals to determine how conversational search fits into your strategy.
- Make your website’s content easy for search engines to interpret and is use structured data.
- Add chatbots or copilots to handle detailed customer inquiries in real-time.
- Ensure your content is optimized and works for voice search
- Start small with a portion of your marketing budget allocated to conversational search strategies. Monitor results, tweak your approach, and adjust as needed.
AI and social media: The perfect pair
Let’s not forget social media. Your customers are already talking to you there—asking questions, leaving comments and sharing feedback. Why not use those conversations to fuel your strategy?
For example, if customers often ask about eco-friendly landscaping options on Instagram, create content that answers those questions. Use AI tools to analyze social interactions and turn them into actionable insights. It’s all about creating a feedback loop: listen, learn, and adapt.
Looking ahead
Here’s the bottom line: Conversational search isn’t optional anymore—it’s a necessity. The conversational AI market is forecasted to grow 22% globally between 2020 and 2025, potentially reaching $14 billion by 2025. By embracing this trend, businesses will not only stay competitive but also create stronger, more meaningful connections with their customers.
Key takeaways
- Create content that addresses real needs of your customers
- Use AI tools to gather insights and enhance engagement.
- Focus on high-quality content over quantity.
- Start small, track results, and expand your efforts.
Conversational search is about more than just ranking higher. It’s about understanding your customers and engaging with them where they are. In 2025 and beyond, that’s how you’ll grow your landscaping business.
Yet, there is a catch-22 for many brands and customers alike. Businesses might hesitate to invest in conversational tools because they don’t see immediate customer engagement, while customers may hold back because they don’t realize this new interaction method is available. That’s where proactive education comes in.
Consider creating a short video or quick-start guide on socials, newsletters, etc. to show clients exactly how they can engage conversationally with your brand. By highlighting these new interaction options, you build awareness and invite more meaningful customer participation. Crafting clear messaging about these possibilities and developing strategies to ensure a smooth transition can make all the difference.
If customers don’t know a conversational approach is on offer, they simply won’t use it, and brands will miss out on key engagement opportunities. By bridging this knowledge gap on both sides, you can future proof your landscaping business and create a customer experience that stands out.
