The winter holidays are a festive time of year for many people. Families gather together, people entertain others, and many homeowners and business owners decorate their properties with wreaths, garland, figurines, and lights. Over the years, some established home service companies began offering holiday lighting services, while other companies were created solely as holiday lighting businesses. If you are considering a holiday lighting business, there are many steps to consider to help create success, substantially, and profitability. Below is a practical guide with the basics you need to start your own holiday lighting business.

Benefits of Starting a Holiday Lighting Business

Lighting enthusiasts can enjoy many benefits of opening their own holiday lighting business. If you have skills in lighting design, ensuring proper lighting function, safely attaching lights to various surfaces, and strong organizational skills, then you may be very successful providing lighting services to property owners in your area. People hire holiday lighting companies for many reasons, including the fact that many people are not comfortable climbing ladders to attach lights to homes, commercial buildings, or trees. Property owners may also be short on time, unsure of their safety procedures for light installation, unsure how many lights they need or how to design a lighting display, or may just want to hire a professional in the light installation field. Whatever the reason why property owners want to hire help for light decorating, you can benefit from being ready to take on the task for them.

Plans for Beginning a Holiday Lighting Business

Once you have decided to start your own holiday lighting business, then you need to consider your plan. Consider the following: 

1. Decide which lighting services you want to offer. Do you have the skills needed to complete lighting installations, or do you need further training? Do you want to start with simple installations and move into more advanced projects as you gain experience?  
2. Check out your target service area and local market. Who are your competitors in your area, and what can you offer that will help you stand out from the crowd? 
3. Create an operational plan for your lighting business. What will you need to acquire to get started in the business? Include business registration, insurance, lighting equipment, safety materials, vehicle expenses, branding, and marketing.  
4. Invest in good-quality lighting equipment and other needed supplies. Now that you have a plan and a list, buy the equipment and lighting supplies you need to start your initial services. 
5. Choose insurance for your business needs. Don’t cut corners on insurance. Remember insurance for general liability, employee coverage, workers’ compensation, and any other type needed for your purpose.  
6. Develop an attractive brand. Develop a brand that represents what matters to you and is memorable to your customers.  
7. Consider pricing for services and lighting packages you will offer.  
8. Develop a comprehensive website and Google Business Profile for your business.  
9. Establish a marketing plan and generate leads. Begin running Christmas lighting ads several months before the holidays arrive to secure early planners and fill your calendar.  
10. Book customers, perform reliable lighting installation/maintenance/removal services, and perform thorough documentation for each project.

Conclusion

As you start a holiday lighting company, you may begin with simple lighting projects and expand your services over time. As you gain experience, you will master your craft, learn your local market, track numbers, and learn what works best for you and your community.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can a holiday lighting business be a profitable endeavor?
Yes, holiday lighting companies can be quite successful; however, like any business, they require an initial investment. Profitability for a holiday lighting company depends on equipment costs, pricing, labor, marketing, and the ability to fill your calendar during a short seasonal window. As lighting services increase or become more comprehensive, profitability usually increases, too.    

How early in the year should I begin marketing my holiday lighting services?
Many people begin thinking about their holiday decorating and planning several months ahead of the season; therefore, you should begin marketing your holiday lighting business toward the end of summer and the beginning of fall. When you advertise early, you can reach early planners and stay visible as the holidays approach. Marketing well ahead of time gives you more time to generate leads, build brand awareness in your community, and fill your schedule in advance.  

How do I attract my initial holiday lighting customers?
If you already operate a home service business, then begin marketing your holiday lighting services to existing customers. You can also reach out to friends, neighbors, and community members to showcase your lighting services; they may be interested or able to refer you to others. Keep your Google Business Profile and website accurate and up to date, and include key business information so new customers have what they need to contact you for holiday lighting services.