5 Strategies For Effective Ground Game Marketing
If you want to dominate your local market with holiday lights, you can’t rely on digital ads alone. While online marketing is important, the ground game—the physical, in-person strategies that get your name in front of homeowners—is one of the most powerful ways to generate consistent leads and build long-term brand awareness.
Here are 5 proven strategies to supercharge your ground game marketing this season:
1. Neighborhood Marketing
Neighborhood marketing isn’t just about putting out signs—it’s a full strategy to dominate the best areas in your territory. Focus on upper-middle-class neighborhoods (not ultra-wealthy areas) where homeowners value curb appeal and professional services.
Here’s the formula:
Place yard signs at entrances/exits and throughout the neighborhood
Distribute door hangers with a strong offer
Run hyper-local social media ads for added awareness
Door knock to connect directly with residents
As leads come in, your wrapped vehicles become rolling billboards that give the impression your business is everywhere—building credibility and trust quickly.
2. Utilize Yard Signs and Door Hangers
Old-school doesn’t mean outdated. Yard signs and door hangers still deliver results. After completing an install, ask the customer if you can leave a yard sign up for a few days—it’s free advertising in a neighborhood where you want more jobs.
Set weekly goals:
40–50 yard signs per week
2,000 door hangers per week
Yes, it’s a lot—but it works. These touchpoints build visibility and generate steady leads.
3. Door Knocking
One of the most reliable, low-cost ways to fill your pipeline is door knocking. With the right scripts, you can expect to generate 2–3 leads per hour. Whether you hire canvassers or get out there yourself, this strategy can completely book your calendar.
💡 Pro Tip: Use the Holiday Lights Academy door knocking scripts to maximize results.
4. Encourage Customer Reviews and Referrals
Reviews and referrals are your credibility multiplier. Ask every satisfied customer to leave a review on Google, Facebook, or Yelp. Even a handful of positive reviews can dramatically improve your local ranking and boost trust.
Take it a step further with a referral program:
Offer discounts, gift cards, or free add-on services for each referral
Make it simple and rewarding to spread the word
This keeps your brand circulating in the community without additional ad spend.
5. Engage with Local Community Groups
Get plugged into where your customers spend time:
Join Facebook groups and Nextdoor to answer questions and showcase your work
Sponsor community events, home shows, or school fundraisers
Set up a booth and bring physical displays of your lighting
By being visible both online and in-person, you build trust, show community support, and establish your business as the go-to choice for holiday lighting.
Ready to Take Your Holiday Lights Business to the Next Level?
With the right systems, planning, and expert guidance, you can streamline your takedowns, boost profits, and scale your seasonal business faster.
📞 Book a free discovery call with Holiday Lights Academy today to learn how our proven strategies can help you maximize efficiency and revenue this season!
