10 Ways Garden Designers Can Get More Bookings in 2026

Opinion

If you’re a garden designer looking to book more projects in 2026, the answer isn’t “work harder” it’s show up better. Strong branding, a clear website, and a confident online presence will do half the selling for you. Here’s where to focus.

1. Show your face more

People book you, not just your planting plans. Add a professional photo to your homepage, your About page, and your social feeds. It's that human element that helps you stand out from the competition.

2. Fix your homepage hero

The first three seconds determine whether someone stays or bounces. Your hero section must instantly tell them:

• who you are
• what you do
• who it’s for

If that isn’t obvious, your website is leaking enquiries.

3. Optimise your Google Business Profile

Photos, reviews, full contact details it all matters. A healthy profile boosts SEO, builds trust, and brings in local leads without paying for ads.

4. Make enquiries effortless

Your contact form should feel like an invitation, not homework. Keep it short. Make it friendly. The easier it feels, the more people hit “send”.

5. Use testimonials as social proof

Your clients’ words convert better than your own. Collect them, rotate them onto your homepage, and share them on your socials regularly.

6. Add trust signals everywhere

Press features, awards, certifications, RHS involvement…. whatever you’ve earned, show it. These cues reduce hesitation and increase bookings.

7. Share your process

Most clients have never hired a garden designer. Walk them through how it all works: consultations, concept designs, planting plans, budgets, timelines. Clarity removes fear and fear stalls enquiries.

8. Add an FAQ

A good FAQ saves you hours and boosts conversions. Answer the questions clients are often too shy to ask: cost, timelines, availability, what’s included, what’s not.

9. Write copy for both traditional SEO and AI search

This is the new frontier. Your website copy should:
• include clear keywords like garden design, landscapers, branding, websites, sustainable gardens, etc.
• be structured and factual so LLMs can surface your business in AI-driven search tools.
Good AIO content will be a massive advantage by 2026.