Starting a cleaning service is relatively easy, potentially lucrative, and as long as people continue being messy, you will always have work.
However, because it’s simple to get started, many cleaning services find themselves in competition with other businesses in their area.
When your local market is oversaturated, it’s important that you tailor your brand so that you stand out.
Before we get to marketing your cleaning service, there are a few essential steps we need to cover first.
1. Obtain Licensing And Permits
If you want to operate legally (and you do) you need to apply to become a business. You have a few options here, and if you’re unfamiliar with legal jargon it might be helpful to consult with a lawyer to walk you through the necessary steps.
Applying to become a legitimate business may sound daunting to someone who has never done it before, but it’s actually a simple and rather inexpensive process.
If you register as a sole proprietor, meaning you’re the only one who owns the business, don’t expect to spend more than $80. If you apply to become a Limited Liability Company (LLC), the cost can rise to several hundred dollars, but never much more.
2. Get The Right Equipment
What’s a cleaning service without actual cleaning supplies? There are many options to choose from, and it’s possible to find inexpensive products that are both eco-friendly and gentle on all surfaces. Rugs, scrubs, buckets, brushes: these are tools of the trade and thankfully they’re highly portable and usually quite durable.
If you really want to see your company grow, you should also consider using tech tools to help run your business. Keeping track of your employees, client needs, and pay schedules can be a lot to juggle.
With the help of residential cleaning software, all of that information is stored and managed for you, allowing you to focus all of your attention on clients, growth, and decision making.
3. Get Your Hands Dirty
While the dream might be to have a fleet of employees traveling between homes and businesses, in the beginning, it’s necessary, especially if you want to keep costs down, that you do some cleaning, too.
If you’ve done the work, you’ll be better equipped to handle customer complaints and advise employees when the going gets tough. You’ll also gain more respect from your clients, being that you’re on the frontline.
If you already have a full-time job and you’re starting a cleaning company on the side, employing yourself is ideal because you get to set your own hours and work only when you have the time.
4. Pick A Catchy Name
Almost every city in America has several cleaning services available to the local population. With so much competition, it can be hard to stand out. If you choose a bland, generic name, no one is going to remember you. However, if you pick something catchy, people will be more inclined to look you up and give your services a try.
In the beginning, when you’re trying to grow your business, having a catchy name can be the difference between becoming relevant in your area and falling into obscurity.
5. Market Yourself!
One of the best ways to market your business is by encouraging your friends and family to tell their friends and family. Word of mouth might seem old school but it’s a way to gain the trust of clients before you meet them.
If you feel that you’ve done a good job and your services were appreciated, don’t be afraid to ask your clients to spread the word. If you don’t, many will simply carry on with their day and not think to tell anyone else about the excellent cleaning job that they just paid for.
Social media is also a fantastic way to get the word out. By paying for sponsored posts, which are relatively inexpensive, you can reach potential clients that are just beyond your network.
The key is to be relentless and to back up your marketing with solid services. Hand out business cards and talk to people as you go about your day.
You’re hours away from starting a cleaning business. Just remember that determination and a catchy name, backed up by solid services, will ensure that your brand outlasts all of your local competition. Good luck!