So, you’re interested in starting a cleaning business? Well, you’ve come to the right place. This blog will be your first step to becoming a small-business owner. Of course, it isn’t the catch-all and you should continue to research as you are getting ready to start your business.
After reading this article, check out general cleaning industry trends. This will help you get an idea of how lucrative the business is and what you should focus on. But first, let’s go over some things you should think about before getting into the cleaning industry.
- Navigating Residential Clientele
The most important tip is to stick to residential. You might thing this would limit you but it’s a very smart move. It’s much easier to get established and you will have far less competition if you are working with homeowners or renters. This is because janitorial companies basically own the commercial cleaning market. You’ll have a hard time getting a shoo-in if these huge companies are offering discounts and sales all the time.
With residential clients as well, it is easier to customize their experiences. Asking clients before a cleaning session what they would like to have help with. Some might want you to help them clean their kitchen while others just want someone to focus on a deep floor cleaning. Plus, nothing makes your reputation go up like tailoring your services to a customer’s desires.
- Don’t Be Afraid to Get Down and Dirty
When you’re just starting out, it’s smart to do the cleaning yourself. This means that you can control your schedule. You don’t have to dive right in and figure out clients for your employees to clean for. You can set cleaning tasks around your other job(s) and ease into it.
By doing it yourself, you become the face of your business. Clients love getting to know who they are hiring. This helps you gain footing in the community and you become a recognizable face.
- Word of Mouth is the Future (and Past) of Marketing
By doing most of the cleaning yourself, you are opening yourself up to customers talking about you. This is definitely a good thing. If your clients are talking to their friends, family, and others about your stellar services, you can bet that you’ll have more customers soon.
Make sure that, with word of mouth marketing, you are putting your best foot forward. You want to come off as high quality in your work and your demeanor. Put on your best customer service face and roll up your sleeves to do your best work.
The reviews will come flooding. It’s also good to establish yourself online so that customers can give google reviews and like you on Facebook. If you have that online presence, more customers will come.
- Simple but Professional
This means everything. You want your logo, brand, and image to be simple but professional. You don’t want people to get confused by your name, your uniform, or anything. The image of “cleaning service” should pop up immediately in relation to your business.
For a uniform, just go with black. This is extremely professional. You could also add a hint of color with a plain shirt (try to have the color match your aesthetic). It also helps to keep a written list of your company values so that you can communicate that to your clients.
Good Luck
Owning a business is difficult, even if it is worth it. Remember to take your time getting started and give yourself a break when you need one. Things will come in time.