The Essential Guide to Starting a Successful Cleaning Business

Are you planning to start a new cleaning business?

Though it may seem like simple work, the cleaning industry is a lucrative landscape. Cleaning is tedious but crucial in any home or work environment. Home and business owners who don’t have time to clean can hire cleaning companies.

Because of how large the market is, competition can be fierce. If you’re starting a professional cleaning business, you need to take the right steps.

Not sure how to begin? Don’t worry; we’ve got you covered.

This article covers an essential guide to starting a cleaning business. Read on to discover how to become the next big commercial cleaning business and how to drive it to success.

Choose a Brand Name

One of the first things you may consider when starting a cleaning business is your brand name. Your brand name will serve as your business’s face and set you apart from competitors. Choosing a brand name can be the most exciting part of your new business.

An easy way to make your brand more recognizable is by using your own name. You can also use a nickname or even choose a play on words. If you’re planning to localize your business, base your brand name on your location.

If you already have a chosen specialty, you may incorporate this into your brand name. Regardless of which direction you wish to take, choose a name that describes your brand. Potential customers must get an idea of what you offer once they read your name.

Consider looking up other cleaning businesses in your locale. Check that your brand name is not already in use.

It’s crucial to be unique, but it’s also important that your brand name is easy to remember. Ensure that it’s easy to spell and reads well. If you’re planning to expand your business, ensure that your brand name can grow with it.

Determine Your Target Market

If you’re still undecided on your brand name, start by identifying your target market. Determine what type of business or homeowners you want to work with. This can help you decide if you want to focus on residential or commercial cleaning.

This will also help you determine your hourly rate and marketing strategy. If you’re a startup business, it’s best to start small. Have a present customer base that you can maintain.

It’s also best to do initial cleaning jobs by yourself before scaling upwards. This helps you test the waters and determine the best way to move your company forward. Get your first clients from friends or family members and encourage them to spread the word.

Word-of-mouth marketing is one of the most powerful forms of advertising. It’s also free, which is beneficial if you’re a new business. Commit to a customer base and maintain a reputation while working on your business model.

Gather Cleaning Supplies

Once you’ve decided on your specialty and target market, start gathering your supplies. Commercial and residential cleaning may require different approaches. It’s best to start with the basics, like spray bottles, scrubbers, and sponges.

You may also get reusable or disposable towels and other essentials like brooms and mops. Ensure to get the proper protective equipment like gloves and masks. Choose what cleaning products you want to use depending on your specialty.

You may go the traditional route and gather bleach and similar products. If you wish to be an eco-friendly brand, consider investing in green products. This may include natural and organic cleaning products.

Looking for a place to get all your cleaning supplies? Check out wholesale janitorial supplies to get everything you need.

Market Your Commercial Cleaning Business

As you continue to grow your business, start marketing your brand. Start attracting new customers with the right marketing campaign. This will help you expand your customer base and network.

Here are some ways to start marketing your new commercial cleaning business:

Create a Website

Most customers today turn to Google first when looking for specific services. Studies show that 81% of consumers look online when they want to hire or buy a product. Start expanding your business by establishing an online presence.

In the digital age, people expect brands to have a website. Moving forward without one can prevent you from growing your business.

SEO can help boost your website ranking, so more people will find your website. Use the right keywords based on user intent, so Google points them in the right direction. It’s best to hire an SEO specialist or company for this step.

Ensure that your website is accessible through all platforms. This means that a user must be able to view your website from a desktop or mobile phone. This will also boost your SEO score.

Invest in creating an intuitive website design. Ensure that users will be able to navigate your page with ease. You may also create a blog for cleaning tips to drive more traffic to your site.

Social Media

Social media is another powerful tool that can help you market your brand. Next to websites, many people turn to social media platforms to find brands. Social media allows you to get direct interaction with your customers.

You can even show updates or behind the scenes to keep your following interested. This promotes authenticity and customer interaction. Consider adding social media buttons to your website and vice versa.

Traditional Marketing

Though digital marketing is becoming the norm, you mustn’t neglect traditional marketing. If you already have a digital marketing strategy, strengthen your campaign with flyers. If you’re a local business, traditional marketing can offer great benefits.

Traditional media is tangible and will last forever. It engages all senses and makes your brand feel more real. Even if a consumer doesn’t read your brochure right away, they may come back to it later.

You can advertise on cars and trucks and post flyers around bulletin boards. If you have a physical location, offer brochures at the reception desk. A brochure can teach everything a new customer needs to know about your brand.

You may even list what services you offer and their price points. To encourage more people to keep your brochure, offer coupons.

Prioritize Customer Service

Though you’ll be cleaning most of the time, customer service is essential. The client’s needs must always come first. Your business must always be open to existing and potential customers.

Ensure prompt responses and quote requests when a new customer tries to get in contact. Follow up with your existing clients to promote repeat business. You can offer weekly or monthly cleaning packages to your customers.

Ensure that you have the right contact details on your website. Include an email and phone number to help customers reach you when needed.

Proper Licensing

To enhance your reputation as a cleaning business, ensure that you get the right licenses. Start by registering your brand name to prevent others from copying it. The process of registering a company name may vary between states.

You may also need to get the necessary licenses and permits. Some state and local laws require business owners to pay for a license. You either apply for an LLC corporation or sole proprietorship.

LLC reduces your liability as an individual and puts it on the company’s assets. We recommend a sole proprietorship if you wish to have total control over your business.

Consider Cleaning Software

Filing permits and paperwork aside from cleaning can be a time-consuming affair. You also need to track your budget, process invoices, and manage employee schedules.

If you’re running a business for the first time, these processes can be intimidating. Streamline your business by automating tedious processes.

To make your business more efficient, consider downloading cleaning software. This allows you to organize and supervise your business with less hassle. Look into software the centralizes all your data, so you don’t have to switch between apps.

Hire Help

If you’re a start-up business, you may not need to worry about hiring additional help. One or two staff members are great for a new business. However, as you scale upward, you may need some extra help.

Whether you decide to hire more workers will depend on your business goals. Remember that your cleaning team represents your company. Consider training your employees so that they offer the best quality services.

Get Insurance

Insurance is an essential aspect of any business. This will protect your business in case of any untoward incidents. Start by getting business liability insurance.

Look into insurance for special equipment and vehicles if you use these. As your business grows, it’s best to look into workers’ compensation. This saves you from legal issues in case of injury or termination.

Jumpstart Your New Cleaning Business Today

Here’s everything you need to know about starting a cleaning business. Use these tips to get started today.

Marketing is crucial to your business’ success. If you want to learn more about advertising your brand, check out our other blog posts. We have more tips and tricks to help you grow your brand.