How To Start A Cleaning Business
Owning and operating a business can be a rewarding opportunity. It provides freedom, flexibility and control. Running a cleaning service is a great opportunity for many people. Here are some tips on how to start a cleaning business.
Decide on a business model and create a vision. Will your business be a cleaning service for homes, businesses, construction sites or something else? What services will be offered? Are more labor intensive projects, such as window cleaning, included in the basic fee structure or will they be offered as an optional service for an additional price. There are many details to consider when planning your cleaning business.
How to Start a Cleaning Business
Choose a name for the service. The name should be both catchy and easy to remember. It could be as simple as “(Last Name) Cleaning Service” or “(City Name) House Cleaning”. Once a name is selected, apply for a license to do business in your county. Speak to an insurance representative to see what and how much insurance will be needed. You should always contact your local government offices to find out exactly what types of licenses or permits are required for your type of business.
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After a license to do business and the proper insurance is in place, it is time to begin shopping for equipment and supplies. A start up budget needs to carefully be considered. If a loan is needed, banks will require a detailed budget and strategic plan. Needed supplies will likely include brooms, dustpans, mops, buckets, a vacuum cleaner and a wide assortment of cleaning supplies suited for carpet, tile, appliances, wood and any other surfaces typically encountered in homes or businesses. Include a line item in the startup budget for marketing expenses.
The Hardest Part of Starting a Cleaning Business
The hardest part of any new business is getting new customers. This basically comes down to marketing. Learning how to effectively bring in new clients and customers month after month is every businesses biggest challenge. Another obstacle that small business owners face when it comes to marketing is that the face of marketing is constantly changing… especially in the last few years. Nowadays, if your business doesn’t have an effective online presence and online marketing plan, then you’ll get left behind by your competitors. A lot of new business owners let this online stuff scare them, or they think that it’s not worth learning… but, that couldn’t be further from the truth. The good part is, is that once you spend a little time learning about online marketing, you’ll find out it’s really not that big of a deal.
You have to start somewhere with marketing your new service. Create a website, email address, business cards and flyers. Consider taking out ads in your local paper. Set up accounts on social networking sites and start spreading the word. Asking friends, family, neighbors, former coworkers and anyone else you encounter to help get the word out about you new company. Hand out flyers and your cards to homeowner associations, clubhouses, apartment complexes, chamber of commerce and office buildings. Ask to post information at gyms, coffee shops, community centers, grocery stores, dry cleaners and restaurants.
Consider donating a free clean to a silent auction or raffle at a charity event. This will help get the company name into the public. Once you receive your first happy customer, word will spread quickly. Make sure to continue marketing even when the calendar is booked solid. Maintaining customers is key to success. The main point is to just get moving. Get out there, start spreading the word, and do whatever it takes to land your first few clients. If you provide a great service, and commit to constantly learn new ways of getting new customers, then you’ll be ahead of 99% of your competitors.
Click here to learn how to earn $54,000/year with a simple part-time cleaning business…
