So, you want to start your own cleaning business? First of all, it is important to know that you are not alone in this endeavor. A quick Google search on starting a professional cleaning service reveals that this topic has been highly discussed all over the Internet. Startup cleaning businesses in both the residential and commercial sectors are pretty popular these days. The competition is undoubtedly thick. Getting started is challenging enough. Once you have taken steps to establish yourself, how do you then make your company stand out among all of the other cleaning services out there? You have probably already done a lot of research and gotten some advice on starting your own cleaning business, but before you dive in head first, read these tips for differentiating yourself so that you can get more clients fast and hit the ground running.
Tip #1: Offer special services.
The first step is deciding whether you want to be a residential cleaning service or a commercial cleaning service. Residential cleaning involves cleaning houses, apartments and vacation homes throughout the day. Commercial cleaning involves cleaning business buildings, typically done after hours. If you can offer both residential and commercial cleaning services, then you will be able to market yourself to individuals and businesses. No matter what you decide, the more services you have to offer, the larger your pool of potential clients. If you are just starting out, however, you may not have the manpower to offer a variety of services, and that is okay. Offer clients a special type of service that other cleaning businesses in your area do not offer. For example, many residential cleaning companies do not offer laundry services. If this is the case in your area, then you may want to give your clients that option.
Tip #2: Go green.
Use eco-friendly cleaning supplies and equipment, and advertise yourself as one who does so. Emphasize the benefits of using these types of floor cleaners scrubbers to your clients. These days, more and more businesses are choosing to embrace sustainability in their products and services. Still, it is likely that many of your competitors have not jumped on this train yet, so now is the best time for you to differentiate yourself in this manner.
Tip #3: Get your business online.
If you do not have the resources to build a website yet, then start small. Make simple videos with cleaning tips and how-to content and post them to YouTube. Start a company Facebook page. Hand out business cards to potential clients that will direct them to your online pages, and create content that is fun and engaging. If a potential client watches a YouTube video of you showing them a different cleaning method that they have never seen before, and it is fun and engaging for them to watch, they might be more likely to hire you. Marketing is one of the most challenging parts of starting and building a business, but it is also one of the most vital. When you are able to build a website, try to incorporate blogging into your marketing campaign as well. If marketing is not your strong suit, hire a professional online marketer or even a college intern to help you get started.
Tip #4: Obtain high-quality cleaning equipment.
If you start a residential cleaning business, then a standard home vacuum cleaner will do the trick. Commercial cleaning businesses require much higher-grade equipment. Depending on the size of your cleaning areas, you may need to purchase professional floor cleaning equipment. Floor sweepers and floor scrubbers will make cleaning large commercial building floors a lot easier. Having the right equipment for the size of each job is extremely important. You will be able to finish a job in significantly less time, maximizing efficiency and profit in the long run. You know the saying: “work smarter, not harder.” Purchasing professional cleaning equipment may mean a large investment up front, but it could also mean higher returns in the end. Before you make any decisions, figure out what kind of budget you are working with. You will need to get a business license and liability insurance before you purchase any equipment and begin offering your services to the public.
Tip #5: Offer competitive pricing.
Competitive pricing does not always mean base pricing. Research what your competitors are charging for their services, and try to aim somewhere within the same range. If you price yourself too high, no one will come to you for cleaning. Price yourself too low, and you might risk an overall negative impression starting out. Confidence is key. Charge what you think you are worth and stick to it. Do not lower your prices just to get more clients, as you could end up being overworked and underpaid in the end. Most cleaning services will either charge by the hour or by the number of square feet. Residential cleaning businesses tend to price their services by the hour, whereas commercial cleaning businesses normally price their services by the size of the workspace. Consider doing the opposite of what your competitors are doing in order to make yourself stand out. Your decision will ultimately depend on how much time you expect to spend cleaning, as well as the cost of the supplies and equipment.
The competition in the cleaning services industry might be fierce, but do not let it stand in your way. You have something unique to offer that other cleaning companies may not currently provide. Figure out what that is, and leverage it to make your business stand out.