How to Start a Cleaning Business and Build a Profitable Local Service Company
When you think about how to start a cleaning business, you’re really thinking about launching a service-based business. Most homes, offices, and commercial buildings need some kind of cleaning on a regular basis; therefore, there is a steady demand for trustworthy and reliable cleaning service providers. In addition, a cleaning business has relatively low start-up costs and flexible hours, so many entrepreneurs find that a cleaning business can be a very reliable source of income.
If you are looking to learn about ways to start a cleaning business, you need to make decisions on what cleaning services you will be offering; register your business as a legal entity; purchase all the necessary cleaning products and supplies; and then develop a marketing strategy that will attract potential customers. The cleaning business will continue to grow through both returning customers and word-of-mouth referrals if you have taken the time to develop a solid plan and provide a consistent level of high-quality cleaning service.
Below is a simple-to-follow step-by-step outline that should help you to start your cleaning business:
Understanding the Cleaning Industry and How to Determine Which Cleaning Services Will Be Offered by Your New Cleaning Business
It may be helpful before you begin to determine which cleaning services are offered within the cleaning industry and which services would best fit your target market when selecting a niche for your new cleaning business.
Some of the most popular cleaning services are:
• Residential house cleaning
• Apartment turn over cleaning
• Office/commercial cleaning
• Move-in move-out cleaning
• Deep cleaning
Residential cleaning is often the first type of cleaning that many new cleaning businesses begin providing because it requires less specialized equipment and allows for quicker development of skills/experience. At some point down the road, your business could transition to commercial contracts or provide specialty cleaning services.
Choosing a clear niche from the beginning of your new cleaning business will allow you to easily advertise your services and build a recognizable brand for your cleaning business.
Developing a Basic Business Plan to Direct the Development of Your Cleaning Company
A simple business plan is beneficial even if you are operating a small cleaning company. A simple plan can help you organize your thoughts and outline how your business will function.
You may want to consider what services you will offer with your cleaning business.
Who will you target for your cleaning business?
How much money do you think it will take to begin your cleaning business?
What price will you charge your customers?
How will you advertise your cleaning business?
Writing down your thoughts helps you to realize how much money you are responsible for as well as how to create realistic goals for your business. Additionally, having a written business plan will help keep your business organized as you receive clients and add additional services.
Setting Up Your Cleaning Business and Developing an Appropriate Legal Structure
Once you have developed a plan for your cleaning business, you must register your cleaning business. This registration process creates a formal structure for your business which protects you financially and helps to create a professional operation.
Many small business owners prefer to register their businesses as a Limited Liability Company (LLC) because they allow you to separate your business’ finances from your personal finances while protecting you from potential lawsuits.
Additionally, you must:
• Register your business name
• Create a bank account specifically for your cleaning business
• Obtain all necessary licenses and permits
• Purchase liability insurance
Liability insurance is particularly important when it comes to cleaning businesses as accidents and/or damages to the customer’s property can happen during cleaning services.
Acquiring Essential Cleaning Supplies and Equipment to Provide Excellent Service
To assist you in providing the highest level of service for your clients, you will require quality cleaning equipment and supplies. Fortunately, starting a cleaning business does not require spending large amounts of money on initial cleaning equipment and supplies.
Typically, you will require:
• Microfiber cloths and scrubbers
• Mop and bucket
• Vacuum
• General use cleaner and disinfectant
• Glass cleaner
• Gloves and trash bags
As your business expands, you may acquire commercial vacuum cleaners or carpet cleaning machines.
Quality products will increase productivity and provide consistent results to each and every one of your clients.
Advertising Your Cleaning Company And Getting Your First Customers
There are many ways to grow a successful cleaning business. While it’s very important to provide great service, there has to be some form of marketing to let people know about your business and get new customers.
There are many ways to advertise your cleaning services including:
• Creating a professional website
• Search engine optimization of your website to attract local searches
• Setting up a Google Business listing
• Posting cleaning tips and photos on social media platforms
• Ask happy customers to post reviews of your cleaning services on-line
On-line positive reviews and word-of-mouth recommendations can quickly enhance your reputation and bring in more customers.
Offering Great Customer Service to Develop Long Term Customers
Customer service is perhaps the most significant aspect in creating a successful cleaning company. Clients desire dependably skilled and trustworthy professionals to care for their home or workplace.
To create long term connections with your clients:
• Be on time for scheduled cleanings
• Communicate clearly with clients
• Follow a comprehensive cleaning checklist
• Treat the client’s property and private space with respect
Happy customers are far more likely to schedule ongoing cleanings and refer your company to friends and family.
Questions Frequently Asked When Establishing a Cleaning Business
WHAT DOES IT COST TO ESTABLISH A CLEANING BUSINESS?
It can range anywhere from $500 to $2,000 depending on the equipment and supplies you purchase to get started.
DO YOU HAVE TO BE EXPERIENCED IN CLEANING BEFORE OPENING A CLEANING SERVICE?
No. The majority of business owners that start a cleaning service learn about cleaning as they go by taking continuing education classes, doing research on cleaning products, and by getting hands-on training.
DOES A CLEANING BUSINESS MAKE MONEY?
Yes. Cleaning businesses generally are able to earn significant amounts of money because the cost of running the business is typically low (due to no employees) and there will always be a demand for cleaning services.
WHERE DO CLEANING BUSINESSES GET THEIR FIRST CLIENTS FROM?
Typically many cleaning businesses get their first client referrals, they use local advertisements or their social media presence, or they take advantage of their free Google Business listing.
