So you want to start your own house cleaning business? Great idea. House cleaning is a solid industry and there’s always going to be a need for reliable cleaning businesses. But you need to make sure you go about it the right way, including establishing your business as a legal entity, developing a business plan, and attracting loyal customers.
Read on for the advice you need about starting a successful house cleaning business.
Create a business plan for your house cleaning business
To start your own house cleaning business, you’ll need a solid business plan. This helps you outline your goals and define what steps you’ll need to take to achieve them. Your business plan can be pretty simple. Here are the elements you need to include.
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Define your services
Be specific about the services you will offer so you can properly market to potential customers. Will you focus on residential or commercial cleaning? Maid services, one-time deep cleans, or both?
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Research the market
Do a little investigating to understand your target market. Are there a lot of homes in your area that will need your services? Will you travel to nearby cities or neighborhoods? Are there other cleaning businesses in your area, and if so, what makes your business different?
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Set your pricing
Research local rates for similar cleaning companies to determine a competitive hourly rate. You’ll want to account for cleaning supplies and travel time between jobs. Offer different packages at varying price points to attract a broader audience.
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Define your marketing strategy
Briefly outline the ways that you’ll promote your business and attract customers. Include methods like social media marketing, paid digital marketing using Google and Facebook ads, and offline marketing using flyers and business cards.
Establish your home cleaning business as a legal entity
Starting your own house cleaning business is rewarding, but it does require work upfront to get properly licensed and compliant. Most states require business licenses and permits for cleaning companies, even sole proprietorships. Here are the key steps to get started.
Obtain business licenses
In most states, and counties, you’ll need a general business license or permit to operate, but requirements vary so check with your local government. You may need additional licenses for commercial cleaning.
Register your business
Decide whether to operate as a sole proprietorship, partnership or corporation, and then complete the relevant forms and pay the fees to register your business structure. This officially establishes your business and allows you to open business bank accounts, obtain loans, and hire employees.
Get insurance
Every small business needs business liability insurance, which protects you in case of accidents or damages during the course of your work. You might also need vehicle insurance for your van, and workers’ comp insurance when you hire employees.
Decide on your house cleaning services and prices
To start your own house cleaning business, you’ll need to determine your services and set competitive prices. The first step is to decide which types of cleaning jobs you want to offer.
- Residential cleaning: Cleaning homes is a popular service. The average hourly rate ranges between $20-50 per hour, per cleaner.
- Commercial cleaning: Cleaning offices, retail spaces, etc. can be more lucrative. You can charge anything from $20 up to as much as $1,000/hour.
- Deep cleaning: For a thorough top-to-bottom clean, you could charge $40-100 per hour. This includes cleaning vents, baseboards, and appliances.
Next, research other house cleaning and commercial cleaning services in your area to discover what the going rate is. Then calculate your expenses, like cleaning materials, salaries for your employees, and marketing costs. You want to charge enough to make a profit but still remain affordable.
Now set your prices based on the going rates in your area, your experience, the number of cleaners on your team, and the specific services you offer. It’s a good idea to offer discounts and specials to attract new customers. You can adjust prices over time as your reputation and demand grow.
Market your residential cleaning business
Once you have the basics set up, it’s time to start spreading the word about your new house cleaning business. An effective digital marketing strategy will help attract potential customers.
Build a website
A website allows potential customers to learn about your services, see photos of your work, read reviews from current customers, and find your contact information. Keep your website simple but professional, and include full information about the services you offer, your pricing, your experience, and why customers should choose you.
Leverage social media
Social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter are perfect for promoting a local cleaning business. Start accounts for your company and post photos of your work, share tips for keeping a clean home, highlight your great reviews, announce special offers, and engage with your followers. Make sure your social media profiles link to your website and include your business’s contact information.
Get reviews
Encourage happy customers to leave reviews on your website, Facebook, Yelp, and Google. Positive reviews help build trust in your business and attract new customers. You can offer a small discount on future cleanings in exchange for an honest review. Respond to both positive and negative reviews promptly and professionally.
Run an ad campaign
Once you’ve built a website and social media presence, consider running ad campaigns on platforms like Facebook and Google to reach more potential customers. Target local areas where you provide cleaning services, emphasize the benefits of using a professional cleaning service, and include eye-catching photos. Use links to direct people to your website or a landing page where they can sign up for a free quote.
Network locally
Don’t forget to network offline in your local community. Join your chamber of commerce, attend local events, and hand out your business cards. Reach out to real estate agents, property managers, and other local businesses to form partnerships. Word-of-mouth and personal referrals are still the best ways to get new customers.
Grow your house cleaning client base
Providing amazing customer service is key to building your house cleaning business. Satisfied clients will not only use your services again but also refer you to their friends and neighbors.
Maintain excellent communication
Once you start cleaning homes, stay in regular contact with your clients. Send a quick on-my-way text before you head to their house, and after the cleaning, check in to make sure they’re happy with the work.
Nurture customer relationships
Building trust is essential. Your cleaning staff represent your brand, so conduct thorough background checks and drug testing. Train employees on cleaning techniques, safety standards, and customer service. Send the same cleaning team to the same houses whenever possible so your clients see familiar faces.
Offer outstanding service
Treat each client like your only one. Pay attention to small details that make a difference, like moving furniture and knick knacks carefully back to their original positions. Ask about any special cleaning needs or areas needing extra attention. Exceed expectations whenever you can.
Your house cleaning business is waiting for you
Starting your own house cleaning business is challenging, but can be very rewarding. With hard work and persistence, you can build a successful house cleaning company. Start with a thorough plan, provide great service, and keep marketing – your small business will grow through referrals and digital word-of-mouth. Keep going, and soon you’ll have a steady stream of cleaning jobs and loyal customers.
