Many cleaners start small by running a home cleaning service as a sole proprietorship or LLC. This protects them from personal liability and keeps business and personal expenses separate.
This type of business has low overhead and is always in demand. But it is still important to plan and obtain startup capital to get your company off the ground.
Start with a Business Plan
Whether you’re starting your own cleaning company or joining an existing one, creating a business plan is the first step. Your plan will outline your legal structure, list the services you’ll offer and help you figure out how much to charge for each job.
You should also determine what type of customers you want to target and how to differentiate your company from the competition. For example, the marketing strategy you use will be different if your cleaning company specializes in residential or commercial services. For residential, you might consider focusing on Airbnb hosts or landlords who prefer to work with experts they trust. For commercial, you could focus on offices or medical labs.
Finally, you should set a budget and estimate how much it will cost to start your cleaning company. Depending on your location and chosen structure, there may be other registration costs or fees that you’ll need to pay. You can find more information about these fees on your local government website.
After you’ve created a business plan and made financial projections, it’s time to find clients. The best way to do this is by marketing your cleaning services online. Create a website that includes your contact information and a convenient booking form so potential clients can easily request service. Use a platform that allows clients to view quotes and invoices, and sign them electronically so you don’t have to send them to them manually. This will save you both time and money. You should also make sure you’re listed on local business directories and lead generation websites. And don’t forget to ask your happy clients to leave a review on social media and elsewhere!
Find a Local Market
The cleaning business is a local service, so it’s important to research your market to determine how competitive it is. A thorough competitor analysis will help you determine where your services are in demand and how you can set yourself apart from the competition. Narrowing your focus to a specific type of cleaning will also help you attract the right clients and make more money.
A good name and logo are essential to establishing your brand in the marketplace. Make sure it’s catchy, memorable and unique. You can create a custom logo using a free online tool, or have a graphic designer design one for you. Then, add it to your business cards, website, estimates and invoices. You can also put it on your company vehicle and uniforms to give your business a consistent look.
You will need to register your business and select a legal structure, such as a sole proprietorship, an LLC or a partnership. An LLC is recommended because it separates your personal assets from the assets of the company, protecting you if the company faces litigation. You will also need to acquire insurance, such as liability and workers’ compensation, which may be required by your state or municipality.
To get the ball rolling, reach out to friends and family members who might need your cleaning services. Posting ads in your area can also be a great way to get the word out. Be sure to include your price range and services offered. You can also test out Google Local Service Ads to see if they are effective for your cleaning company. You should also consider investing in a company vehicle, as this will allow you to travel between jobs and ensure your client’s homes are always well-cared for.
Invest in Equipment
Securing start-up funding is a critical step when starting a cleaning business. Without enough capital, you’ll struggle to invest in equipment and supplies needed for your business to thrive. Secure the funds you need through crowdfunding, loans, or partnerships with other local businesses that want to join your team. A lack of financing is one of the leading reasons new businesses fail, so finding ways to secure cash should be your top priority. Here are some tips for making your cleaning business more eco-friendly.
Consider how you’ll organize your company’s finances, too. Regardless of the business structure you choose, you’ll need to register your company in order to separate your personal and business finances, open a bank account, and apply for loans. You should also consider registering your business as a limited liability company, which offers more protection and benefits than sole proprietorships.
You’ll also need to invest in equipment and supplies that are specific to your cleaning service. Basic cleaning tools like mops, vacuums, and cleaning chemicals are essential, but you’ll also need a variety of other items depending on the services you offer. For example, if you plan to clean offices, make sure you have cleaning spray bottles, a duster, and a broom. If you’ll be cleaning upholstery and leather, a leather cleaner and wood cleaner are also must-haves.
Lastly, you’ll need to decide how you’ll promote your services. Will you create a website, deliver flyers, or advertise through social media? Whatever marketing strategy you choose, be sure to set a budget and measure the return on investment. This will help you determine how much money to invest in your advertising campaigns and which supplies to purchase. You’ll also need to decide how you’ll collect client payments – will you accept cash, credit card, or an online payment system?
Hire Employees
While it’s possible to start a cleaning business as a one-person operation, the process is faster and easier when you hire your first employee. Having a team of dedicated cleaners will also allow you to take on more clients, giving your company a much-needed boost in growth.
When hiring new employees, look for those with previous experience in the industry. Those with relevant experience will save you time and money in training them to do the job well. Also, since your cleaners will be the face of your business and may communicate directly with customers, make sure that they are friendly and personable.
Before making a final decision, conduct background checks and reference checks to ensure that you’re making the right choice. You can use online tools to help streamline the process.
Another important aspect of starting a cleaning company is having the proper insurance coverage. General Liability coverage is a must, as it provides financial protection from non-employee injuries, property damage, and reputational harm that could arise from your business activities.
Once you’ve hired your first few cleaners, promote your business by spreading the word through social media and word-of-mouth. You can also list your business in local service directories and on websites that connect people with maid services. Finally, build a professional website that lists your services and provides an easy way for prospects to request work from you.
Promote Your Business
Once you have the initial funds to start your cleaning company, you should promote it in any way possible. This includes using social media, creating a website, and putting out flyers or posters in your local area. It’s also a good idea to buy a van or truck that is branded with your company logo. This will help your business look professional and trustworthy to potential clients.
Once your company is established, you will need to set up a legal structure. If you plan to work alone, a sole proprietorship is the easiest option. However, it can leave you open to personal liability and may require you to file taxes individually. A partnership or LLC is better for two or more people. It will protect your personal assets and provide some separation between your business and your own finances.
You can also consider a franchise. While this is not an option for everyone, it can give you a leg up on the competition by giving you access to their marketing and sales resources. In addition, you will have access to support and training.
If you are having trouble securing the necessary capital, consider a funding option like crowdfunding. This allows you to raise money from friends and family to cover startup costs. It also gives you a chance to build your customer base before opening.
Another good strategy is to join and participate in your local community’s business associations. This will give you an opportunity to meet other business owners and drum up interest in your new cleaning company. Additionally, you can create a business presence by renting a booth at a trade show.