You know you want to start a cleaning business, and you’re ready to make the leap. Before you do, there are a few things to keep in mind that will set you up for success from day one.
Here’s what you need to know.
You Need a Plan
Before starting any business, you need a plan of what you’re going to do and how you’ll do it. Often this is a formal business plan. But even if you don’t formalize your plans with a long written document, you need an idea of how you’ll get your cleaning business started.
This includes a few things:
- Your budget for setting yourself up and running the business.
- What cleaning equipment and supplies you need to get started
- How you’ll market your cleaning business so it can grow
- What licensing you’ll need as a business owner and if there are any other licensing or certification requirements for cleaners in your state, county, or city.
Figure Out Your Niche
The best way to build any business is to figure out who your target customer will be. This helps you properly market your business and know what kind of customer and client you want to reach. It may also help you figure out how much to charge so that you’re competitive and successful.
As a cleaner, do you want to work with commercial clients and clean office buildings or other businesses? Would you rather clean homes? If so, what kind of homes – single family homes, empty rentals, luxury homes? This is important to figure out so you know exactly what kind of services you’ll offer.
You May Need to Start Small Even as You Plan for a Big Future
In the beginning your cleaning business may just be you, with help from family or friends you know you can rely on. Don’t worry about hiring a bunch of employees until your business is established enough to support payroll – and all the requirements that come with being an employer as well as a small business.
Starting small doesn’t mean you shouldn’t think big. Talk to a tax professional about how to set up your cleaning business to properly pay taxes and protect yourself as an individual. Many people set up their business as an LLC (limited liability corporation) for the protections it can provide but that’s not your only option.
You’ll Have to Market Yourself
In order to gain clients and have a successful cleaning business, you’ll have to get the word out and attract new customers. Marketing is an inevitability for businesses, especially when you first start. You have plenty of options of how to do, too:
- Create a company website. You can highlight what your company offers and make it easier for people to contact you.
- Claim your business on Google Business. This will help you be more easily found when someone searches for a cleaner in your area.
- Get on social media. You don’t have to be on all platforms but as a cleaner, consider places like Facebook, Instagram, or TikTok as they’re very visual and it’s easy to showcase your work.
- Encourage happy customers to refer you to their friends and family. Word of mouth is a wonderful way to grow because it means your work is so good that people rave about it.
Protect Your Cleaning Business From Day One
From the first day you’re in operation, make sure your cleaning business – and you – are protected. A lot can go wrong when you run a business.
- Property damage at a clients home or office
- Lost income when equipment stops working
- Storms or fires that destroy your supplies or business location
As a business owner, you’ll be responsible for damage or injuries you cause, and if you can’t work, you can’t make money. Your new cleaning business needs a good business insurance policy from the very beginning.
Here at Charlotte Insurance we make it easy for small businesses like you to access affordable insurance. You need business insurance tailored to your needs and your specific business, and we can help. Click here to learn more and to get a free quote.