How do you best market a cleaning business?

Answer 1

You can start by reading the article "Starting a Janitorial and Cleaning Service Business" at http://www.powerhomebiz.com/vol95/janitorial.htm The article contains information on startup strategies, operational considerations (prices, manpower, finding suppliers), and marketing the business.

From the article, here are some tips to help market your business:

1. The first step to marketing your business is deciding who your potential customers are and determining the types of services you could offer.

2. The best way to market this business is through cold calling. Drive through the area to look for newly opened businesses, buildings or facilities. Then introduce yourself to the landlords ­ your potential clients ­ and request for an opportunity to bid on their cleaning contract.

3. Draw up a better and more professional proposal by learning firsthand the needs of the potential customer, as well as the layout of the facility (e.g. type of carpeting, etc.)

4. Networking is another effective strategy to get ahead in the janitorial business. Aside from newly opened buildings, get a list of companies that are downsizing or laying off cleaning staffs.

5. Word of mouth is another effective form of advertising a janitorial service. It can be generated through favorable feedback from your existing clients that will hopefully filter to other building owners or entrepreneurs in your area.

6. If you decide to embark on advertising, you can try placing an ad in newspapers or trade journals in your area.

7. You can also try direct mailing to potential customers, sending them information and brochures about your business.

For more in-depth information about the business, we have compiled a list of books on the topic and you can either purchase the book or borrow them from your library. The list of recommended books on starting a cleaning business can be found at http://www.powerhomebiz.com/bookstore/homecleaning.htm

- Commercial and Residential Cleaning Services: A Resource Guide to Developing and Maintaining Your Own Janitorial or Home Cleaning Business (Author: Walter Fenix)
- Janitorial Service Businesses : Strategies for Promoting, Estimating, and Bidding Cleaning Services
- The Janitorial Contractors Bible
- Introduction to Janitorial Service Contracting : How to Succeed in Your Own Cleaning Business
- Cleaning Up for a Living: Everything You Need to Know to Become a Successful Building Service Contractor
- Introduction to Janitorial Service Contracting : How to Succeed in Your Own Cleaning Business

Answer 2

Associations may be a good avenue to explore. These organizations will address many of the thoughts, questions and concerns you'll inevitably have as well as many you haven't anticipated yet. See the source box for some relevant links.

Research, research, research – this cannot be stressed enough. Read as much as you can about the industry. Here are some book titles that are relevant:

* Commercial and Residential Cleaning Services: A Resource Guide to Developing and Maintaining Your Own Janitorial or Home Cleaning Business by Walter Fenix
* Start and Run a Home Cleaning Business by Susan Bewsey
* Start Your Own Cleaning Service (Entrepreneur Magazine's Start Ups) by Jacquelyn Lynn
* How to Start a Home-Based Housecleaning Business, 2nd (Home-Based Business Series) by Laura Jorstad

There are plenty of free informational resources out there. Check the source box for links to articles.

Hope that helps! I wish you much success & happiness in all your ventures!

Answer 3

Marketing any business can be difficult, especially a service business like yours. Yes, ads in local papers are fine, but not proactive enough. If you are serious about your business get out and promote it.

Think outside of the 'norm'. For a business like yours try to contact real estate agencies and ask them if you could offer your services to their clients who may need houses cleaned before putting them on the market. Contact small businesses and see if you can offer your services.

A good way is to contact your local Chamber of Commerce and talk to them. Maybe sit in on a meeting to meet others (networking).

Answer 4

Word of mouth is the best way of marketing your business. Ask all of your clients for a referral if they are satisfied with your services. If you do residential cleaning, try working with a Welcome Wagon type of organization which can identify people in transition. If you do commercial cleaning, try working with the Chamber of Commerce to find new businesses in the area. Best of luck.

Answer 5

I am in the cleaning business myself and it is a struggle with all the competitors in my area(tourist area).

You all made some good suggestions and some i do use but one more is make flyers yourself and hang at local suppermarkets or wherever you see bullentin boards. Then you can go to vistaprint.com to have postcards, business cards, brochures, etc... made they always have specials, very reasonably priced.

Good luck

Answer 6

JUST ADVERTISE IN THE LOCAL PAPER AND TARGET WORKING jOES NOT RICHY RICH,GUYS WHO ARE SINGLE AND FOR REASONABLE RATE,OFFER LIKE A SERVICE TO INCLUDE DOING LAUNDRY AND MAYBE COOKING A LITE MEAL AS WELL AS YOUR HOUSE CLEANING...YOU WILL BE SURPRISED MEN AND WOMEN JUST DONT HAVE THE TIME TO EVEN GRAB A FEW GROCERIES..& i NEED A JOB(SMILE)

Answer 7

Place an add for your service in a small hometown newspaper. You also could post the ad online.

Answer 8

search engine placement...you reach more people.