10 Secrets To Building a Successful Cleaning Business
By Cleaners

Starting a new business is a scary and exciting time – know you are not alone! (I know because I’ve been there). I ran a successful cleaning business for over a decade and now run a Virtual Assistant business and Professional Cleaning Connect.

If you are starting out and looking to create a successful cleaning business, I learned a few tips along the way.

1. Make use of the resources available to you.

Many organizations and groups help small businesses succeed, whether it be funding, education, or support. You don’t have to go it alone! Seek out the support you need. No one expects you to know it all – ask questions as you go, learn on the job, and ask for help as you need it. If you are seeking additional support we have a fabulous community of Canadian professional cleaners, feel free to join our free Facebook group. 

2. Develop systems.

Create easy to follow systems for all areas in your business.

Routines for cleaning will help you and your staff be thorough and efficient. Creating checklists for staff with any specific client recommendations will ensure they cover it all and miss nothing. 

A System for quoting helps you send quotes quickly, ensures you look professional to your clients, and allows you to track the estimates you have sent. With software like Wave or Zoho, you can create a template, add clients, and convert those quotes into invoices once they book.

Supervision & reporting check-ins allow you to give your employees constant feedback and enable them to come to you with any questions or concerns. Consistent feedback makes sure you can overcome any challenges quickly.

Bookkeeping & accounting systems help you stay on track of sales, expenses, and cash flow to ensure you don’t end up overwhelmed.

3. Take care of your employees.

Your staff is critical to your success. One of the main challenges of running a successful cleaning company is staff retention.

  • Train them well, so you don’t need to micromanage
  • Give them the tools they need to do their jobs effectively
  • Provide bonuses and incentives for a job well done
  • Know their strengths and weaknesses and assign tasks that fit them best
  • Frequently check in to see what you can do to support them

4. Go above and beyond for your clients.

Always aim for 100% in your cleaning jobs, but what can you do to add a little something extra? A little linen spray on their pillows, a flower on their bedside table, a little treat left in the kitchen from a local bakery? These small gestures will help ensure your clients feel special and that you value their business.

5. Find a niche.

Pick a market you can best serve and focus on them. Choosing one thing and going all-in ensures you don’t stretch yourself too thin and positions you as an expert in that niche. It will make marketing to your ideal clients that much easier. Do you prefer homes in a specific area, small businesses, or more extensive facilities? What is most profitable for you? Is there demand and a big enough market for you to grow?

6. Develop your digital skills.

We are increasingly moving online with almost everything we do. If you are not comfortable with technology, now is the time to learn – there are so many resources to help you grow and become more comfortable in this area.

There is no denying the need for an online presence (website, social media, etc.). If you aren’t comfortable with it, hire someone to do it for you.

Using technology for estimates, bills, payrolls, and tracking customers helps you stay efficient and effective (and makes life so much easier!)

7. Track labour costs.

Labour will be your most significant expense, so you want to stay on top of it. Have your staff track hours spent on each job, and compare that to the estimates you are giving clients to ensure you are on track.

8. Price for profit.

Knowing how much to charge for jobs can be one of the biggest challenges of a new business – price too low and you won’t be profitable, but price too high, and you won’t get the job. We always suggest creating a flat rate and quoting jobs by square footage. 

Our Pricing for Profit blog can help if you are stuck. 

9. Invest in customer service.

Business is about relationships. The quality of your work is critical, but it’s also about the connections you make with your clients. Stay in touch with clients regularly to see if they are happy with the work and level of service and what you can do to improve.

10. Never stop learning.

Your business will evolve and change as it grows. Stay up to date with technology and trends, including safety issues with any chemicals you use and what types of products clients like to use in their homes.

There are so many helpful resources out there to support you. Please reach out with any questions – how can we help you grow?

Additional Resources:

https://www.ic.gc.ca/eic/site/csbfp-pfpec.nsf/eng/la03285.html

https://www.facebook.com/groups/BusiWomenNetworkingandEntrepreneurOpenForum/