How to start a cleaning business

Working for yourself can be incredibly rewarding, not to mention it’s a pretty amazing feeling to build up your own business from scratch. Starting up your own cleaning business is a great idea. But it can be tough to get things off the ground initially. You’ll be up against some tough competition and it might take you a while to build up a large customer base. But there are things you can do to boost your chances of success. Here are a few tips on how to start a cleaning business of your own.

How to start a cleaning business

When you first start out, you won’t actually need very much in the way of equipment, so don’t go out and spend a fortune on unnecessary products and eat away at any potential profits.

As you get more experienced, you’ll become more efficient at knowing what you do and don’t need.

You’ll also want to consider whether you want to focus on residential cleaning or commercial cleaning. There is the potential to do both, but you’ll likely need different types of equipment for commercial cleaning than you would for cleaning houses  – so give this some thought.

What you’ll need

There are some basics you will need no matter which type of cleaning business you decide to set up.

• Transport – you’ll need to be able to move easily between premises – and you’ll need to be able to ferry your equipment and resources around too.
• Vacuum cleaner – something lightweight yet super-efficient!
• Cleaning supplies – bleach, cleaning spray, cloths etc.

Marketing your business

Once you’ve got your supplies, you’ll need some customers!

It can be hard to build up trust when you’re just starting out. Particularly when you’ll be entering homes and businesses. If you can, it’s a great idea to get some friends to try out your service for free and share their reviews. If you set up a Facebook page, you can ask people to leave a review there. It only takes a small number of positive reviews to reassure people that they can trust you.

You might want to think about your business branding. A logo can really help you to stand out amongst the competition. You don’t need to spend a fortune on a logo though, I’ve always used Fiverr for my logos and they’ve always turned out really well! Building up a brand image will really help to push your business forward.

Once you’ve got your logo, you could think about purchasing some business cards. You can then use these to advertise your business. Ask if you can leave them on the counter in local shops and businesses.

Stand out from the crowd

You might also want to think about getting uniforms for you and any staff you take on. This could just be a simple polo shirt with your company logo on. Not only does it make your business look professional, it will also save your normal clothes from being damaged whilst you’re working. Branding clothing is also a great way to get your business name out there. The more people that see your logo the better!

You could also think about vehicle decals. You can get magnetic signs that you can stick on and remove as and when you want to.

 

These work just as well on cars as they do on vans! They look great when you’re visiting potential clients. And once you’ve gained customers, their neighbours can easily see what you’re doing and may want to take you on too.

Legal Obligations

As with starting any business, you’ll need to make sure you’re registered with HMRC for self-assessment purposes. This doesn’t take too long to do but it is important.

Consider insurance

Your clients will want some reassurance that they’re in safe hands. How will you reimburse them if you accidentally damage anything? Being insured shows that you’re taking your business seriously.

Be up for the challenge

Starting a new business can be incredibly challenging. You’ll need to be prepared to work hard and to build your business up slowly. It will take you time to establish yourself.

Consider starting up your cleaning business as a side hustle initially. This gives you time to build your business without the added pressure of having little or no other income.

Work hard, and the rewards will follow!

 

I am taking part in the Monday Money linky with Lynn from Mrs Mummy Penny, Faith from Much More With Less and Emma from EmmaDrew.Info.