Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links.
Cleaning professionals deal with some of the most daunting cleaning tasks, from neglected caked-on ovens to filthy toilets. But there’s one task that some may consider the hardest of all: finding clients.
As contractors and business owners, the feast-to-famine cycle is all-too familiar. During peak times, things are fantastic. But when things are slow, like the seasonal Summer break, it can be pretty disheartening and stressful.
I’ve scoured the internet and compiled all the possible ways to find cleaning clients so your business thrives all year round. Let’s dive in.
Before we get into the list, I want to explain how important it is to market your business. While there is always a need for cleaning professionals in this world, with reportedly over 80% of dual-income households forecast to use professional cleaning services every year, it’s still competitive and not just a matter of “build it, and they will come.”
Potential customers don’t know you exist until you get in their face—quite literally. Put your business out there and everywhere they hang out so they’ll see you. And do it many times.
Even if you’re a seasoned professional who has been in business for a while has likely gone through this at some point. You may get to a point where you need more clients, or you need to upgrade to higher-paying clients to make your business make sense.
Luckily, there are a plethora of ways to market your business. And my advice is to do them all, or at least most of them to cast your net wide, as putting all your eggs in one basket will do you a disservice.
Even in today’s digital world, business cards are not dead. They’re a simple way to share your business with others instead of the cumbersome task of adding someone to your contacts on your phone. Or worse, writing it down with pen and paper.
You can get creative with your business card by adding a QR code that links to your website. Or if you’re cleaning company is eco-friendly, get cards made from seed paper so they can plant your business card once they’ve saved your information.
Most professionals know their general prices off the top of their head, and can rattle them off if asked. But to market your business, you need to have them on a price list that can be shared.
Create a digital version that can be emailed and shared online, and a printed version for in-person marketing. Make it easy to read and don’t forget to add your contact information.
Something else that can make a big impression on prospective customers is to invest in some good quality branded merchandise. I’m not talking about cheap plastic, gimmicky trash that ends up in landfills. I’m talking about something they’ll actually find useful and that is relevant to your business.
Printed microfiber cleaning towels are the perfect branded merchandise for professionals. Microfiber towels are the holy grail of cleaning tools. So why not give your prospects a cloth that is beautifully branded with your logo on it?
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There are at least a dozen different ways you can find clients for your cleaning business. And as already mentioned, it’s good to try all of them at some point so that you give yourself the greatest chance of landing contracts.
The very best way companies gain new business is through word-of-mouth. Think about when you’ve really loved or appreciated a product or service. All you want to do is tell people about it.
Leverage your existing network of friends, family, and acquaintances to spread the word about your cleaning services.
Referral programs are not just for the digital world. They work in real life, too. So another great way to grow your customer base is to offer incentives to your clients who refer new customers to you.
It can be something as simple as a percentage or a dollar amount off their next clean. This can encourage your existing clients to actively promote your services to their friends and colleagues.
The cleaning industry has been around for decades, long before the internet existed. And because everything is always done in-person, the online world can be daunting as a cleaning business owner. But it is imperative that you put some effort into your online presence.
Create a professional website and list your services on online platforms such as Google My Business, Yelp, and social media channels like Facebook and Instagram. This increases your visibility and makes it easier for potential clients to find you.
Although the internet is a fantastic platform to find customers, don’t sleep on local advertising. Promoting your business locally gives you the opportunity to find customers in your area.
Place advertisements in local newspapers, community newsletters, or bulletin boards. You can also distribute flyers or postcards in residential areas to target potential clients in your local area.
Another really great way to get your name out there is to attend local networking events, trade shows, or community gatherings. These places are where you can meet potential clients and introduce them to your services.
Building relationships with other business owners and professionals can also lead to referrals. So think of all the different industries and networking events you can attend, and get out there and start mingling.
An area where you may not have considered is partnering with affiliated industries. Real estate agents, property managers, or Airbnb hosts who may require cleaning services for their properties is a good place to start. Drop your business card off to their office, call or email them, or message them on social media.
Establishing partnerships with these professionals can lead to recurring business opportunities.
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If you’ve not joined all the different marketplaces online, you’re potentially leaving money on the table. There are online marketplaces specifically designed for service providers, such as TaskRabbit, Thumbtack, or HomeAdvisor. These platforms connect you with individuals or businesses seeking cleaning services in your area.
Join up with as many platforms as you can to ensure you’re spreading your business across all possible channels.
This tactic is probably more suited to commercial cleaning clients simply because cold calling and emailing is easier to do to other businesses. And while most of us hate cold calling, it’s one of those old school marketing tactics that actually work when done right.
Reach out directly to local businesses, offices, or property management companies. Introduce yourself and your services, and offer to provide a free quote or consultation.
Another way to attract more clients is to encourage satisfied clients to leave positive reviews and testimonials on your website or online profiles. When we’re looking for a new service or restaurant, many of us will check out reviews online before committing to purchasing or engaging with the company.
Asking for a testimonial from customers is standard practice, and will build credibility for your business.
For low-seasons or days of the week, you could offer special promotions, discounts, or package deals to attract new clients and incentivize them to try your services. This can be especially effective when first launching your cleaning business.
Just be cautious to not lower your prices too much up front, as you may only attract one-time customers who are looking for a deal. While these clients are fine now and then, you ideally want mostly repeat customers on your schedule so you don’t have to spend time and energy finding new clients all the time.
Social media marketing is highly underutilized by service industries. It’s generally flooded with ecommerce businesses trying to sell products. By leveraging social media, you can target specific demographics, making it easy to promote your business to the right people.
It’s fairly easy to set up your own ads on social media. But coming from someone who works in marketing, you’re better off hiring someone who knows it well, as it can be expensive if you don’t.
Donating your services to raffles is a terrific way to get your name recognized. Not only will you be doing a nice thing by donating your time and expertise, but you’ll hopefully gain a new customer once you show them what you’re capable of.
Go one step further and choose raffles that are meaningful or relevant to you or your company.
Much like cold calling, door-to-door selling has a certain ick to it. But since the rise of online advertising, it’s become less common, and you won’t find as many businesses doing it.
So drive around to nicer neighborhoods and knock on their doors. Ask them if they need a cleaner, and if they have any areas in their home that needs some TLC. Be receptive and empathetic. A friendly, non-pushy conversation can go a long way and, who knows? It could lead to word-of-mouth advertising.
Don’t forget to take your price lists, business cards, and your branded microfiber towels!
Finding cleaning clients may seem like a daunting task, but with the right strategies and determination, you can build a thriving business that attracts customers all year round. By leveraging word-of-mouth referrals, online platforms, networking events, and local advertising, you can increase your visibility and reach potential clients in your area. Offering incentives, such as referral programs and special promotions, can encourage existing clients to promote your services and attract new customers.
Remember to focus on building relationships, delivering exceptional service, and continuously marketing your business to ensure a steady stream of clients. With perseverance and creativity, you can establish a successful cleaning business.
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