In short, the cleaning industry is rapidly growing, with an increasing demand for residential and commercial services.
Research shows that the cleaning services market is expected to grow at an annual rate of 6.2% from 2021 to 2028.
For cleaning businesses, this growth presents an exciting opportunity.
But how can you tap into this potential and expand your business effectively?
This blog is designed to provide practical, user-friendly advice to help you learn how to grow a cleaning business. This information is not intended for those trying to grow a cleaning business from scratch, but it can help set your business up for success from the get-go.
The cleaning industry is always changing, so you need to keep improving and growing your business. If you're not actively seeking growth, you will fall behind.
BUT…
Adding resources such as personnel or equipment when there isn’t enough demand makes failure inescapable.
Therefore, you must increase demand to successfully grow your cleaning business. Let’s look at some steps you should take:
Remember, successfully attracting customers, providing great service, getting paid, and doing it all over again are key to growing your business.
Make sure there's a real demand for your services before you try to grow rapidly.
Prioritizing customer service is the crux of the growth and success of your cleaning business.
Exceptional customer service not only retains clients but also attracts new ones.
Focus on consistently delivering high-quality service, responding promptly and effectively to customer inquiries and complaints, and striving to exceed expectations.
Implementing a customer loyalty or referral program can also be a great strategy to encourage repeat business and promote long-term relationships.
Action Step: Gather feedback through simple methods like post-service emails or text messages, enabling you to understand and meet your customers' needs more effectively.
Richard Branson once said, “Take care of your employees, and they’ll take care of your business.”
Hiring the right people is not just about skills but finding individuals who fit your company's culture and values.
Furthermore, training your team well is also key – it leads to better service and fewer mistakes, which is good for your business.
Here's how you can build a strong team:
Action Step: Create a hiring plan and interview questions to find people with the right attitude and values. Then, establish regular methods to gather feedback from your team.
Financial management is a key component for the success of your cleaning business.
Charge well for your services - prices should be high enough to cover your costs and ensure profitability. Don’t try to use price as a marketing tool. Don’t try to compete on price. Charge prices that will make you profitable and add value.
Keep a close watch on your expenses and cash flow to maintain a healthy financial state.
You can steer your cleaning business toward sustained success and growth by staying informed and proactive in your financial management.
Action Step: If you don’t feel like you have a firm grasp on your cleaning business numbers, spend time each day learning and gaining more perspective.
Nowadays, a strong online presence is non-negotiable.
If you’re not growing your online business presence, you’re invisible to most of your customer base.
A survey by BrightLocal reveals that 98% of consumers read online reviews for local businesses in 2023.
You need to maintain an active presence on social media, ensure your website is user-friendly, and actively manage online reviews.
For local SEO (Search Engine Optimization), it's important to tailor your online content to target local services.
Instead of generic terms like “commercial cleaning” or “house cleaning,” use specific phrases such as “house cleaning in Savannah.” (i.e. Service + Service Area) This helps your business appear in local search results when potential customers in your area are looking for cleaning services.
Action Step: Check if you have a Google Business Profile (GMB), a website that states your service areas, and “Google” your business name. Find anything that needs to be fixed? Any inaccuracies or outdated information should be updated promptly to improve your visibility.
Integrating technology into your cleaning business begins with identifying inefficiencies in your current processes, like manual scheduling and invoicing, and setting clear goals to enhance efficiency, such as improving booking processes or streamlining payments.
“Learning and innovation go hand in hand.” – William Pollard.
Define specific objectives for your business, like increasing your client base or improving customer satisfaction. Make these goals quantifiable so you can track your progress easily.
Schedule regular reviews of your business performance against your set goals.
Be flexible and willing to adjust your strategies based on the feedback you receive and the results of your reviews.
Regularly research the latest trends in the cleaning industry, such as new cleaning technologies or eco-friendly practices. Also, attend industry workshops, webinars, or conferences to stay informed and inspired.
By focusing on these areas, you're not just running a cleaning business; you're continually growing and adapting it to meet the market's and your customers' changing needs and demands.
Working with a cleaning business coach can provide personalized advice, strategies, and insights into your company's strengths, weaknesses, and growth possibilities.
A coach can help you navigate challenges, capitalize on opportunities, and make informed decisions for sustainable growth. They can assist in areas like strategic planning, process improvement, business management skills, and more, ensuring you have a well-rounded approach to expanding your business.
Action Step: For expert advice on growing your cleaning business, contact Action Management Pros to schedule a consultation, where experienced coaches can help hold you accountable and achieve your business goals in any market.
As the cleaning industry continues to grow, your business has a tremendous opportunity to expand and grow. This comprehensive guide offers valuable steps and insights to help you navigate the path to success.
From analyzing market demand and prioritizing customer service to building a strong team, managing finances, leveraging online marketing and technology, setting strategic goals, and continuously learning – each step is necessary in its own way.
For those who may feel overwhelmed or unsure where to start, consider working with a cleaning business coach. Action Management Pros can offer the support and accountability you need to achieve your business goals and succeed.
With the right approach and expert guidance, the potential for your cleaning business is limitless.
