The cleaning industry is a fruitful endeavor especially if you are a small business because the entry costs are pretty low. The same goes for the number of big companies in key markets. However, even though cleaning services are somewhat immune to the recession, proper marketing, and business growth are essential to the survival of your firm. No matter what kind of services you offer – janitorial services, maid services or carpet cleaning – here is a list of useful tips that you should follow in order to improve your cleaning service business.
Be one of a kind
With the big market out there, it is crucial that you make a difference. Your customers are interested in what you have to offer that other businesses don’t. First, you should research your competitors, and learn what it is they say and do that makes them different from the rest. You can learn from online reviews and discussions what others are saying about your competition. Then you should focus on what they are missing and offer that to your customers.
Another way to make a difference is to build unique relationships with your customers via your marketing efforts. Write a blog about cleaning tips in order to show off your expertise, or present your team so that they get to know you better.
Take care of your employees
The most important part of your business is your employees. It is how well they do their job that determines the satisfaction of your customers. You need to focus on finding ways to encourage them to do the best they can. Train them properly, avoid micromanagement, and of course, show them respect. When they are exceeding at their job, provide them with bonuses. You could offer them the benefit of using your equipment to clean their own home.
Pay good attention to your customers
You need to make sure not to get so involved with running your business that you forget to think about your marketing strategy and how you can improve it. It is essential that you define your business’ purchasing cycle. Trace all the stages – awareness, consideration, purchase, and everything that’s in between.
The point is that you focus on your customers in each step. The messages that you want to convey and calls to action that you want them to take may differ from step to step. For example, you may want to have a direct marketing campaign to drive potential new customers to your website, while on the other hand, you could offer coupons to those that are already engaged with your business.
Establish systems
You need to establish systems because your business requires a structure that enables your work to be efficient and consistent, while at the same time being able to run with or without you there to follow every step. Sydney strata cleaning professionals recommend that you create a system for each of the functions, including:
- Cleaning
- Supervision
- Laundry
- Reports
- Customer service
- Accounting
- Management
Focus on a niche
It is a bad strategy to try to be everything to everyone. You should choose a market that you can best serve, and focus your attention on it. For example, if your choice is to clean large facilities, you won’t have the time and resources to focus on small office buildings as well. Be the best at your chosen niche, and therefore acquire consistency for the services you are providing. When you try to take up too many markets, you most likely won’t be successful in any of them.
Track your labor costs
Your labor is your biggest expense, so you need to track it and stay ahead. If you don’t watch your labor costs day by day, you are bound to lose track. Compile daily reports in order to spot problems before they get out of hand. If labor is on the rise, figure out whether your customer is looking for services that you aren’t charging for, or if you have underestimated the necessary time for the work to be done. On the other hand, if you labor is under, you need to make sure that your services are of the quality that you are aiming for.
Always keep learning
While the cleaning industry isn’t the most complex one out there, there is always something new to learn. Technology is always advancing and improving, and so is the equipment that you use. When it comes to the chemicals that you use to clean, there are always safety issues that you need to keep in mind. And of course, you can always boost your managerial and organizational skills. Visit conventions and read publications about your industry. Make sure that your suppliers are always keeping you updated.
Final words
The same as with every other business, it is essential that your cleaning service business makes a difference and that you stay true to yourself and your customers. Establish systems and track your labor costs, as well as the changes in the economy. Focus on a niche in the market and make the best out of it.
