If you’ve started your new cleaning business, (or if you’re thinking of starting one) congratulations! You’ve just taken a large step towards freedom, passion, and self-sufficiency. If you do this right, you’re also on your way to making a lot more money than you ever thought possible.
One of the most crucial factors in having a successful cleaning business is your marketing. Getting your brand and your services out there is going to make or break your business, so it only makes sense that you’re researching how to properly market yourself. Even if you already have great clients and a steady stream of new ones via “word of mouth”, your marketing strategies are going to be growing your company for years to come.
Where do you start? Advertising and marketing are expensive. How do you know whether or not you’re spending your hard-earned money on the right things? Is there any kind of marketing you can do for free? And what kind of advertising will reach the right kind of clients for your business? These are just a few of the things we’re going to go over in this article. Let’s take a look at some simple first steps:
Put time and money into your brand.
Your brand is something you don’t want to cut corners on. It’s a good idea to hire a graphic designer from the start and have them design a logo you love. Put that logo on everything. Put it on notepads, pens, business cards, car magnets, signs, and any other advertising tools. Your logo is going to help people recognize you! Another important aspect of your brand is what makes your company unique. Do you use only eco-friendly cleaning products? Do you make your own products? Define your niche so you can put it out there.
Define your form of distribution moving forward.
If you’re an eco-friendly/green cleaning business, handing out paper flyers and paper door hangars may not be your best bet when it comes to advertising. However, if you live in a smaller town where “everybody knows everybody”, people may appreciate this “old fashioned” style of advertising. The most popular way to distribute anything these days is online, and email is a huge vessel for this. Whichever way you decide to distribute, just remember to keep your brand (or your niche) in mind. You can also call Debbie Sardone to help you with this kind of thing (972-827-7837).
Get “in” with local events.
People love supporting small businesses. To gain more clients and to create a lasting rapport, it’s important that your business gets involved with its community. Try setting up a little booth at the farmer’s market and handing out cleaning samples + flyers with your rates and services. You can also do things like host small charities or even cleaning parties where you sell your products. Anything that you can do to get involved in your community is a good marketing strategy.
Create a great website.
Have you ever heard of SEO? If not, now is definitely the time to do your research. SEO stands for Search Engine Optimization. Long story short: your website needs to be optimized so that it stands out from others on Google. You need to use the right words, create the right kinds of blogs, and get your internet presence up to par. If you don’t know anything about creating websites, it’s a good idea to hire someone to create it for you. Make sure you hire someone who has experience in SEO and marketing.
Ask your clients for reviews.
Great business reviews are gold. The problem is, it can often be a tricky subject to broach (especially with new clients). Ask your loyal customers to give you a review on Google, Yelp, your website, or your Facebook page if they’re satisfied with your services. Always thank them online for their review. If you get any bad reviews, respond in a dignified way. Nothing turns off new clients like drama. Reviews will be one of the first things a new client will look for.
Facebook, Facebook, Facebook.
Facebook is incredibly important (AND FREE) for your new cleaning business. Think of Facebook as a public scrapbook or portfolio of your work for everyone to see. When you add a touch of your personality in there, people will respond. You can also run promotions and you can pay a nominal fee to have your ad show up on the local’s feeds. Facebook is personal, and the personal touch will bring you clients that keep coming back.
Sell how you’re making a difference, not just your services.
Any time you’re doing advertising, it’s important to explain the long-term benefits of housecleaning. You can certainly tell people that you do things like windows, floors, and garage organization. But what are you really selling? Relief. You’re selling time. You’re giving your clients a clean home to come home to so that they have more time with their families. And, you’re giving them a beautiful way of life. The more they’re reminded of that, the more they’ll ask you to come back!
Keep your new cleaning business target audience in mind.
House cleaning is great for everyone. But let’s think back on the branding and “niche” aspect of your company and how important that is. When you’re putting out any kind of ad, think of the age group you’re targeting. College kids? Seniors? Working mothers? Busy families? Whatever your target audience is, that should be what is driving your ad.
No matter what, stay customer-focused.
When you have great products and services, it’s easy to focus on that. But a website or a marketing campaign focused only on your company won’t catch as many eyes or reel in as many customers. Your main focus should always be on the service you provide for other people and how you are there to make their lives easier.
Create videos for your new cleaning business.
Don’t be afraid to get your face and the faces of your employees out there. Not only will this make you stand out from other cleaning companies, but it will give you that personal touch that customers crave. You can post promotional videos on your Facebook, Instagram, or LinkedIn for a broader following. It’s also a creative way to advertise any promotions you may be running.
If you need help putting together a marketing plan to get your new cleaning business off the ground, reach out to Debbie. She’s been where you are and can help you get to where you’re going. Learn more about Debbie’s journey and how she can help you.
To learn more marketing tips for your new cleaning business, reach out to the Maid Coach, Debbie Sardone at (972)827-7837 .
