How to Start a Cleaning Business in 9 Steps

Are you looking to become the next cleaning mogul? Ready to take on a business venture that requires minimal upfront costs and brings in lots of income?

Welcome aboard! Starting your own successful cleaning business is within reach if you take the proper steps.

So if you’re ready to roll up your sleeves and spruce up some homes and businesses, here’s how you start your own cleaning business in just a few simple steps.

Steps to Starting a Cleaning Business

Step 1: Pick a Niche

Starting a cleaning business is an exciting endeavor, but how do you get started?

The first step is to pick a niche. You should decide which kind of cleaning services you will offer, whether this includes residential, commercial, or specialties such as deep carpet cleanings or post-construction cleanup.

Knowing where you want to focus your efforts can help make your business profitable and successful. 

Here are some tips to consider when picking a niche for starting a cleaning business:

• Stay within your expertise: Don’t try to be the best at everything. Focus on the services you know how to do and can provide quality results.
• Understand local market needs: Research the type of services needed in your area and how much people are willing to pay.
• Be realistic: Don’t over-promise or try to be too ambitious. Make sure you can meet the demand, even if it means starting small.

With the right planning and preparation, you will be well on your way to running a successful cleaning business!

Step 2: Choose Your Market

When starting a cleaning business, choosing your market is a crucial step. After all, it’s the foundation for how you’ll build your brand and how you can easily reach potential clients.

Ask yourself these key questions when deciding how to market your cleaning business: 

• Are there already existing businesses in your area that do the same type of work that you plan to do?
• How much do those businesses charge for their services, and can you price your business competitively?
• What market gaps would you fill with your service? How can you offer something unique to your clients?
• How do you prefer to interact with your customers? Do you want to do in-person meetings or choose a digital approach?

Once you know who you’re competing against and how to differentiate yourself, you’ll understand how to start a successful cleaning business.

Step 3: Pick a Name/Brand

Step 3 of how to start a cleaning business is picking a name/brand.

Having a well-thought-out name with a catchy and easy-to-remember slogan could be the difference between thriving and merely surviving. 

Here are some things to remember when deciding on the perfect name:

• How do you want your customers to perceive your business: trustworthy, dependable, or something fun and whimsical? 
• Once you have identified a vision, brainstorm words or phrases that match this feeling.
• Before deciding on a name, check that similar names aren’t already registered as trademarked.
• Make sure your name is easy for people to remember; if it’s too long or complex, customers will quickly forget!

Once you’ve got your perfect name, promote it so potential clients can find you.

Link your chosen name to existing social media accounts and emphasize it everywhere: business cards, websites, vehicles, and even emails or conversations with customers. You want everyone to know how fantastic your new business is!

Have fun with this part of the process as you create the perfect persona for your cleaning business.

Step 4: Build a Website

Building a website for your new cleaning business is a crucial step in how to start a cleaning business.

Your website serves as your business’s virtual face and helps draw potential customers in. Think of it as an online storefront!

While this may seem daunting, there are some easy tips and tricks that can get you started: 

• Consider signing up for web hosting and building a simple website out of templates.
• Check out the websites of other cleaning services, such as strata cleaning services, to get a feel for what a good cleaning business website looks like.
• If your budget allows, hire a web designer to create something special for your business.
• Once you have a good base design set up, regularly update and add content so that customers will know how serious you are about maintaining their trust in your services.

An effective website will boost visibility and create an ideal space for customers seeking out experienced cleaners in your area.

Step 5: Register Your LLC

One of the key steps in how to start a cleaning business is registering your LLC.

Registering your business as an LLC will provide you with additional protections, such as limited personal liability and pass-through taxation. 

Here are some steps to take before you register your LLC: 

• Make sure that there are no other companies with the same name by searching the Secretary of State’s website.
• Research how to structure your business—do you need just a one-person LLC, or would it be more beneficial to create a multi-member LLC?
• Consider what you will need to do to stay compliant with the laws and regulations of your state.

Once you’ve done your research, it is time to register! 

Do your due diligence on how the formation process works in your area. After completing these tasks, you can officially consider yourself a business owner!

Step 6: Get All Licenses or Permits

Securing a license or permit for your cleaning business is an essential step in how to start a cleaning business.

Some things to remember when acquiring your licensing:

• Depending on where you set up your business and how you run it, you may need to register a company name and apply for a federal tax identification number.
• Depending on your services, such as pest control or carpet cleaning, you might need additional licenses or certifications.
• Be sure to research all of the licensing requirements in your area, as they can differ substantially from state to state.

Depending on your services, there are some specific licenses that you should consider. For instance:

• If you plan to offer housecleaning services, you may want to look into getting a HomeCare Agency License
• If you plan on providing commercial cleaning services, you will need a Commercial Cleaning Service License.

Do your research and ensure any required paperwork is on file with the appropriate local body before starting any cleaning business.

These steps will save you from headaches when it comes time to pay taxes or hire employees.

Step 7: Plan Your Budget

One of the most critical steps when it comes to how to start a cleaning business is planning your budget.

Your budget should include the following: 

• understanding what expenses you may incur as you are starting up
• how much income do you expect
• how you will be paying yourself and your employees
• how much time each job requires

It is essential to plan your budget thoroughly and accurately if you want to make sure that your business has a successful launch.

Some specific expenses to consider:

Cleaning Supplies

Creating a budget for cleaning supplies is an essential part of how to start a cleaning business. It’s important to plan what products you need and how much you want to spend on them.

• Calculate how many cleaning products you will use each month, considering the size of houses, the frequency of visits and how many clients you expect to service.
• Consider the types of surfaces requiring special attention when selecting the most cost-effective supplies.
• Determine how often different types of bacteria and dirt need to be cleaned up and invest in appropriate solutions.
• Before purchase, ensure that cleaning supplies are non-toxic and environmentally friendly while still maintaining efficiency at deep cleaning requirements.

Planning a budget for cleaning supplies will help ensure your cleaning business adequately stocked with all necessary items and that profits remain steady!

Equipment

If you’re interested in how to start a cleaning business, one of the essential tips is to plan your budget for equipment. 

You’ll need supplies such as:

• mops
• brooms
• vacuums
• cleaning chemicals
• trash bags,
• and clothes suitable for cleaning

Some of these items can be costly, so it’s best to carefully consider how much money you have to allocate to tools before officially opening up your business.

Do some research to compare prices on the market and look into places where you can find deals that won’t break your bank account.

Planning and budgeting appropriately can ensure your cleaning business has a solid foundation and doesn’t experience unnecessary financial drains.

Marketing Expense

Setting aside enough of your startup budget to cover marketing expenses is critical when launching any business.

When planning how much you should spend on marketing, it is crucial to take into consideration things such as:

• Investing in advertising and marketing techniques that will build your brand name and attract the right customers
• Including business cards, flyers, or other promotional material as part of your advertising efforts
• Using digital channels such as social media and search engine optimization (SEO) to get the word out about your cleaning service

With strategic planning and investment, developing an effective marketing strategy will lead to vast growth potential for your cleaning business.

Transportation

Depending on how many clients you may have, how far away they are from each other, or how much you can carry in your vehicle, your transportation costs could take up a significant portion of your budget.

When considering how much to allocate to transportation, some essential tips could help you save costs:

• Look at how close potential clients are to your home or office and how often you will need to travel – the shorter the distance, the lower the cost.
• Consider optimizing efficiency by bundling cleaning services in one trip, saving time and money. 
• Make an inventory of the various transportation options available in your area, including public transportation and ride-sharing services.
• Determine how often trips you’ll take for each cleaning job, how far each destination is from your starting point, and what requirements are needed for vehicle ownership if you plan on owning or renting a car.

Researching all these factors before deciding on how much money to allocate for transportation can help you form a practical budget plan that supports the growth of your business down the line.

Step 8: Get Clients

Once you’ve gone through the nuts and bolts of creating an excellent cleaning company, it’s vital to ensure you can get clients on board. 

While there are many tips to help potential business owners do just that, it’s essential to remember that no two businesses are alike – nor are their client needs.

Beginning your success by researching who would be interested in your services and what they need is extremely valuable so you can generate the correct type of leads for your business.

That said, let’s take a look at some tried and true tips for how to start a cleaning business and get your first customers:

References

Acquiring references from previous or current clients is an absolute must if you’re figuring out how to start a cleaning business.

Always ask your customers how they feel about your services and how you can improve them.

Most of the time, people are more than happy to help you out by providing positive reviews of your work that can be used as a reference when others are considering hiring you for their cleaning needs. 

• Ask former employers and current or former coworkers for recommendations.
• Prepare a list of local contacts, like real estate agents or property managers who frequently need reliable, experienced cleaners.
• Reach out with a compelling offer; you could give their clients a discount while they get free advertising through word-of-mouth promotions.
• Always ask clients for additional referrals at the end of each job and regularly review your customer feedback to ensure they are satisfied with your services.

With these tips, you’ll be well on your way to getting your first clients and growing your customer base over time.

Referrals

Regarding how to start a cleaning business, referrals can be an invaluable tool in acquiring clients.

A referral goes a long way – people are more likely to trust someone else’s opinion over any form of advertising. If you offer excellent services, your past and current customers will be more than happy to tell others about you and your excellent service.

To get the most out of referrals: 

• Make sure you maintain a good relationship with your current customer base.
• Partner with realtors, furniture stores, home improvement stores, or other related businesses, as they can recommend you to new clients.
• Ask for reviews from happy customers and share them on your social media handles and website so potential customers can read how other customers have liked their experience with you.
• Offer incentives like discounts or free services for each referral.

Research how other cleaning businesses get clients and what strategies have worked for them. Don’t forget to ask family and friends, too — word of mouth is a powerful tool for any business.

If designed creatively, referral campaigns can successfully expand your customer base with minimal effort put into advertising.

SEO

One of the most effective methods for getting clients for your cleaning business is utilizing Search Engine Optimization (SEO).

SEO involves increasing the visibility of your website or presence in search engine results pages on search engines like Google or Bing.

Optimizing your content to target potential customers who might be looking for cleaning services can capture their attention and draw them towards you instead of your competitors. 

There are several great ways to optimize your SEO:

• Create content around topics related to your cleaning business that are likely to be searched by potential customers, such as how-to guides or reviews of your services.
• Do keyword research to identify the terms and phrases your target customers will likely use when searching for cleaning services.
• Include relevant keywords in the copy for each page on your website.
• Ensure that your website is optimized for mobile devices, as more people are now accessing the internet on their phones or tablets.
• Make sure your website design is simple, attractive, and easy to navigate – a user-friendly interface will encourage visitors to stay on your page.
• Optimize images and videos for better visibility.
• Encourage people to link to your content to build more links and increase your ranking.
• Focus on creating high-quality content that is engaging, informative, and relevant.

By following these tips, you can ensure that your cleaning business will be seen by the right people who are most likely looking for services like yours.

PPC

Pay-per-click (PPC) marketing can be an excellent tool for gaining new customers. 

PPC helps drive concrete results, such as website visits and leads, at the lowest cost per lead.

By utilizing PPC, you can reach a wider audience and get more leads quickly, allowing you to grow your business faster than relying solely on organic methods.

To get started with creating your PPC campaign for your new cleaning business, there are some essential tips to note: 

• First, create separate campaigns for various services you offer so that you can have more control over targeting specific visitors who might be looking for those services.
• Secondly, use the correct keywords in each campaign to ensure that it reaches the right audience and generates qualified leads.
• Lastly, use compelling ad copy to draw in potential customers and ensure that your landing page is well-designed with an attractive layout so visitors can easily find the information they are looking for.

Strategically incorporating these tips into your marketing plan will help you reach potential customers who may benefit from your services and grow your client base drastically.

Email

One great way to reach out and make connections with new clients is through email marketing. Email allows you to reach a large pool of potential clients quickly and effectively.

Here are some tips to help you run an effective email marketing campaign. 

• Start with a personal touch by crafting an introduction that reminds potential customers of how you can help solve their problems.
• Stick to how your services differ from the competition and how they would benefit personally by hiring you.
• Emphasize these points when saying how you can fit into their lives.
• Put yourself in the customer’s shoes–try to address any questions or concerns upfront.
• And most importantly, include contact information and a call-to-action that encourages readers to reach out for more info about how your business can help them.

These small steps towards creating a successful outreach system via email will go a long way for your cleaning business.

Social

At the tip of the iceberg when learning how to start a cleaning business, many people might overlook just how important it is to utilize social media to gain clients. 

• Facebook groups are an excellent place to connect with potential customers and network with people who can provide guidance and advice.
• Posting photos of your work – it will show how reliable you are and how attention-to-detail your services are
• Utilize Instagram for before and after examples of jobs, you have completed.
• Post consistently, considering what time posts go out.
• Create engaging content which will draw people in
• Be consistent across platforms with branding elements like colors and logos.

When implemented correctly, these tips will help your cleaning business stand out from the crowd and start turning followers into clients.

Sign up for TaskRabbit

TaskRabbit is one essential step for securing clients when figuring out how to start a cleaning business.

By signing up for TaskRabbit, potential customers can find and book you directly, making it easier to build clientele.

Here are some tips on how to make the most out of Task Rabbit: 

• provide detailed descriptions of services offered
• respond quickly and efficiently to requests
• ensure each job is carried out at the highest standard
• build trust through positive reviews from satisfied customers
• and grow your network responsibly by inviting trusted contacts

Follow these guidelines, and you will have no problem gaining trust and traction on TaskRabbit for your learning business!

Step 9: Always Have an Emergency Fund

Starting a cleaning business requires a lot of planning and preparation.

One crucial step that often gets overlooked is setting aside an emergency fund.

• Your emergency fund should cover unexpected expenses, such as equipment repairs or unanticipated operational costs, which can make all the difference in how successful your business will become.
• To maintain your emergency fund, transfer a certain amount into a separate account every month to have at least three months of operating expenses covered in case of an emergency.

This cushion can help keep you afloat if hard times ever come and will ensure that your business is well-prepared for any situation.

Executive Wrap Up

Starting a cleaning business is no easy task, but with the right strategies and resources, you can make your dreams a reality.

Creating an email marketing plan, taking advantage of social media platforms, signing up for TaskRabbit, and having an emergency fund are essential steps to take when starting a cleaning business.

These tips and tricks will help you gain the traction, trust, and clientele necessary to ensure success. 

Now we’d like to hear from you! What strategies have you used when starting your own cleaning business? We’d love to hear how it went in the comments section below!

Starting a Cleaning Business FAQ