Introduction
Picture this: you’re your own boss, setting your hours, picking your projects, and raking in the dough, all while being outdoors. Sounds pretty sweet, right? Well, this isn’t a dream. It’s a super viable reality for those who are willing to roll up their sleeves, grab a squeegee, and dive into the world of exterior home cleaning. By this we mean window washing, power washing, and gutter cleaning. This post is dedicated to budding entrepreneurs who have decided to skip the traditional college route and are ready to carve out their own success.
A great testament to this path is Zacch Boyes out of Corona, CA. Zacch started his business called Z’s Window Cleaning after working in this trade as an employee and realizing he could run a business himself. Zacch wanted to make a great income while having the flexibility to spend more time with his wife and animals and this business provided the perfect solution.
Benefits of Starting this Business
Starting your own cleaning business comes with a truckload of perks.
1. Independence and Flexibility: Say goodbye to stuffy office cubicles and hello to the open sky. You get to decide when you work and how much you work.
2. Low Startup Costs and High Earning Potential: With just a few essential tools, you can start earning decent cash right away. Plus, as your business grows, so does your income.
Getting Started
Before you get started, you need to gear up (literally!). Here are some things you’ll need:
1. Window Washing Equipment: This includes a squeegee, scrubber, ladder, cleaning solution, and an extension pole for those hard-to-reach windows.
2. Power Washing Machine: These bad boys blast away dirt and grime like it’s nobody’s business.
3. Gutter Cleaning Tools: A sturdy ladder, gutter scoops, and a high-pressure hose should do the trick.
4. Safety Gear: Don’t forget safety goggles, gloves, and non-slip shoes. Safety first, folks!
5. Vehicle for Transportation: You’ll need a reliable mode of transport to haul your equipment and commute to clients.
Remember, training and safety are paramount. Learn the tricks of the trade and ensure you’re well-versed in safety protocols before you embark on this journey.
Local Marketing Strategies
Marketing is like the cool, hip aunt who brings presents to every family gathering. It’s fun, exciting, and brings in the goods—aka customers. Here are some strategies to get started:
1. Target Specific Neighborhoods: Start small. Zero in on specific neighborhoods and make your presence known. On a typical day, when he’s not performing services, Zacch will meet with building owners, return calls and emails, and bid on contracts. Zacch attributes much of his success to really knowing his local market in Corona.
2. Direct Mail Campaigns: Send out postcards or flyers highlighting your services, prices, and a fun introduction about your brand.
3. Local Business Partnerships: Partner up with local businesses and offer their customers special discounts on your services.
Social Media Promotion
Now, let’s talk about the digital world. Social media is a powerful ally in your quest to conquer the cleaning business kingdom.
1. Create a Strong Online Presence: Set up a professional Facebook or Instagram page for your business. Post regularly and interact with your followers.
2. Engage with Local Community Groups: Join local community groups and actively participate in discussions. Remember, don’t just sell your service; be a useful member of the community.
3. Showcase Before-and-After Photos: Nothing sells your service better than a visual transformation. Regularly post high-quality before-and-after photos of your work.
Referral Programs
Everyone loves a good deal. And what’s better than getting a discount on a service you love? Offering your customers incentives for referrals can be a smart move.
1. Incentivize Customers: Offer discounts or free services for every client they refer to you.
2. Rewards: You could also run a rewards program where customers earn points for each referral, which they can redeem for discounts or freebies.
Pricing Strategies
Pricing can be tricky, but with the right approach, you can ensure your services are competitively priced without compromising your profits.
1. Determine Competitive Pricing: Research similar businesses in your area and price your services competitively.
2. Upsell Additional Services: Offer add-on services like deep cleaning, gutter debris filter installation, or seasonal maintenance for an extra fee. You may be surprised what opportunities for additional services are out there until you build relationships with customers. As an example, Zacch has found tile and grout cleaning to be a natural addition to his list of services.
Our friend Zacch earns about $75 per hour and keeps that money all to himself since he’s a one man operation. To help you understand how much money you can grow this into full time, here’s a look at some reasonable “napkin math” for this business.
Customer Service Tips
Last but definitely not least, let’s talk about customer service. A happy customer is a repeat customer, and they’re more likely to refer your business to others. Here’s how you can deliver top-notch customer service:
1. Provide Exceptional Service: Do your job well, and be polite and respectful to your clients. Zacch truly loves the difference he makes by cleaning glass and cement — his passion shows in his work.
2. Respond Promptly: Whether it’s a query, complaint, or a compliment, ensure you respond quickly and professionally.
Conclusion
Starting your own window washing, power washing, and gutter cleaning business may seem daunting initially, but with the right tools, strategies, and a dash of determination, you can pave your way to success.