According to The U.S Bureau of Labor Statistics, the demand for cleaning services is expected to increase by 11% over the next decade. The increased demand for specialized cleaning services can be attributed to needs that go beyond just cleaning every inch of your house.

In 2022, there is much more focus on cleanliness—not just in homes, but at work as well. While this kind of maintenance has traditionally been something that people have handled themselves, the COVID-19 pandemic has changed many businesses’ approach to building maintenance, and there’s a growing feeling that these tasks should be left to professionals who have experience and expertise to handle them properly.

At home, the rising cost of living and the increasing prevalence of two-income households may also be fueling this growth—more people are finding themselves unable to keep up with the demands of their home, so they’re turning to professional cleaners who can make their lives easier.

If you own a commercial or home cleaning business, you may be wondering in what areas you can improve or what could help the growth of your cleaning business. With the cleaning industry increasing in popularity, it’s important to stand out from your competitors. Check out eight of our best tips to help make your venture a successful one:

Offer a variety of services
Develop a marketing plan
Train your employees thoroughly
Invest in high-quality cleaning supplies and equipment
Set prices that reflect the quality of your services
Get permits and insurance
Establish good customer relationships
Budget your project’s funds, then pursue the best financing option for you
Let’s jump in.

1. Offer a variety of services
Cleaning businesses that offer a range of services are more likely to be successful than those that focus on just one or two services. This is because potential customers will see that you’re able to meet their needs, no matter what they may be. You can offer new services like:

Upholstery cleaning
Window washing
Pressure cleaning
Post-construction cleaning
Move-in/move-out cleaning
Disinfecting services
Home organization
Green cleaning
It is easier to target a variety of audiences with a range of services. For example, if a business offers both carpet cleaning and housekeeping services, they can target people who want their carpets cleaned as well as people who want their entire home cleaned. Offering a variety of services will also help you attract new customers who may not have considered using your services before.

2. Develop a marketing plan
A marketing plan is a roadmap that will help your business achieve its goals, including strategies for targeting your ideal customers, and how you will reach them. By taking the time to develop a marketing plan, you can save time and money by making sure that you are focusing your resources on the right activities.

When it comes to a home or commercial cleaning service, there are a number of different marketing strategies that can be used to attract new customers. For instance:

Online advertising
Direct mail
Print advertising
These can all be effective ways to reach potential customers. In addition, developing a strong social media presence can help to create buzz and generate leads. By taking the time to develop a comprehensive marketing plan, you can ensure that you are taking the necessary steps to grow your cleaning service.

3. Train your employees thoroughly
Employees are the backbone of any business, and it is important to take the time to train them. This includes teaching them how to use equipment and supplies, as well as how to properly clean different types of places and surfaces. By investing in their training, you are ensuring that your team has the necessary skills and knowledge to provide top-notch service. A well-trained staff will provide better service, be more efficient, and represent your business in a positive light.

In addition, well-trained employees are more likely to be satisfied with their jobs and stay with your company long-term. Engaged employees will not only save you money on advertising and interviewing but will also save you time while training new employees. It’s more cost-efficient to keep your existing employees happy and engaged.

4. Invest in high-quality cleaning supplies and equipment
One of the most important parts of your cleaning business is your equipment. Using quality products and equipment will not only make your customers happy, but it will also help you achieve better results. This includes:

Commercial vacuum cleaners
Carpet cleaners
Window cleaners
Pressure washers
Wet/dry vacuums
Steam mops
Auto floor scrubber
Although it can be costly, investing in quality products and equipment will pay off in the form of satisfied customers and repeat business. If you have equipment in need of financing, there are several funding options you can choose from to finance that equipment.

Something like a business line of credit could help you since they are intended to be short-term solutions for financing needs, and most people pay them off within a few months, much like a credit card. A merchant cash advance could also be an option. With a merchant cash advance, you can get working capital when you need it most. We’ll receive a percentage of your daily or weekly credit card sales until the advance is paid back.

5. Set prices that reflect the quality of your services
When setting prices for your services, it is important to remember that you are providing a quality service and should be compensated accordingly. Do your research and find out what other businesses in your area are charging for similar services. Be sure to set prices that reflect the quality of your services and are competitive with other businesses. Also keep in mind that you may need to adjust your prices from time to time, depending on the market.

6. Get permits and insurance
In order to protect yourself and your business, it is important to get insurance, licenses, and permits. This includes liability insurance, workers’ compensation insurance, and any necessary permits for your business. Having the proper insurance and permits in place will help you avoid any legal problems down the road.

7. Establish good customer relationships
While providing high-quality services and developing trust is important, establishing strong customer relationships is the key to the success of any business. Good customer relationships will result in loyal, repeat customers.

It is important to take the time to build strong, long-lasting relationships while also taking the time to listen to your customers’ needs and concerns. When you take the time to listen to your customers, they’ll feel like you’re truly invested in them and their experience with your company and they’ll be more likely to come back time and time again.

8. Budget your project’s funds, then pursue the best financing option for you
A budget plan is a crucial part of any commercial and home cleaning business. A budget plan will help you to track your income and expenses, as well as give you a clear picture of where your money is going. Additionally, having a budget will help you to make informed decisions about how to allocate your resources.

It’s important to note what components are included in your budget so that you don’t overspend in one area and fall short in another. For commercial and home cleaning services, variable costs may include things like:

Cleaning supplies and equipment
Marketing or advertising
Costs associated with employees, such as their salaries, benefits, and training
Travel expenses
Insurance and permits
Once you have your project’s budget ready, you can pursue the best financing option for you. You can begin by figuring out which are your funding needs and find out which lenders offer different types of business loans. Here are some of the alternative funding options available for running a successful commercial and home cleaning business:

Small Business Alternative Funding Options for Cleaning Businesses
There are a number of fast small business funding options that can help home and commercial cleaning businesses take on new projects and continue to grow. Here are 4 popular alternative funding options to consider:

Merchant Cash Advance: With a merchant cash advance, you can get working capital when you need it most. We’ll receive a percentage of your daily or weekly credit card sales until the advance is paid back. Learn more about merchant cash advances.
Invoice Factoring: Invoice factoring is ideal if you have a long accounts receivable period. You can sell us your pending invoices in exchange for the net amount in cash. You’ll receive the balance of the invoices’ value when we receive payment (minus our fee). Learn more about online invoice factoring.
Collateral Loan: A collateral loan is a secured loan that uses commercial real estate to establish creditworthiness and reduce risk. With a collateral loan, you can qualify for a larger amount of money at lower interest rates and fees.
Business Line of Credit: A business line of credit gives you the ability to borrow funds without having to commit to a fixed-term loan. You can draw as much or as little as you need, then repay it as you go, and only pay interest on the amount you’ve actually borrowed.
Running a successful cleaning business takes time, effort, and planning. But with the right tools in place, you can streamline your operations and make more money while keeping your customers happy.