Starting your own house cleaning business can be a great way to make some extra money, and it’s a business that you can start with a small up-front investment.
Here are the 8 steps you can take to get started on building your very own house cleaning business.
8 Steps to Launching a New House Cleaning Business
1. Name Your House Cleaning Business
Give your house cleaning business an identity so people will think of it as a well-known and respected brand. You can take the name of your house cleaning business from your industry, focus on a geographical location, or use your own name among other options.
The main goal for naming your house cleaning business is to make it sound appealing and trustworthy so customers will want to use your services.
2. Choose a Legal Form for Your Business
By incorporating your house cleaning business, you will limit your liability. You can incorporate as a Limited Liability Company (LLC), a C Corporation (C-Corp), or an S Corporation (S-Corp). Or you can operate as a sole proprietorship.
The business structure you choose for your house cleaning business will determine the amount of taxes you pay and which state or federal tax forms you need to file.
Read our article comparing the most common house cleaning business structures.
3. Write a House Cleaning Business Plan
All house cleaning business owners should develop a business plan.
A business plan is a document that outlines the goals, strategies, and operations of a business. It can be used to secure funding from investors or lenders, as well as to guide the day-to-day operations of the business. The business plan should include information on the company’s products or services, market analysis, financial projections, and management team among other things.
Read our article about how to write a house cleaning business plan.
4. Apply for the Necessary Permits and Licenses
There may be required licenses and permits you need to obtain before launching your house cleaning business.
For example, If you will be using any type of cleaning product that is considered hazardous, you may need to get a permit from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
You must also register your house cleaning business as a legal entity with the state where you plan to do business. You can simply file an online form through your Secretary of State website.
Registering with the federal government is also essential so you can properly pay taxes for your business. You will also need an Employer Identification Number (EIN), which you can apply for at the IRS website, if you plan to hire employees.
Read our article about obtaining the proper house cleaning business licenses.
5. Determine Your Budget & Apply for Funding as Needed
In developing your house cleaning business plan, you will figure out how much funding you need to start and grow your business.
If you have your own funds to invest in your house cleaning business, you may consider taking advantage of that. In addition to your personal funds, other forms of potential funding for your house cleaning business include traditional bank loans, SBA loans, credit cards, angel investors and family and friends.
Read our article about the costs associated with starting a house cleaning business to help you determine if funding is needed.
Read our article about how to fund your house cleaning business.
6. Get the Technology & Software Needed to Run Your Business Efficiently
When you start your house cleaning business, it’s essential to have the right technology in place to maximize efficiency. You definitely need a computer with Internet access, and accounting software for tracking expenses and revenues.
You may also want to invest in software specifically designed for the house cleaning industry. This type of software can automate quoting, scheduling, and invoicing processes.
Additionally, if you have employees, you will need a way to track their hours worked and manage payroll.
Read our article about the technology and software you need to run a house cleaning business.
7. Market Your House Cleaning Business to Potential Clients
Before you start selling your services, you have to let the world know you exist. The first step is to create a website so people can learn more about your services and how they benefit them.
After you launch your website, start promoting it through social media channels like Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter. Also consider networking with other people in the house cleaning industry through social media and blogs so they can help share your business.
You also need to start gathering the materials needed to execute on your promotions strategy, which is your strategy for attracting new customers. House cleaning businesses should consider the following promotional strategies for which you should start getting prepared:
- Advertising in print and online directories
- Creating flyers, business cards, and other marketing materials
- Hosting open houses or other events for potential customers
- Offering coupons or discounts for first-time customers
Read our article about how to market your house cleaning business for more tips.
8. Get New Clients & Grow Your Business
When you promote your services, you’ll start to get interest from potential clients.
Make sure you’re ready to serve these clients. Also, be sure to establish systems to ensure consistency and reduce costs. And be sure to find and train the right people to help you grow your house cleaning business.
Read our article about how to effectively grow your house cleaning business to learn more.
Starting a House Cleaning Business FAQs
Why Start a House Cleaning Business?
There are a number of reasons why starting a house cleaning business can be a great idea. For one, it’s a relatively easy business to start up. And, with the right marketing and business strategies in place, it can be a very profitable business.
Another reason to start a house cleaning business is that it’s a service that is always in demand and the industry is growing rapidly. There will always be people who need their homes cleaned, whether it’s on a one-time basis or on a regular basis.
Finally, starting a house cleaning business gives you the opportunity to be your own boss and set your own hours. This can be a great way to achieve work-life balance.
What is Needed to Start a Successful House Cleaning Business?
To start a successful house cleaning business, you need to have the right mix of business strategies, marketing tactics, and employees in place. You also need to be dedicated to providing excellent customer service. You’ll need to purchase your equipment and supplies. And, finally, make sure you have the financial resources in place to sustain your business.
How Can I Start a House Cleaning Business From Home?
Starting a house cleaning business from home is a great way to get your business up and running quickly and with minimal costs. When you start from home, you can use your own residence as a base of operations and gradually grow your business by adding employees and clients.
Obtain the proper permits and purchase insurance. You will need to get a business license and possibly a resale permit if you plan on purchasing cleaning supplies wholesale. You will also need to purchase liability insurance to protect your business in case of accidents.
How Can I Start a House Cleaning Business Online?
The best way to start a house cleaning business online is to create a website that showcases your services and allows potential customers to contact you for more information or to schedule a cleaning. You should also promote your business through social media channels and online directories. Finally, consider offering coupons or discounts for first-time customers.
What are Some Tips for Starting a House Cleaning Business?
Some tips for starting a house cleaning business include:
- Research the industry and your competition to get a better understanding of the market.
- Develop a business plan to help map out your business goals and strategies.
- Choose a catchy and unique name for your business.
- Create a professional website and promote your business online.
- Purchase the necessary business licenses and insurance.
- Find and train the right people to help you grow your business.
- Offer coupons or discounts for first-time customers.
Where Can I Find a Simple Checklist for Starting a House Cleaning Business?
A simple checklist to use when starting a house cleaning business is as follows:
- Name Your House Cleaning Business: This should be done with care, as your brand is important for attracting the right customers. A simple, memorable name will go a long way.
- Choose a Legal Form for Your Business: Whether you choose to become a sole proprietorship, partnership, LLC, corporation or another option will depend on your business. Ensure that you are aware of all the implications of each type.
- Write a House Cleaning Business Plan: Your business plan will also help you determine what your start-up costs will be and will provide a roadmap with which you can launch and grow.
- Apply for the Necessary Permits and Licenses: In most locations you will be required to apply for a business license and/or permits before you can begin operations.
- Determine Your Budget & Apply for Funding as Needed: You will need to know how much money you have to spend on all of your business-related expenses before opening any doors. If needed, apply for a small business loan or other funding options.
- Get the Technology & Software Needed to Run Your Business Efficiently: You need to have the right tools in place to succeed. Implement software that will help you manage your time, contacts, and business operations in general.
- Market Your House Cleaning Business to Potential Clients: A solid marketing plan will be crucial to your success. It should focus on attracting the right customers so that you can provide them with the services they truly need.
- Get Clients & Grow Your Business: Once you have a solid marketing plan, it's time to actively pursue and secure those who could benefit the most from your services.
Summary
Starting a house cleaning business can be a great way to make money while helping others enjoy their homes. It’s important to research the market and plan accordingly before starting out, but with the right tools and marketing strategy in place, you can be successful. And, offering coupons or discounts for first-time customers is always a good idea!