Window cleaning is a great business to start if you’re looking for a low-cost, home-based business. It’s also a great business to start if you’re looking for a seasonal business that you can operate during certain times of the year.
Here are the 8 steps you can take to get started on building your very own window cleaning business.
8 Steps to Launching a New Window Cleaning Business
1. Name Your Window Cleaning Business
Give your window cleaning business an identity so people will think of it as a well-known and respected brand. You can take the name of your window cleaning business from your industry, focus on a geographical location, or use your own name among other options.
The main goal for naming your window cleaning business is to make it sound appealing and trustworthy so that potential customers will be motivated to contact you for services.
2. Choose a Legal Form for Your Business
By incorporating your window 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 window 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 window cleaning business structures.
3. Write a Window Cleaning Business Plan
All window 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 window 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 window cleaning business.
All businesses typically must pay for a business license at the city or county level. The fees are usually $100 or less. Check online to determine which licenses you must have to operate within your community. You must also register your window 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 window cleaning business licenses.
5. Determine Your Budget & Apply for Funding as Needed
In developing your window 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 window cleaning business, you may consider taking advantage of that. In addition to your personal funds, other forms of potential funding for your window 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 window cleaning business to help you determine if funding is needed.
Read our article about how to fund your window cleaning business.
6. Get the Technology & Software Needed to Run Your Business Efficiently
When you start your window 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 other software to help streamline your business operations. For example, customer relationship management (CRM) software can help you manage your customers and sales leads effectively. There are also project management tools available that can help you keep track of deadlines, assigned tasks and progress made on each job.
Read our article about the technology and software you need to run a window cleaning business.
7. Market Your Window 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 window 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. Window cleaning businesses should consider the following promotional strategies for which you should start getting prepared:
Have a grand opening: Make sure your target market knows you’re open for business by hosting a grand opening event and inviting local media to cover it.
Develop marketing collateral: You need high-quality, professional marketing materials like business cards, flyers and brochures to hand out to potential customers.
Create a press kit: A press kit is a document that contains information about your business that can be used by media outlets when they’re writing stories about your business.
Start a blog: A blog is a great way to share useful information about window cleaning with potential customers and build credibility for your business.
Get involved in the community: Getting involved in the community is a great way to build relationships with potential customers. For example, you can sponsor a Little League team or participate in a charity event.
Generate positive online reviews: People trust online reviews as much as personal recommendations, so make sure you’re getting lots of positive reviews from satisfied customers.
Read our article about how to market your window 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 window cleaning business.
Read our article about how to effectively grow your window cleaning business to learn more.
Starting a Window Cleaning Business FAQs
Why Start a Window Cleaning Business?
Window cleaning businesses have many benefits, including:
Low startup costs: You don’t need much money to get started in this business.
Flexible hours: You can work the hours you want because you’re the boss.
Recurring revenue: Customers will use your services on a regular basis, providing you with a steady stream of income.
High demand: There will always be a demand for window cleaning services because window cleaning is a routine maintenance task.
Can work from anywhere: You can run your business from anywhere in the world, as long as there’s a demand for your services.
What is Needed to Start a Successful Window Cleaning Business?
To start a successful window cleaning business, you need:
A willingness to work hard: Window cleaning is not a 9 to 5 job. You’ll have to be willing to work long hours, including weekends and holidays.
Physical strength and stamina: Window cleaning requires a lot of physical labor. You’ll need to be able to lift heavy equipment and climb ladders.
A positive attitude: You need to be friendly and professional with customers, as they’ll be letting you into their homes or businesses.
Excellent customer service skills: You need to be able to handle customer concerns and complaints in a professional manner.
How Can I Start a Market a Window Cleaning Business Online?
You can start a window cleaning business online by doing the following:
Creating a website: Your website should describe your services, provide contact information and showcase your work.
Advertising your services: You can promote your business through online directories or by placing ads on websites that are popular in your industry.
Building an email list: You can build an email list of potential customers and send them promotional material about your business.
Also, ensure that your clients can book your services online.
What are Some Tips for Starting a Window Cleaning Business?
Here are some tips for starting a window cleaning business:
Start small: Don’t try to take on too much work in the beginning. Start with a few customers and work your way toward increasing your client base.
Keep your costs low: Use inexpensive equipment and supplies in the beginning. As your business grows, you can invest in more expensive equipment.
Hire employees: You’ll need to hire employees to help you with the physical labor of window cleaning. Train them properly and pay them well.
Promote your business: Get the word out about your business by advertising in local newspapers or online. You can also distribute flyers in neighborhoods where you want to work.
Where Can I Find a Simple Checklist for Starting a Window Cleaning Business?
A simple checklist to use when starting a window cleaning business is as follows:
- Name Your Window 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 Window 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 Window 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 window cleaning business can be a great way to make money while helping people keep their homes clean. There are many things to consider, such as choosing the right legal form for your business and writing a business plan. You’ll also need to get the necessary permits and licenses, and invest in the right technology and software. Once you have all of that in place, you can start actively marketing your business to potential clients.
With careful planning and execution, you can build a successful window cleaning business that will provide you with a good income for years to come.