Starting an office cleaning business can be a great way to make some extra money. It can be a relatively easy business to start, and there is a lot of potential for growth. However, there are some things you will need to do in order to get your business off the ground and running.
Here are the 8 steps you can take to get started on building your very own office cleaning business.
8 Steps to Launching a New Office Cleaning Business
1. Name Your Office Cleaning Business
Give your office cleaning business an identity so people will think of it as a well-known and respected brand. You can take the name of your office cleaning business from your industry, focus on a geographical location, or use your own name among other options.
The main goal for naming your office cleaning business is to make it sound appealing and trustworthy so that potential customers will be motivated to use your services.
2. Choose a Legal Form for Your Business
By incorporating your office 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 office 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 office cleaning business structures.
3. Write an Office Cleaning Business Plan
All office 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 an office 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 office cleaning business.
For example, some states require office cleaning businesses to have a business license. You may also need to get a seller’s permit if you will be selling any products as part of your business.
You must also register your office 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 office cleaning business licenses.
5. Determine Your Budget & Apply for Funding as Needed
In developing your office 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 office cleaning business, you may consider taking advantage of that. In addition to your personal funds, other forms of potential funding for your office 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 an office cleaning business to help you determine if funding is needed.
Read our article about how to fund your office cleaning business.
6. Get the Technology & Software Needed to Run Your Business Efficiently
When you start your office 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 office cleaning business software, which can automate various aspects of your business such as job scheduling, quoting, invoicing and payments.
Buy a business smartphone so you can be available to answer customer questions or dispatch employees, as needed
Read our article about the technology and software you need to run an office cleaning business.
7. Market Your Office 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 office 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. Office cleaning businesses should consider the following promotional strategies for which you should start getting prepared:
Develop a list of target clients – These could be businesses in specific industries or companies of a certain size within a particular geographic area.
Create marketing materials – You will need high-quality images of you and your office cleaning services as well as well-written copy to use in your website, blog and social media posts. You should also have printed flyers, business cards and other offline marketing materials.
Develop a pricing strategy – You need to decide how much you will charge for your office cleaning services. Get quotes from potential competitors to determine the price range of office cleaning services and formulate what you believe your pricing structure may be.
Start a referral program – Consider offering incentives to customers who refer new clients to your business.
Read our article about how to market your office 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 office cleaning business.
Read our article about how to effectively grow your office cleaning business to learn more.
Starting a Office Cleaning Business FAQs
Why Start an Office Cleaning Business?
An office cleaning business is a great option for entrepreneurs who want to be their own boss and maintain a flexible work schedule. Office cleaning businesses also have relatively low startup costs, making them a viable option for many would-be entrepreneurs.
Growth is another key reason to start an office cleaning business. According to industry forecasts, the commercial cleaning industry is expected to keep growing at an annual 10% increase through 2030. This is good news for a office cleaning business!
What is Needed to Start a Successful Office Cleaning Business?
In addition to a computer, internet access, and accounting software, you may also want to invest in office cleaning business software. A business smartphone will also come in handy for answering customer questions or dispatching employees, as needed.
To market your office cleaning business, you'll need a website and high-quality images of you and your services, as well as well-written copy for your website, blog, and social media posts. You should also have printed flyers, business cards, and other offline marketing materials.
You'll also need to develop a pricing strategy and consider starting a referral program to attract new customers.
Finally, to effectively grow your office cleaning business, you'll need to find and train the right employees to help you.
How Can I Start an Office Cleaning Business Online?
You can start an office cleaning business online by creating a website and promoting your business through social media and other channels. Ensure that clients can book your services online.
You'll also need to develop a pricing strategy, gather the necessary materials, and find and train employees. You’ll want to find a place to store your supplies and equipment and purchase insurance.
What are Some Tips for Starting an Office Cleaning Business?
Here are some tips for starting an office cleaning business:
- Develop a pricing strategy.
- Gather the necessary materials.
- Find and train employees.
- Establish systems to ensure consistency and reduce costs.
- Create a website and promote your business online.
- Offer incentives to customers who refer new clients to your business.
- Effectively grow your office cleaning business.
Where Can I Find a Simple Checklist for Starting an Office Cleaning Business?
A simple checklist to use when starting an office cleaning business is as follows:
- Name Your Office 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 an Office 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 Office 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 an office cleaning business can be a great way to become your own boss and make a living while helping businesses keep their offices clean. There are many things to consider, such as the legal form of your business; the permits and licenses required; and, budgeting and marketing. With the right planning and execution, you can have a successful office cleaning business up and running in no time.