Cleaning Business Strategy: What to Include

Running a cleaning business is about more than just tackling grime. You're also responsible for your own goals, marketing and organisation. If cleaning is your forte, the business strategy side may not come easily to you. Fortunately, you don't need a degree in business studies to broach these principles. Read on for our guide to mastering your cleaning business strategy.

Identify your target market

Every business has a group of people that their services are aimed at. Broadly speaking, this is likely to be tenants or owners of residential or commercial properties, but you might have a specific target market within these categories. For example, busy mums or retail businesses.

By keeping this audience in mind, you can tailor your business strategy to the people you want to attract. For example, if your business specialises in office cleaning, you can aim your marketing at office buildings. If you're more geared towards family homes, community spaces might be more helpful to you.

Get branding right

There are many elements that make up a brand. These include your business name, colours, values and voice. It's essentially how you want the world to see you. Whether you want to be thought of as a luxury brand who serves the elite or the best in town at deep cleaning rugs, you can express this through your branding. Consider the palette and images you use – the best branding communicates your mission at a quick glance.

Clear contact points

People can only hire you if they know you're there. By making as much information readily available as possible, you make it easier for customers to find what they're looking for. However, that's no use if they can't figure out how to contact you. Make sure that any promotional material includes your phone number, email address, website and social media profiles. Remember that each customer will have a preferred method of communication – not everyone wants to call for a quote.

Scope out the competition

Chances are, you won't be the only cleaning business in your area. This means that you'll need an awareness of the other businesses as part of your cleaning business strategy, so that you can compete. Whether it's low prices, specialist skills or strong values, you'll need to find something that sets you apart from the rest of them.

Make the most of satisfied customers

Happy customers are more likely to recommend you to a friend. Excellent customer service can gain you organic referrals, but there's more you can do to make the most of positive feedback.

One of the best ways to sell your business is by showing off your good work. Ask your customers if you can use photos of the work you do for them. Even better, see if they will leave a review. These can be displayed on your promotional materials to provide credibility and show potential customers that you can be trusted.

Join the National Carpet Cleaning Association

Membership of The National Carpet Cleaning Association (NCCA) gets you a widely recognised seal of approval. Once you've proven that you meet our standards, you'll gain access to training, resources and advice. All of our members are also listed in our directory, helping you reach countless new customers.

Joining the NCCA could be a pivotal part of your cleaning business strategy. Find out more on our membership page.