I started Sparkly Maid Austin with a lot of excitement to make a business from my passion for orderly and clean spaces. However, I soon realized that running a cleaning business involved so much more than showing up to clean people’s homes. Here are five key things I wish I knew from the start:
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1. Start with Scalability in Mind
One of the very biggest mistakes I made was not making policies and processes that were put in place from very early on designed to foster seamless growth. With a growing client base, I would find myself running all over the place to try and catch up with the work at hand. I learned the hard way that it’s crucial to have systems built for expansion from the very first day—systems like:
- Cleaning checklists and standardized cleaning procedures
- Scheduling and routing with efficient software
- Good communication with clients and employees
This will help you better handle the complexity that inevitably comes with scaling your business.
2. Invest in the Right Equipment and Supplies
Well, at first, I attempted to keep costs down by using grocery store available, extremely basic, cleaning supplies. It’s not even cost but the quality of gear; investing in professional quality equipment and the best eco sources was a sound investment because it differentiated automatically from the competition.
Some core investments include:
- High-efficiency vacuum cleaners and mops
- Microfiber cloths and dusters
- Green cleaning solutions for families and pets
- Uniforms and logoed supplies to elevate your professional image
3. Customers First
Customer service is just as important as cleaning in the cleaning industry. Going the extra mile for a client will result in loyalty and recommendations. Here are some ways to prioritize customer service in the cleaning industry:
- Responsive: Listening and responding to client’s inquiries and concerns
- Offering flexible hours and a tailored cleaning plan
- Adding small extras in the room, such as leaving a note to thank the guest or folding the toilet paper into an ornate shape
- Checking regularly to determine client satisfaction
All you need to do is treat every client’s home as though it were your own while building a reputation for unparalleled service.
4. Don’t Underestimate the Power of Marketing
At first, I relied only on word-of-mouth referrals to begin developing my business. Soon, however, I began to see the value of targeted marketing. Some ways I utilized this targeted marketing:
- Designing a professional website with services and values communicated clearly
- Letting social media help you get in touch with potential clients by sharing some cleaning tips
- Partnering with local businesses and organizations to cross-market services
- Encouraging happy clients to leave online reviews and testimonials
It is always about being visible with your brand and communicating what differentiates you from other cleaning businesses. With this consistency, you will attract the right clients out there and be able to stand out in a crowded marketplace.
5. Taking Care of Your Team
As Sparkly Maid Austin expanded, I quickly came to understand that my team was my most valuable asset. Developing my team in terms of training, well-being, and job satisfaction did far more than improve services; it directly impacted company culture, staff retention, and churn. Here is how to take care of your team:
- Train and further educate properly
- Competitive wages and benefits
- Finding and rewarding the best performance
- Developing open communication and a supporting work environment
Building a committed team that is loyal to the business will take place as a result of treating and appreciating the employees with respect.
Starting a house cleaning business has been such demanding work, but it is so rewarding at the same time. Through trial and error and a continual re-evaluation regarding my client and team needs, I have made it happen—built Sparkly Maid into a real company that is still growing. I hope sharing these insights helps any new owners get started on their cleaning business dreams with their best foot forward and shave off a little bit of the grind it took for me to get here.
For more information about Sparkly Maid Austin, please visit our website, sparklymaidaustin.com.
