Low or No Cost Ways to Market Your Cleaning Business

http://www.thejanitorialstore.com

Jean Hanson

style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal">style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Verdana">It doesn't matter what a fantastic

service your cleaning business provides if no one knows that you

exist.style="mso-spacerun: yes"> If you are clever and motivated there

are numerous ways to promote your business that don't have to cost a bundle.

Here are just a few:

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style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Verdana">Always be prepared with an

"elevator speech".style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Verdana">style="mso-spacerun: yes"> When you meet new people be ready to

talk about your cleaning business and its USP (unique selling proposition).style="mso-spacerun: yes"> Talk about the benefits you offer as

opposed to the services you provide.

Let people know how your services can solve their problems.style="mso-spacerun: yes">
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style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Verdana">Set networking goals.style="mso-spacerun: yes"> style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Verdana">When attending events, workshops

or meetings, don't sit by people you know.

The point is to meet new people. Make a goal of handing out five business

cards. If you want to be

interesting, be interested in others; get their business cards and ask questions

about their business.
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style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Verdana">Joining groups is another way to

promote your cleaning business. style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Verdana">style="mso-spacerun: yes"> Every community has numerous

organizations, such as a chamber of commerce, Rotary, BNI (Business Network

International), that are excellent places to meet people and talk about what you

do. But don't join if you are not

going to participate. Simply being on a group's mailing list will not generate

sales or interest in your business.
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style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Verdana">A great way to meet people is to

volunteer in your community.style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Verdana">style="mso-spacerun: yes"> Other volunteers will generally ask what

you do. Wearing a shirt with your

business name will be a reminder of the services you provide.
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style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Verdana">Teach a class through the local

community education program.style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Verdana">style="mso-spacerun: yes"> Community education programs attract

people throughout your local service area.

It will help you make contacts and also establish you as an expert in

your field.

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style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Verdana">Ask people for

referrals.style="mso-spacerun: yes"> There is nothing wrong with asking your

current customers if they know of others who can use your services.style="mso-spacerun: yes"> In turn, you should be interested in

their company and be sure to promote them when the appropriate situation

arises.

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style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Verdana">Look for joint ventures and team

up with a business that compliments yours. style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Verdana">style="mso-spacerun: yes"> As a cleaning company you may want to

work with a real estate agent, rental agency or apartment complex.
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style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Verdana">Write a press

release

announcing your new business, employee promotions, or attendance at industry

events or conferences. Most

newspapers have a business section and they are always looking for stories on

local businesses.

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style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Verdana">Direct mail

campaigns can be

effective as they can be targeted to a specific group.style="mso-spacerun: yes"> However, they can be expensive and you

may need to do repeat mailings before someone will contact you.style="mso-spacerun: yes"> Start out by using postcards or web

cards to let people know about your business, and then follow up with a phone

call.
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style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Verdana">Do you send e-mail?style="mso-spacerun: yes"> Make sure to include a signature

line on your

e-mail that includes your business name, website (if you have one) and a line or

two about your business.

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style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Verdana">Establish a website

presence.style="mso-spacerun: yes"> Today people surf the web for

information on almost all the products and services they buy.style="mso-spacerun: yes"> You can post a tremendous amount of

information about your services, background and expertise on a website.style="mso-spacerun: yes">

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style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Verdana">To effectively market your

business requires some time and creativity, but it doesn't mean you need to

spend a lot of money. Put your best

foot forward by using the above tips and then adjust your marketing plan as your

business grows.

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Jean Hanson helps owners of small cleaning companies build a more profitable and successful cleaning business through her online community at TheJanitorialStore.com. Read inspirational cleaning success stories at http://www.cleaning-success.com, and sign up for weekly cleaning tips at http://www.TheJanitorialStore.com.