How To Grow A Commercial Cleaning Company In A Small Town
Growing a commercial cleaning company in a small town can feel overwhelming and intimidating. Whether you're starting from scratch or expanding an existing business into a new territory, you probably have many questions: Where do I start? Who do I talk to? How do I find access to resources?
Even when you begin with a blank slate, it's completely possible to grow a commercial cleaning company in a small town—as long as you're willing to put in the necessary work. Below are 5 tips for finding success.
5 Tips for Growing Your Cleaning Business in a Small Town
1. Get Social and Join Groups
Networking is one of the most powerful ways to grow your commercial cleaning business. It's not only a proven method for landing new clientele, it's also useful for creating strategic partnerships with suppliers and subcontractors.
Make the Chamber of Commerce your first stop. Join and get involved. Attend as many events as you can, set up individual meetings with other members, and work toward becoming a Chamber ambassador to help coordinate events and welcome new members.
Expand your reach by getting involved with other networking groups or charitable organizations in the town. Attending, sponsoring, or hosting events is a great way to build name recognition and make connections.
2. Pound the Pavement
The best way to meet people is still the old-fashioned way—walk right up to their door and have a conversation. Before knocking on doors, however, do your research. Make a list of properties that might be ideal clients and review their websites to find the owner or facility manager.
Walk into these buildings and ask to speak to the decision maker. If you luck into a face-to-face conversation, be prepared with a quick introduction like, “My name is Tom Jones with ABC Cleaning. We specialize in commercial cleaning services in buildings of this size and can help you to reduce your monthly maintenance costs by using proven cleaning systems that can reduce your cleaning budget. Can we arrange a time that fits your schedule so I can ask you a few questions to determine how much we can save your company?"
Your goal isn't closing a sale. Rather, attempt to set up a meeting or generate a new lead you can nurture over time.
You could cold call, of course, but whenever possible, putting a face to your business will make you more memorable and personal than a random Internet search. Don't underestimate the power of human connection, especially in a small town.
3. Diversify Your Target Market and Services
New business owners frequently get the advice to “niche down.” By going after a very narrow market, experts say, you will be more likely to attract your target customer. When building a business in a small town, however, it's often smarter to do the opposite.
It may pay off to expand your base to include as many businesses as possible. As the new player in town, you're not established or well known. Casting a wider net will increase your chances of getting attention and gaining a foothold.
Along with advertising to a diverse target market, consider also broadening the types of services you provide. Offering things like window washing or carpet cleaning could get your foot in the door with a facility that might not yet need routine cleaning services. Show off your skills and service, though, and they may switch contracts when it's time to rebid.
4. Collect Testimonials and Ask For Referrals
Referrals are the most cost-effective form of marketing. People trust your company more if they know someone, directly or indirectly, who raves about your services. Whenever you have a satisfied client, ask who they know who might also need contract cleaning.
Even if your client can't provide a referral, always ask for a testimonial. Make this easier on them by giving them a quick online survey to complete (ask open-ended questions so you don't get “yes” or “no” responses). Add their glowing reviews to your website and share them on social media.
In a small town, word-of-mouth advertising is as good as striking gold. Happy clients will typically be thrilled to share their positive experiences to help you build your reputation.
5. Dominate Local Searches
It's easier to stand out online and rank higher in search results when you operate in a small town because you have less competition. You can improve your chances of being found even more by optimizing your online presence.
Set up a full business profile through Google My Business with all of your company details. This makes your company stand out and allows customers to find your location on Google Maps. Also, it may be worthwhile to learn some SEO basics to help organic web traffic land on your website.
Small town? No problem. Your commercial cleaning company can thrive—as long as you take the smart steps to increase your visibility, build a strong network, and take advantage of online and offline marketing strategies.
Copyright The Janitorial Store. All Rights Reserved
Do You Need Help with Growing and Running Your Cleaning Business?
The Janitorial Store is a private, members-only resource for those serious about starting, improving and growing a profitable cleaning business.
As 30 year veterans of the cleaning industry, we know that the business of cleaning can be incredibly challenging. The competition is fierce and the margins are low. It's a demanding business and it's tough to grow it and make it successful. Within the private members-only area, you'll find a huge selection of in-depth information that you won't find anywhere else on the Internet.
You can struggle or succeed. The decision is obvious... Join Today!
Visit our Store for Certification Training Programs
