6 Tips for Running a Successful Commercial Cleaning Franchise
Becky Martin, writer
Published at 26/04/2020, Updated on 04/05/2022 , Reading time: 5 min
Whether you’re already operating a commercial cleaning franchise or are still thinking about starting one, follow these tips to make sure your business is successful and reaches its potential.
The UK cleaning industry contributes around 700,000 jobs and over £24 billion to our economy. The commercial cleaning sector, in particular, is booming. During the COVID-19 crisis, the services have been in particularly high demand. It’s likely that even when the coronavirus outbreak is more under control and workers return to the office, more stringent and frequent cleaning practices will be implemented there and across other buildings. There are lots of reasons to start a commercial cleaning franchise, but to really make the most of these, you’ll want to make sure your business is as successful as possible. Follow these six tips and you’ll be on the right track.
Tips for running a successful commercial cleaning franchise
1. Find your niche
Whatever sector you’re entering, you’ll probably improve your business venture by finding a niche. Specialising in a certain area will encourage people looking for those services to pick you, as they’ll see you as an industry expert. You could focus on cleaning small businesses, residential properties, cars and vehicles, windows and carpets, or something even more specific, like swimming pools.
FiltaFry is a great example of this from our UK franchise directory, as it specialises in the micro-filtration of cooking oil and vacuum-based deep cleaning of fryers.
This isn’t to say that you won’t be successful if your commercial cleaning franchise has a more general offering. However, if this is the case, make sure that you can offer more value, a better service or lower rates than your competitors. However, on that note, it’s important not to undersell yourself. Rather than focusing too much on undercutting the competition’s price, outperforming them in quality of work is a better approach.
2. Emphasise customer service
The quality of your cleaning is equally as important as building strong relationships with your clients and, in order for that to be achieved, you need to make a serious commitment to customer service. Just because it looks like your cleaners have done a job on a surface level, it doesn’t mean that there’s nothing else your customers want or need. They will really appreciate it if you follow up with them to check that they are happy with their service and if there is anything they would like doing differently.
Customers will be happy to share their experiences with your business, whether it’s good or bad, with other people. So, if you provide excellent customer service, this means you can benefit from word-of-mouth referrals, but, done wrong, your brand name could be tainted in your area.
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3. Learn how to develop an effective marketing strategy
When you start a cleaning company, your laptop is your friend. This is because you can gain new customers by promoting your business online. Create a professional, mobile-optimised website with attractive photographs of clean and tidy spaces.
Also, launch social media profiles on sites like Facebook, Instagram and Twitter so you can post regular content and interact with potential customers or those who have already used your services. Also, while local radio spots and posters may gain you some customers, most people search online for cleaning services. Use SEO techniques to ensure you rank highly on search engines and are found by potential customers before other businesses are.
However, while your online marketing strategy is very important, don’t be afraid to knock on some doors. Don’t forget it’s a personal business and clients might be more inclined to choose your services if they meet you or one of your cleaners face-to-face.
4. Respect your employees
If you’re not carrying out cleaning services yourself, you’ll hire a team of employees. They’ll be putting their bodies under significant physical strain, bending over, carrying heavy objects and doing repeated, demanding activities. You should understand this and do what you can to demonstrate that you care about them and appreciate the work they do.
Treating them poorly or packing their schedules full to the brim will only make them irritable and resentful. They are also likely to do a worse job if they’re rushing to get everything done.
Therefore, you need to make sure your cleaners have plenty of time to carry out their tasks and to travel between appointments.
5. Put procedures in place for injuries or damage to customers’ property
Accidents happen, but you’ll need to be prepared if you’re to deal with them efficiently. Write a plan for workplace injuries and compensation claims to maintain employee satisfaction levels if the worst comes to the worst.
Customers should be understanding in most cases of damaged or broken property, but occasionally they might be angry or ask to file an official complaint. You need to be ready to act with professionalism and humility – and, of course, reimburse them for the damage done.
6. Stay up to date with industry news and advancements
Most sectors evolve and develop over time, and the cleaning industry is no different. By carrying out regular research into the latest changes, you may discover new technologies or products that can make the jobs you or your employees do much easier.
Even if you’re happy with the level of productivity you’re achieving, you don’t want to fall behind your competitors. They might be incorporating new tools or know-how into their businesses while you stay still, and eventually you’ll lose customers to them.
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Follow these top tips and watch your commercial cleaning franchise thrive
It is widely considered that commercial cleaning franchises are always in demand. If you’re on the fence about launching a business in this sector, you might be interested in how much you can earn running a cleaning business. And if you’re an existing or aspiring commercial cleaning business owner, incorporating these tips into your business operations should keep you on the road to success.
Becky Martin, writer