If you are looking for a low-investment, flexible, and rewarding business opportunity, starting a cleaning business in the UK might be a great option for you. Cleaning businesses offer various services from domestic, commercial, carpet cleaning, window cleaning, to specialist clients, depending on your market niche and expertise. In this post, I will guide you through some of the essential steps required to start your own cleaning business in the UK.
The rough investment to start a cleaning business depends on several factors, such as your business structure, your niche, your scale of operations, your equipment, your legalities, your insurance policies, your labor costs, and your marketing expenses.
According to our research, the initial investment required for a small cleaning business ranges between £1,700 to £5,000.
Step 1: Choose your business structure
Before you launch your cleaning business, you need to decide how you want to operate legally. There are three main options: sole trader, partnership, or limited company. Each option has its own advantages and disadvantages in terms of tax, liability, administration, and costs. You should consult an accountant or a legal advisor to help you choose the best option for your situation.
Step 2: Research the market
To succeed in any business venture, you need to understand your target market and your competitors. You should conduct some market research to find out who needs your services, what they are willing to pay for them, what their expectations are, and how you can differentiate yourself from other cleaning businesses. You should also identify who your main competitors are, what they offer, how they price their services, and what their strengths and weaknesses are. If you need a business plan that includes market research, fees and costs, we can help.
Step 3: Decide on your business model
Once you have a clear idea of your market niche and your unique selling proposition (USP), you need to decide how you want to deliver your services. There are two main options: franchise or independent. Franchising involves partnering up with an already established cleaning company and following their system of operations. This can save you time and money on marketing and training but also limit your creativity and control over your business decisions. You will have to split your earnings with the larger cleaning company if you choose the Francise model. Independent businesses allow you more freedom and flexibility but also require more effort and investment on branding and management. If you choose the independent model, we can coach you on how to increase your chances as a local brand, even outrank your competitors.
Step 4: Budget appropriately for your equipment
Cleaning businesses rely heavily on equipment and supplies to provide quality services. You need to budget carefully for these expenses as they can vary depending on your niche and scale of operations. Some of the essential tools for cleaning floors, surfaces, bathrooms, windows, etc., include:
- Vacuum cleaner
- Mop
- Bucket
- Duster
- Dustpan
- Broom
- Paper towels
- Microfiber cloths
- Glass cleaning cloths
- Disinfectants
- Abrasive scrubbers
- Pumice stone
You may also need specialized equipment depending on your niche such as carpet cleaners, steam cleaners, pressure washers, etc.
Step 5: Create a marketing plan
To attract customers and grow your cleaning business reputation, you need a solid marketing plan that covers both online (website) and offline (flyers) channels. Your marketing plan should include:
- A catchy name that reflects your Unique Selling Points
- A logo that represents your brand identity
- A website that showcases your services, testimonials, contact details, and online booking system (optional)
- Google Business Profile to add your business on Google Maps; this must be setup the right way
- Social media accounts that engage with potential customers, share tips, and promote offers
- Flyers that advertise your services, prices, and contact details in local areas where your target customers live or work (consider using eco-friendly materials)
- Business cards that display your name, logo, services, and contact details that you can hand out to potential customers or referrals.
Step 6: Develop a strong brand reputation
One of the most important factors that influence customer loyalty is trustworthiness. To build trust with customers, you need to deliver consistent, high-quality, and reliable services that meet or exceed their expectations.
You also need to communicate effectively, be professional, and courteous at all times.
Additionally, you can boost your brand reputation by:
Asking for feedback from customers and acting on it accordingly.
Encouraging referrals from satisfied customers by offering incentives or discounts.
Collecting reviews from customers on platforms like Google Business Profile or Trustpilot.
When should you hire us to start your business?
- If you can’t execute all the elements mentioned in this blog
- If you have no experience in starting a business
- If you want your business up and running in a matter of days (10-14 days)
- If you need coaching and guidance
- If you want your business to look super professional
Start your cleaning company today by filling in our contact form or email us at start@massivestartup.co.uk
