In the cleaning industry, commercial cleaning represents the most prosperous and profitable segment. The cleaning industry is expected to grow by 10% between 2020 and 2026. With almost 2 million people already employed in the industry, there is continual significant demand for cleaning services.

Commercial cleaning is important from a health and safety perspective. It is also a key aspect of maintaining productivity, cohesion, and happiness in the workplace.

Clutter and disorganization in a working environment cause distraction, hampering productivity. Some studies have shown it can have a negative impact on the mental health of a company’s employees.

If you’re considering joining the growing commercial cleaning industry, it’s important to take a professional approach for the best chance of success. Starting any business is challenging, but taking the right steps will set you on the path of least resistance.

While there are several strategic options for starting a commercial cleaning business, one of the best avenues is to become an affiliate to an already established business, such as DryMaster Systems.

Before you begin your journey, read through our step-by-step guide on how to start a commercial cleaning business.

Commercial Cleaning Market Research

Market research is an essential step in the process of starting a business. A lack of research can lead you into common pitfalls that often contribute to a business failing in the long term. Good market research is cost-effective as it prevents you from making expensive mistakes in the early stages of business.

Conducting effective market research helps you determine whether your business is viable and there is a demand for your services. It is a method for recognizing market trends, anticipating change, and identifying important market segments.

Market research makes it easy for you to pinpoint your target market, tailor your services, and attract certain demographics to your business.

It’s important to find information on:

• Competitors
• Target demographics
• Customer buying behavior
• Market trends
• Pricing
• Economic shifts
• Industry data

There are several ways to conduct market research. Some of the easiest and most effective approaches are analyzing competitors in-store and online, observing customers, creating a consumer survey, and researching the industry online.

Fortunately, the commercial cleaning industry is well-researched, and there is plenty of digital information available for free to help you make informed business decisions.

Key Characteristics of a Successful Commercial Cleaning Business

Establishing a brand identity through your values and goals is important for starting any business, particularly in a niche market like commercial cleaning. Whether your focus is on area rug cleaning or flood restoration, here are some key characteristics of a commercial cleaning business.

Reliable Contracts

Securing retainers with medium to large-size organizations ensures cleaning companies can reach and surpass revenue targets each year. Whether through regular upholstery cleaning for a downtown office or an on-demand pet urine & odor removal service for a client emergency, meeting expectations helps cleaning companies secure lucrative contracts, setting them up for long-term success.

Clearly Outlined Service Offerings

Commercial cleaning involves various services, from tile & grout cleaning to auto, boat & RV cleaning. Successful commercial cleaning companies should clearly outline their service offerings to reflect the specialist work that they provide. They can attract customers through a comprehensive and concise price list. This allows potential clients to quickly identify the work they need, whether it is carpet cleaning, emergency response services, commercial cleaning service, or a post-construction project.

Regular Customers

Developing a loyal customer base of repeat clients ensures consistent business, regular income and increases the likelihood of referrals. Try to build relationships with companies that require frequent cleaning and offer your services on an ongoing basis.

Appropriate Staff

Staffing a business is a challenge in every industry, particularly in low-paying occupations like cleaning. The upside of this is that your workers require little to no training. Once staff members are taught the steps involved in a deep carpet clean, drape & curtain cleaning, counter surface cleaning, and other services you offer, they are ready to work.

It’s beneficial to look for a mixture of experienced cleaners and part-time staff. Most commercial cleaning takes place after office hours, so you can easily attract students or those looking for a second job.

Steps Involved in Starting a Commercial Cleaning Business

Once you have established there is a market for your services and have a clear idea of what you want your business to be, it’s time to get started officially. Here are some important steps in the process:

Start an Affiliation Business

DryMaster Systems offers prospective cleaning businesses an attractive affiliate program, enabling you to start a commercial or carpet cleaning service of virtually any size. We are not a franchise, so all DryMaster Systems affiliates benefit from 100% of their profits.

All you need is a business plan (which we can help you with) and an affordable initial investment. Depending on your needs and budget, we can provide several different packages. One of our most popular starter options is the DryMaster Complete Professional Carpet Cleaning Business Package.

You gain access to all the essential materials needed to get your commercial cleaning business off the ground with a one-time investment. Key features include:

• The DryMaster Patented “Dry Formula” Carpet Extraction System
• DryMaster Formula patented carpet detergents
• The “Getting Started” business model
• A personal coach
• Promotional tools and access to an online affiliate portal
• Counter Strike Surface Disinfecting System

The pandemic has highlighted the importance of high-level sanitation in the workplace, and there are growing opportunities for commercial cleaning companies specializing in sanitizing and disinfecting services.

Our Counter Strike Surface Disinfecting System is the perfect piece of equipment to differentiate your business from the competition. The system features a chemical application gun for quick application of disinfectant, applied to surfaces in a commercial business or office space as a fine mist. The atomizing spray tip provides optimum coverage with 70 Micron droplet size and a filter that minimizes the risk of clogging.

The system includes a 220 PSI solution pump with a 5-gallon capacity and 20 Dutrion Disinfectant tablets to improve your productivity. With a reliable way to clean common touch surfaces quickly in a commercial space, your budding business is instantly more attractive to larger corporations. Offer specialized chemical disinfection services and gain a strong foothold on this expanding niche market.

With our equipment and information, you are in a position to gain an edge over your competitors.

Secure Commercial Insurance

You must protect your business by purchasing insurance, or you run the risk of being sued for a workplace accident. Ensure you secure the right insurance package, giving you appropriate coverage for any possible scenarios. The most important insurance types for commercial cleaning business are:

• General liability insurance
• Workers’ compensation insurance
• Commercial auto insurance (if you decide to use a company vehicle)

Create a Marketing Strategy

Marketing is a crucial aspect of any business. Develop a clear marketing plan that helps you reach your goals regarding client acquisition, sales, revenue, and profits.

After completing initial market research, you will have identified your target audience. Determine which advertising channels allow you to reach your ideal consumer base most effectively; focus on engagement and retention. Consider Facebook Ads, pay-per-click (PPC) ads, flyers, job boards, and even radio advertising.

Promoting your affiliation with DryMaster Systems helps establish a strong reputation as a reliable company.

To attract bigger clients with more spending power, you’ll need to invest in a comprehensive advertising campaign across multiple platforms. A modern and easy-to-navigate website appeals to customers and demonstrates the convenience of working with your business.

Another valuable way to get your commercial cleaning business a roster of loyal customers is to implement a customer relationship management (CRM) software. This software helps businesses nurture the relationship with their clients by managing customer interactions.

By becoming a DryMaster Systems affiliate, you can gain access to our tried and tested marketing strategies. We can provide you with key marketing details to help you get up and running quickly and enjoy long-term success.

Apart from this, we encourage our affiliates to market themselves by:

• Focusing on customer retention
• Using social media and digital marketing tools to advertise generate leads
• Creating promotions and seasonal offers
• Sponsoring events
• Researching competitors and other DryMaster Systems affiliates
• Requesting feedback, referrals, and testimonials from customers

Deliver Quality Services

One of the most effective ways to market your business is by delivering excellent cleaning services. Take advantage of the quality equipment, supplies, and information that DryMaster Systems provides to ensure customer satisfaction and build a positive reputation for your commercial cleaning brand.

Become a DryMaster Affiliate Today

Join a growing and highly profitable industry by starting your very own cleaning business as a DryMaster Systems authorized affiliate. Through our range of comprehensive packages, you can get your business off the ground immediately, leading to fast and steady profits whether you’re doing carpet cleaning in the commercial sector or starting a general cleaning business. Our affordable packages include equipment, supplies, and operations training, ensuring you start on the right foot.

Get in touch with us today by filling out our online application form or give us a call at 1-855-848-3076.