Growing a Janitorial Business: Strategies for Securing Your First Contracts

Building a newly established janitorial business can be a challenging task, especially when it comes to securing your first contracts. While the temptation to aim for major contracts might be strong, it is advisable to start small and strategically. This article provides actionable strategies that can help you grow your janitorial service, attract clients, and secure those initial contracts.

Starting Small is Smart

One of the first and most crucial pieces of advice is to start small. A new business does not have the established reputation or client base that is necessary to secure large contracts. Instead, focus on building your service and gaining positive feedback from smaller, local clients before venturing into larger accounts.

Social media platforms are powerful tools for building your business presence. Advertise on Facebook, Instagram, or any other platform you are active on. Invest in verified business checks, which are available as a bundled package (e.g., Facebook and Instagram may cost around $11 or $22 per month). Create targeted ads using services like Fiverr to help with your marketing efforts. Remember, you get what you pay for, so consider the quality and reach of your ads carefully.

Explore Local Opportunities

One effective way to start building your business is to offer free services to local businesses. For example, you can go to a strip mall and offer to clean and pressure wash the entrance to a store for free. Once you complete the work, send a follow-up advertisement or offer a discount for the first few months. This is a great way to gain visibility and positive word-of-mouth.

Did you know you can also advertise by simply knocking on doors and speaking to people? Use your social media networks to find potential clients, and don't hesitate to reach out to your existing network, including friends, family, and colleagues. They can be your first set of clients and can help spread the word about your services.

Offering Incentives

Earning referrals from existing clients is a powerful marketing tool. You can incentivize your clients to refer new business to you. For example, you could offer them a discount on their next service or include an incentive to refer a new client. Social media platforms are also great for setting up pages and posting ads. Paying to boost your ads can help increase your visibility and attract more clients.

Consider traditional marketing methods as well, such as print ads, radio, and TV. While these can be more expensive, they can also be cost-effective if used strategically. Test a few methods to see which ones yield the best results before expanding your marketing efforts.

Building a Strong Client Base

Building a strong client base takes time and persistence. Avoid the temptation to take on major contracts too quickly, as this can strain your resources and reputation. Focus on providing quality service and maintaining positive relationships with your clients. This will help you grow your business organically and earn future contracts.

Remember, the key to success is consistent effort and attention to detail. With these strategies, you can build a solid foundation for your janitorial business and begin securing those initial contracts. Best of luck!