How to Introduce Your Cleaning Business: Examples and Strategies
So, you’ve started your cleaning business, and you’re curious about the best way to introduce it to potential customers. Your introduction sets the stage for building relationships and helps you break away from the need to be the lowest bidder. While delivering your introduction effectively is important, it doesn’t have to be difficult.
In this article, I’ll break down multiple, easy, and effective ways to introduce your cleaning business to potential customers. We’ll cover how to introduce your business in various settings, from online to in-person, and discuss how to differentiate yourself from the competition.
Effective Strategies for Presenting Your Cleaning Business
Before we dive into marketing, branding, and pitching advice, it’s important to understand the different settings where you’ll be making introductions. Your typical “elevator pitch” won’t work in every situation. For example, if I approached you at a networking event with the following pitch:
“Are you fed up with scrubbing floors on weekends? Sparkle & Shine Cleaners offers reliable, efficient, and detailed cleaning so you can enjoy a spotless home and more quality time with your loved ones.”
You’d either think I was crazy or politely wait for your moment to exit the conversation. The messaging wasn’t appropriate for the environment. Luckily introducing your cleaning business doesn’t have to be difficult. Let’s explore the various scenarios you’re likely to encounter.
Introducing Your Cleaning Business at Networking Events
This scenario is crucial for new cleaning businesses as it can have the most profound impact. But forget about the elevator pitch—you won’t need it. We had the pleasure of speaking with Gerren Sprauve, Author, Speaker, and Owner of Clean Slate Janitorial Services, who explained it like this: “The goal is to be interested rather than being interesting.”
At networking events, listening is more important than pitching your business. People are more likely to connect with you when you take the time to listen to their problems, growth, and issues. By creating an environment where they feel heard, they’ll be more receptive when it’s time to share your story and how you can help them.
This approach should help reduce the nerves that may keep you from attending events and talking about your cleaning business. Remember, it’s not about you and what you say; it’s about the person you’re trying to connect with. When they feel a genuine connection, they’ll be more open to hearing how you can assist them.
Online Introductions: How to Present Your Cleaning Business Virtually
While the principles of listening still apply, the online space requires a different approach to develop relationships. It can be challenging, but not impossible. Whether in Facebook forums, LinkedIn messages, or on your website, these tips will help you introduce your cleaning business online.
An estimated 93% of people search online for local services. By properly introducing your business, you can convert those viewers into customers. The key is to tell a story where your business isn’t the hero but the guide that helps the customer (the hero) reach their desired result.
First, you need to understand what your customer truly wants and how you can deliver that result. The best way to figure this out is by communicating with your current and potential customers. They’re usually willing to share their experiences, helping you understand how to serve them better. If you hear the same problems multiple times, you’re onto something.
Once you know what your customers want, determine what you do better on your worst day than your competitors do on their best day. Identify a few things you’re exceptional at, align them with your customers’ needs, and you’ve got your messaging.
Now that you know what your customers want and how you can help them, make sure to share this message consistently across all your digital platforms—your website, Google Business Profile, emails, and social media. The more you spread this message, the easier it will be for your customers to remember you.
Even when talking about your business, keep the focus on your customer. Like networking, you want the customer to feel heard. By crafting messaging centered around them, they remain the focus even if you can’t talk to them directly.
For tips on optimizing your online presence for local search, check out this article on SEO for Cleaning Businesses.
Developing a Portfolio to Introduce Your Cleaning Business
We’ve covered how to introduce your cleaning business at networking events and online, but when going door-to-door or submitting proposals, a portfolio can help you stand out. This is particularly important when bidding on contracts where you want to break free from being the lowest bidder. A portfolio helps relay your message and provides valuable “social proof” to set you apart from the competition.
What to Include in Your One-Page Portfolio:
- Business Overview
- Your Brand Messaging
- Mission Statement
- Company History
- Core Services
- Professional Certifications and Licenses
- Client Testimonials and Reviews
- Case Studies
- Awards and Recognitions
- Professional Partnerships and Affiliations
- Contact Information
You don’t need to include all of this information. If you’re new to the cleaning industry, you might not have client testimonials just yet, but you can include character references. The important thing is that this one-page portfolio will be left behind after door-to-door visits or submitted proposals, giving the client something to remember you by and helping you stand out.
Referrals: How to Introduce Your Cleaning Business Through Word-of-Mouth
Referrals are one of the most powerful ways to grow your cleaning business. When someone refers you to a potential client, it’s important to approach the introduction with confidence and professionalism. Start by acknowledging the referral, mentioning the person who referred you, and then briefly explaining how you can help.
Example:
“Hi [Client’s Name], I’m Taylor from Boom Facility Service Advisors. [Referrer’s Name] mentioned you might be interested in cleaning services for your business. I’d love the opportunity to stop by, introduce myself, and see if there is anything I could do to help your business.”
Referrals often come with built-in trust, so it’s important to capitalize on that by being clear, concise, and focused on how you can add value.
Follow-Up Strategies: How to Keep the Conversation Going Without Being Salesy
Following up is an essential part of the introduction process, and there’s no need to be nervous about it as long as you keep the conversation natural. Following up shows that you’re serious and attentive, but it doesn’t have to feel pushy or salesy.
Example Follow-Up:
“Hi [Client’s Name], I wanted to follow up on our conversation about your cleaning needs. I’d love to discuss how we can help you achieve [specific goal]. If you have any questions or would like to explore this further, I’m here to help!”
Example Email Follow-Up:
Subject: Following Up on Your Cleaning Services Proposal
Hi [Client’s Name],
I hope you’re doing well! I wanted to touch base regarding the proposal I sent over. I’m excited about the possibility of working together to help you achieve [specific goal you discussed with customer].
If you have any questions about the proposal or if there’s anything you’d like to discuss further, please don’t hesitate to reach out. I’m here to make sure everything is clear and that the solution we’ve outlined aligns perfectly with your expectations.
Looking forward to hearing your thoughts!
The key is to be friendly, professional, and focused on how you can solve their problem or meet their needs. Following up is a great way to keep the conversation alive and show that you’re committed to providing excellent service.
Putting It All Together: How to Introduce Your Cleaning Business with Confidence
Introducing your cleaning business effectively across various platforms and settings is crucial for standing out in a competitive market. By tailoring your approach to each scenario—whether networking in person, engaging online, or leaving a lasting impression with a portfolio—you can ensure that your business not only gets noticed but is remembered for all the right reasons.
- Networking Events: Focus on building relationships by listening and showing genuine interest in others. Your goal is to connect on a personal level, making it easier to share your story naturally when the time comes.
- Online Presence: Make your customer the hero in your story. Understand their needs, highlight what you do best, and consistently share this message across your digital platforms to resonate with potential clients.
- Portfolio Development: Use a one-page portfolio to showcase your business concisely and impactfully. Include key elements like your business overview, client testimonials, and contact information to provide a lasting impression and valuable social proof.
- Referrals: Leverage word-of-mouth introductions by acknowledging the referral and clearly explaining how you can add value.
- Follow-Up Strategies: Keep the conversation going without being salesy by following up in a natural, professional manner.
By taking these simple approaches, you’ll not only introduce your cleaning business effectively but also lay a strong foundation for long-term success.
