what are some ways to advertise or market a cleaning service?

[Cherika]

I am starting a cleaning service..and I have been putting out flyers in the best neighborhoods around town, but no one has called. What are some other ways to market at a low cost? Please help!

[jon_r_patrick]

craigslist
penny saver
oogads.com

door hangars

[STEPHEN R]

Online
Prior customers for reference
Years in Biz.
PR for new clients IE hotels, motels, ships etc.
Your Biz history.

[a0a094]

I'm assuming this is a cleaning service for homes not businesses. Network, Network and more Networking. You need a professional business card. Then ask your friends, family, neighbors, co-workers or former co-workers, as well as members of social and religious groups that you belong to for referrals. You may even want to offer a referral fee say $20.00 (or your equivalent) when they refer a PAYING client. Clients must have total trust in the people who come to clean their homes a referral goes a long way.

Once you have a potential client you need to wow them with your organizational skills and professionalism. Have a packet that includes your business card, printout of your policy and procedures, references, insurance verification, state if you will you be bringing your own trusted supplies or will the client supply his/her own cleaning products and indicate how you want to be paid and when.

Also, you should include a sample work order. For example, in cleaning a bedroom, what is to be done? You might write: Ceiling fan will be dusted, Trinkets dusted, Bedroom furniture dusted, Sheets changed and bed made, Carpet vacuumed.If a client wants something done that is not on the work order, then you can custom create a work order especially for that client.

Make potential clients an offer they can't refuse like if they sign up for six months the seventh month is free etc..

My local paper has a section where people can advertise service businesses fairly cheap. Research what your town offers.

Good luck!

[copydude]

You've got to have a compelling sales message. Flyers by themselves won't work. But a well-written flyer might work.

Ultimately, you'll want referrals and try to expand out in a geographic area that you define. Of course, you'll need to get clients first.

Money Mailer or Val-Pak might be a good place to advertise. But, again, you need to have a compelling sales message for any kind of advertising you undertake -- whether that's flyers, coupon mailers, postcards, etc.

[john]

Firstly. congratulations! It is great that you are starting your own business.

Some questions.

Have you established that there is a need for your service in the geographical area you are targeting?
What is the competition doing?
How can you differentiate yourself from the competition?

These are important to gauge the potential for your business.

Below is simple, effective but terribly underused strategy for business growth.


A Referrals Strategy

Referrals is the number one strategy for developing your business. Remember that every customer you have is a potential sales person for you.

So, how are you interacting with your customers?

Are you building a strong and comprehensive database of your customers? emails, mobile phone numbers, etc.
You should be doing this from day 1. This will give you a great foundation to build targeted marketing campaigns, loyalty and incentive programs.

If you are starting from complete scratch with only one customer, that person, with the correct approach from you, is in a position to refer more business to you.

THE MOST IMPORTANT QUESTION TO ASK YOUR CUSTOMERS......

"Do you know anyone that may be interested in our service?"

Ask this question of EVERY customer, EVERY time.

You could offer the followings incentives to encourage referrals.

Reduced price for every referral.
Refer 10 and we'll buy you dinner.


Building a business is very difficult. Hopefully the above abbreviated strategy is of some help.

Feel free to come back to me with any other questions.

Regards

John