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Local Business  » Low or No Cost Ways to Market Your Cleaning Business

Low or No Cost Ways to Market Your Cleaning Business

It doesn't matter what a fantastic service your cleaning

business provides if no one knows that you exist. If you are

clever and motivated there are numerous ways to promote your

business that don't have to cost a bundle. Here are just a few:

* Always be prepared with an "elevator speech". When you meet

new people be ready to talk about your cleaning business and its

USP (unique selling proposition). Talk about the benefits you

offer as opposed to the services you provide. Let people know

how your services can solve their problems.

* Set networking goals. When attending events, workshops or

meetings, don't sit by people you know. The point is to meet new

people. Make a goal of handing out five business cards. If you

want to be interesting, be interested in others; get their

business cards and ask questions about their business.

* Joining groups is another way to promote your cleaning

business. Every community has numerous organizations, such as a

chamber of commerce, Rotary, BNI (Business Network

International), that are excellent places to meet people and

talk about what you do. But don't join if you are not going to

participate. Simply being on a group's mailing list will not

generate sales or interest in your business.

* A great way to meet people is to volunteer in your community.

Other volunteers will generally ask what you do. Wearing a shirt

with your business name will be a reminder of the services you

provide.

* Teach a class through the local community education program.

Community education programs attract people throughout your

local service area. It will help you make contacts and also

establish you as an expert in your field.

* Ask people for referrals. There is nothing wrong with asking

your current customers if they know of others who can use your

services. In turn, you should be interested in their company and

be sure to promote them when the appropriate situation arises.

* Look for joint ventures and team up with a business that

compliments yours. As a cleaning company you may want to work

with a real estate agent, rental agency or apartment complex.

* Write a press release announcing your new business, employee

promotions, or attendance at industry events or conferences.

Most newspapers have a business section and they are always

looking for stories on local businesses.

* Direct mail campaigns can be effective as they can be targeted

to a specific group. However, they can be expensive and you may

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need to do repeat mailings before someone will contact you.

Start out by using postcards or web cards to let people know

about your business, and then follow up with a phone call.

* Do you send e-mail? Make sure to include a signature line on

your e-mail that includes your business name, website (if you

have one) and a line or two about your business.

* Establish a website presence. Today people surf the web for

information on almost all the products and services they buy.

You can post a tremendous amount of information about your

services, background and expertise on a website.

To effectively market your business requires some time and

creativity, but it doesn't mean you need to spend a lot of

money. Put your best foot forward by using the above tips and

then adjust your marketing plan as your business grows.

About the author:

Steve Hanson is co-founding member of The Janitorial Store (TM),

an online community for owners and managers of cleaning

companies who want to build a more profitable and successful

cleaning business. Sign up for Trash Talk: Tip of the Week at

http://www.TheJanitorialStore.com and receive a Free Gift!