The Top 5 Mistakes New Cleaning Business Owners Make (and How to Avoid Them)

Starting a cleaning business is an exciting venture, but it can also feel like stepping into the unknown. I've been there, and I know how overwhelming it can be. Let’s talk about five common mistakes that new business owners make and how you can avoid them to start strong!

1. Underpricing Services

When you're new, it’s tempting to offer low prices to attract clients. But this can quickly lead to burnout or financial strain. Actionable Tip: Research your local competitors and set a pricing structure that reflects your worth and covers your expenses. Create tiered pricing for different services to show value.

2. Skipping Contracts

I can't stress this enough—never start a job without a clear contract! This protects both you and the client. Actionable Tip: Draft a basic service agreement that covers service expectations, payment terms, and cancellation policies. It's not just about legalities, but also about professionalism.

3. Not Focusing on Marketing

Thinking word of mouth alone will fill your schedule? Not quite. You need a steady flow of leads, especially early on. Actionable Tip: Use free social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram to post before-and-after photos of your work. Consistency is key.

4. Taking on Every Job

Saying yes to every job will wear you down. Trust me, you don't want to get stuck with unprofitable, high-stress clients. Actionable Tip: Identify your ideal clients and stick to jobs that fit your business model and expertise. Don't be afraid to say no.

5. Doing Everything Yourself

At the start, it’s natural to handle all the tasks yourself, but it’s not sustainable in the long run. Actionable Tip: Consider outsourcing tasks like bookkeeping or marketing early on so you can focus on growing the business.

Actionable Step:

Take a moment today to review your pricing structure and contracts. Are you charging enough to cover your expenses and profit, and do you have solid contracts in place for each client? If not, outline what changes you can make this week to get these fundamentals sorted.

Bonus Tip:

Start tracking where your leads are coming from. Whether it's word of mouth, social media, or advertising, understanding where your best clients come from will help you focus your efforts in the right places.