How to thrive as a cleaning business in Nigeria

Introduction

A cleaning service business is a noble business. After all,  cleanliness is next to Godliness. You can carry out this service and make good money from it.  Unlike other businesses, this service does not need huge capital. You can start with basic tools and grow alongside.

Now,  you have discovered you can make good money from cleaning. Are you confused about how to get started? Don’t worry as you will see what cleaning service entails.

A cleaning service is a business that renders the service of general cleaning of premises and residential places.  It is quite difficult to find someone who doesn’t want a clean home. Or have you? I bet not.

But many of these people don’t have the time, energy, or skill to do this themselves. Or keep their home clean and sparkling as they would wish. These are people that hire cleaning services to take the burden off them.  For example – busy bankers, businessmen, or work addicts.

So what does this mean for you? It means there is a market for your service. You can launch a cleaning service that will be lucrative and rewarding in one year. With a zeal for discipline, smartness, and hard work. You will thrive in this business.

Here is everything you need to know about launching a successful cleaning business. First, what entails a cleaning business?

What entails a cleaning Business

Your job as a cleaning service provider will be to go into people’s homes – to clean their kitchens and bathrooms. Also, to dust windows and carpets. Or clean premises of commercial businesses- banking halls, machinery, trade fairs, event centers, and so on.

When you do a good job and give your client a fair deal. You will gain a good amount of referrals and customer retention.

The global cleaning services market size was valued at $55, 7150.6 million in 2020 and is projected to reach $111, 498.8 million by 2030 registering an increased rate of 6.5% from 2021 to 2030.

The market for cleaning services will continue to expand. Public awareness of the benefits of a green and healthy environment will continue to grow. The covid 19 pandemic has heightened the call for domestic cleanliness and disinfection of the environment.

How do I start a cleaning business from scratch?

So now you know what a cleaning business entails? I know you do. The question lingering in your mind now is how do I get started? I want you to know that you have the potential in you. In one way or the other, For example- You’re always involved in domestic cleaning.

The difference between what you do before and starting a cleaning business from scratch is the business, people relations, and management aspects. Be rest assured as I will show you 8 steps on how to start with zero business knowledge. So how do you launch a cleaning business and thrive at it?

Step 1 – Register your business.

This should be your first step except if you want to start with a job first. Legalize your business so you won’t appear as an imposter. Nigeria is quite high on insecurity issues today. You have to gain the trust of your client.

Start with a business model. Register under the  Corporate affairs commission(CAC). You can get it for as low as N20,000. This will set your business off on the right foot.

Step 2 –Identify your target market.

Make research and figure out the hot market(prospects) in need of your services. Are you targeting schools, commercial buildings, or residential apartments? Start with the target market in your locality.

Step 3 – Pricing

This is where some newbies get confused. You can solve this by spying on your competitors. Know the prices they charge.  For example – don’t meet up with a client and start with “because it is you, pay this price” (Avoid this).

Figure out the cost of materials you want to start with and give a relatable fair price. Be confident in your pricing. Let your price list speak of value. Do not overbill or underbill. Remember you are new in the market and you want to grab as many customers as possible.

Step 4 – Choose a niche

So you’ve figured out your target market, the truth is you can’t serve everybody. You have to be specific and choose a niche. Figure out if you will rather render services to schools, industries, or residential buildings.

Be so good in a niche then you can add another related niche. Start with those in your area. Carry out a very good job at your business and see your business boom.

Step 5 – Figure out the size of your business

Figure out if you want to start alone (Solo). Or start with a team-first? If you are on a budget or low on funds, the best bet is to start alone. As your business expands, you can start a team. Think of your staff welfare and how you will sort their salaries.

If you are starting alone, it is better to focus on home services. If you are starting with a team, look towards offering commercial businesses your services.

 

Step 6 – Location

Figure out where you want to pitch your services.  For example, if your location is in Lagos.  Choose if you want to work with clients on the mainland or the island.

Know the location of those that will need your services. For example- public schools shouldn’t be your ideal client. In the system, there is a form of routine cleaning among the students.

Don’t take your cleaning services to residents of the ghetto area of Ajegunle (don’t think of this). Make sure your location fits what you want to do.

 

Step 7 – Create Business card and proposals

Create a business card that depicts what you do. Whenever you attend events, engage in conversation and give it out. Create business proposals and submit them to your target market organization stating the value you will bring on board.  Hit on your prospect’s pain point and proffer a solution to it.

Step 8 – Marketing.

This is important. Without this, your business is as good as dead. Be known for what you do. Start with your inner network. This will increase referrals by word of mouth. Utilize the use of social media. Do not be shy, this is a noble and rewarding business.  Develop a passion for it, be consistent, and see how well you thrive at this in the next year.

 

How to scale a cleaning Business

Without proper plans and strategies, your cleaning business will suffer. And you might be stuck at some point. After all, why work so hard and not get rewarded for it. If you don’t follow the proper strategies your business will begin to go down with poorly trained staff, quality control, and dissatisfied customers.

How can you avoid this? Create a plan of action that will allow you to make informed decisions and measure your business progress.  If you are consistent with these strategies below, you are sure to scale your business in no time and achieve your goals. Let’s dive in

Tip 1 – create a solid contact list

Haven identifies your target audience, the next step is to create a contact list of your prospects. Do your research and get their basic contact and identity details. Basic details such as contact, email address, and social media profile. For example – you can reach out to a prospect on Linkedin and pitch the benefit of your services.

Tip 2 – Set income goals

Avoid guessing games in this. Be SMART( specific, measurable, Action, Reality, Timely) about your income goals. Measure the odds and figure out expected income every month. Set numbers each month. As you grow, keep a record of your account and track your progress. This helps you to know if you are moving forward or backward.

 

Tip 3 – Develop a system and control

This is essential to any business. A good system and control is the pillar of every business. The 5 core pillars of business and control include

• Operations: This is the daily activity of your business. It is either it is progressing or retrogressing)
• Team: Recruit good employees and give them the required training to be successful. Don’t make your decision based on emotions.
• Sales/Marketing: Market your services to the right audience and leverage the use of social media. Encourage affiliate marketing to boost your revenue.
• Finance: Spend the profit from your business wisely and re-invest in your cleaning business.
• Leadership: Lead by example. Show how to carry out the services. Be passionate about your business. Roll up your sleeves sometimes and get your hands dirty to show your expertise.

Tip 4: Target large account

Be bold enough to go after the big client in the market. For example- high standard private schools, commercial organizations or residential houses in the la crème part of the society.

Tip 5: Conduct market research

Know your market(prospects) like the back of your hands. Find out their pain point, hope and solution they aspire to get. Build your business around solving these problems. For example – an online forum like naijaloaded.com is a good place for conducting market research.

Tip 6:  Develop a structure

Get the fundamentals of your business right. Put the best foot of your business forward. For example – get your website, equipment, or uniform right. Aim for customer satisfaction always. Your business should have a good brand reputation.

Tip 7 – Create an action plan

Ask yourself, what goals do I want to achieve?  I want to make this brand a 7 figure cleaning service business. Good for you.

Now, what reality steps will you carry out every day to achieve this goal. For example- hiring the best staff, pitching to clients, doing a good job, and more.

With these tips, you are set to scale your business and take it to that desired goal of yours and beyond.

What are the types of cleaning services?

The cleaning service industry is vast. You can make an option from what interests you. But it is important to figure out a niche with a hot market (ready to hire). Below are the 5 most popular types of cleaning services.

Commercial or industrial cleaning services

This means carrying out services in an office space, schools, commercial or community buildings among others. Here, you will clean carpets, mop floors, wash the windows, clean the toilet, and more.

Commercial cleaning services have a competitive market which is quite high. So your investment for this has to be higher as you will need a specialized product. Although this type of cleaning service is profitable but higher in cost(team requirement) and time-consuming.

 

Residential cleaning service

Otherwise known as household or domestic cleaning. Here, you clean your client’s home. The client can either be present or absent based on their preference.  Employing cleaning services saves the customers time and gives them more time to work or relax with friends and family.

If you are low on funds, you can decide to start alone and employ staff later. Under this, you get to clean the bathroom, living room, kitchen, and more.

     Laundry/dry cleaning services

Laundry cleaning means using soaps, detergents, and softeners to watch clothes. While dry cleaning uses chemicals to remove stubborn stains from clothes. For this, you can start solo but it is best to get a team as you grow because this task is quite demanding as you deal with clothes.

In Nigeria, with the electricity situation in the country, there is a market for this. You can start manually and then onward invest in an industrial washing machine.

Sanitization and disinfection cleaning services

Covid 19 made it critical to ensure cleanliness in our environment. And keep our home from viruses that can trigger flu, cough, or disease. Sanitization and disinfection disinfect our environment and keep our home and office space safe. The government also makes use of these services for public premises. Although, this service requires specialized training.

 

Medical cleaning services

This is otherwise known as a terminal cleaning service. It is a method used in the healthcare space to control or destroy the infection. A hospital is a place for healing and should be neat to the core. Waste from hospitals is handled carefully.

Medical cleaning service is quite different from other types of cleaning services. It requires extensive training. And has to do with disinfection compared to just cleaning.

Sports cleaning services

You can offer cleaning services to sports facilities such as Gym, stadiums or playgrounds. This athletic ground is a breeding ground for bacteria and the spreading of germs. The sweat from players and a large number of people that frequent this space contributes to it.

The cleaning task includes cleaning and sanitizing all equipment, surfaces, and floors.

How do I get clients from my cleaning services?

Client acquisition Is important for any business. At this point you know who your target audience is, am I right? Good. So the next question is how do you get them to buy your services and become loyal customers? Here is how to do this

 

Ask for referrals

Ensure you do a good job on every service. Ask for referrals after offering your service to a client. A happy client will be elated to give you a referral. Ask them to post on their social media pages. For example – WhatsApp status.

You can also get referrals from your inner circle of friends and family. Add testimonials to your websites and social media pages. Positive feedback will attract potential clients to your business.

     Positioning on social media

Your target customers are on social media. For example – Facebook or Instagram. Make your social page active. Create content around your service, the value you offer, and how you can solve your prospect problem.  Run awareness Ads. Get your local search engine optimization(SEO)right. Generate leads from your website or social media pages and lead them to email marketing.

Email marketing

Most people check their email daily. You can target prospects daily with email marketing.  For instance – Mailchimp.  To carry out an effective campaign –

• Set up an email list( you can check this out on youtube or your email service provider)
• Send out relevant and helpful content to educate your audience and promote your services

By providing value, you will have a list of converting individuals in no time.

Networking at events

Whenever you attend an event, your business card should always be with you. Engage in conversations and give out your cards. Attend trade fairs, company, school events, or recreational centers among others. Go to where your audience hangs out either online or offline and pitch the benefit of your services.

 

Cleaning services products and equipment

Cleaning services from home to office spaces require products and equipment. Although, the equipment for home cleaning might be less compared to commercial cleaning.  Commercial products for cleaning are quite different and more technical compared to household cleaning products.

Examples of equipment for the commercial cleaning industry include speed blowers, Hygiene brush mop handlers, bucket wringer trolleys, and more. While household cleaning products include buckets and mops, dustpan household brushes, and more. Contact the right product supplier to increase your production capacity.

 

 

Conclusion

A cleaning service business can be a lucrative business if you follow the correct strategies and procedures. From identifying a market to choosing a niche and marketing your services.

The types of cleaning services are vast and you can decide to choose the one which suits you. Client acquisition isn’t quite as difficult as it seems for businesses if you start on the right foot.

To thrive in this business, getting the right product is essential to increase your earning capacity. Contact the right product supplier to increase your production capacity.

With a zeal and passion to succeed,  In no time you will be the head of a lucrative cleaning service business.

Now, I would like to hear from you

Will you start your cleaning services solo or acquire team members?

Which do you think is the best option for you?

Let me know in the comment section.