Top 10 Common Mistakes Commercial Cleaning Companies Make
Commercial cleaning companies make many mistakes, which lead to their downfall. 20% of cleaning businesses shut down in their very first year, which is a concerning number. It’s important to be aware of those mistakes to sustain in the industry.
What are the common mistakes commercial cleaning companies make? First of all, they neglect the importance of organic marketing tools, such as website, SEO, and content writing. Additionally, they hire unskilled employees and don’t prioritize feedback or modern tools. Instead, they end up spending too much on paid marketing.
This article will outline other common mistakes with an explanation so that you can learn from others’ mistakes. Let’s begin!
Mistakes Commercial Cleaning Companies Need to Avoid
People learn from their own mistakes, but small businesses need to learn from others’ errors. By doing so, one can save their company from getting sunk in before even getting properly started.
1. Keeping Service Prices Too Low
It’s a common tactic that most newbies intend to follow. Since it’s challenging to compete against already established companies, they think it’s the only way. But in reality, lowering the price means they are not even competing.
People who receive regular cleaning services are aware of the cost. Yes, a new company can give discounts, but when the price is too low, it eats up customers’ confidence. After all, they are looking for quality service, not cheap ones that can potentially damage their products.
And once a business starts at a low price, it’s not easy to raise the price soon. In simple words, companies end up running into losses. Besides, when the prices are too low, companies face issues in giving salaries on time. This creates a bad impression in the industry, and soon, companies end up getting oblivion.
Solution
Keep your prices competitive after doing thorough research on competitors. However, as a new company, to get started, declare for sales and discounts. This will be a good chance for a one-time service. If you can earn customer satisfaction, then you are already in business.
2. Not Hiring Expert Cleaners
Hiring the right cleaners is crucial. Many commercial cleaning companies skip this step. They hire anyone without experience, which leads to poor results and unhappy clients. Expert cleaners, on the other hand, know how to handle different surfaces and equipment. They also follow cleaning industry standards.
Without proper knowledge, inexperienced cleaners can damage property or leave areas dirty. A lack of skill can cost businesses clients and reputation. Inexperienced cleaners may also take longer to finish tasks. This affects efficiency and costs, along with affecting customer experience.
This not only frustrates clients but also affects business operations. In the competitive cleaning industry, reputation is everything, and mistakes can lead to lost business.
Solution
Every new company needs to hire experienced and skilled employees. This will also help them make claims of expertise and earn people’s trust. Thinking that cleaning is an easy job to do well can be a major reason for your failure.
3. Not Investing in Organic Growth
Business owners who neglect organic growth risk falling behind. In today’s digital world, a strong online presence is essential. Without a professional website, effective SEO, and engaging graphic designs, a company can’t compete.
A website is often the first impression for most clients. Without it, potential customers may not even know the company exists. SEO ensures that the business stays on top of search engine results, making it easier for people to find the services offered.
Running a successful business means investing in these tools. A mobile app can also enhance quality and customer satisfaction. Without these investments, companies struggle to achieve long-term success, and they risk losing clients to competitors.
Solution
You need to invest in organic growth as it’s more sustainable and helps establish a brand. However, to save money, instead of hiring, opt for outsourcing an SEO team. This way, you will have a higher chance of success.
4. Spending Too Much on Paid Promotion
New cleaning businesses often believe that running paid campaigns will bring ultimate success. However, this approach is flawed. Over-reliance on paid promotion can quickly drain resources without providing lasting results.
Common cleaning companies make the mistake of thinking paid ads will guarantee steady leads, but it doesn’t build long-term trust or brand loyalty. While digital marketing can help businesses reach a broader audience, it can also lead to a cycle of dependency on ads. This limits organic growth and doesn’t foster genuine relationships with clients.
In the long run, spending too much on paid promotions can undermine profits and divert attention from creating effective cleaning solutions for clients. Commercial cleaning business mistakes like these hinder sustainable success.
Solution
While paid marketing is necessary initially, avoid overreliance. You have better spend on organic growth with the help of SEO. You can write content and share advice regarding:
- Professional cleaning benefits
- Hacks for door handles, light switches, window cleaning, and other cleaning tasks
This way, you will be visible on the internet without paying every day and keep getting leads and customers.
5. Overlooking Modern Cleaning Techniques
Many businesses still rely on outdated methods, overlooking the importance of modern cleaning techniques. Relying on basic cleaning products and a simple mop for tasks like floor cleaning is not enough in today’s competitive market.
Modern cleaning equipment offers better efficiency and results. It helps eliminate germs more effectively and ensures a healthier environment for clients. Without proper training, employees may struggle to use advanced tools and techniques, leading to inconsistent results.
Businesses that fail to adopt new methods risk damaging their reputation. For business growth, it’s crucial to invest in up-to-date equipment and training. Successful cleaning involves meeting the high-quality standards that clients expect. Ignoring modern cleaning techniques can result in missed opportunities and hinder long-term success.
Solution
Understand the modern cleaning needs and buy equipment and supplies accordingly. Having advanced tools will also allow some boasting and marketing. This will reduce the risk of spreading bad words as well.
6. Not Having Necessary Technology
Without the right technology, businesses struggle to keep up with the demands of a commercial cleaning service. Software like ClickUp CRM, scheduling tools, and reminders are essential for smooth cleaning operations.
Without a CRM, tracking client preferences and managing relationships becomes difficult, leading to missed opportunities. Office cleaning schedules can easily become chaotic without scheduling software. This affects service delivery and customer satisfaction. Inadequate technology also makes it harder to manage cleaning staff efficiently.
Additionally, not having proper systems in place for cleaning supplies and stock management can lead to shortages or overstocking. To grow and succeed, businesses must avoid these mistakes and invest in the right technology to stay organized and ready to meet client needs.
Solution
Technologies actually influence your service quality. So, take subscriptions to various business software and utilize them properly to streamline business operations. This will also improve efficiency and help keep customers happy and satisfied.
7. Ignoring Negative Feedback
Ignoring negative reviews on platforms like Facebook, Google Business, and other sites is a huge mistake. Many cleaning business owners avoid responding, thinking it will resolve on its own. However, this approach is suicidal.
Negative reviews often stem from substandard cleaning, and ignoring them only fuels dissatisfaction. Many cleaning companies make the common cleaning mistake of not addressing client concerns, which can lead to dissatisfied customers.
If issues with residential cleaning aren’t acknowledged, it becomes harder to prove the value of the service to potential clients. Customer feedback is vital for improving service and preventing future complaints.
A lack of response also signals poor customer service and weak employee training, which damages the business’s reputation. It’s essential to engage with feedback and address concerns to build trust and ensure consistent success.
Solution
The thing is, you cannot overlook negative reviews. However, it’s important to know how to deal with them. Here are a few tips:
- Respond promptly and professionally.
- Acknowledge the customer’s concerns directly.
- Apologize for any inconvenience caused.
- Offer a solution or corrective action.
- Keep the tone positive and constructive.
- Take the conversation offline if necessary.
- Use feedback to improve employee training.
- Follow up to ensure customer satisfaction.
8. Not Attending Clients on Time
Failing to attend clients on time severely damages a business’s reputation. It shows a lack of reliability and professionalism. Delays prevent a thorough cleaning, leaving clients unsatisfied. This increases customer dissatisfaction, which makes it harder to retain clients.
Over time, late arrivals can lead to cash flow problems, as clients may choose not to pay or cancel services. Repeated tardiness can cause a loss of business and ultimately lead to the destruction of the company’s success and growth.
Solution
Try to use CRM and other software. This will make it easier to stay updated with the schedules. You won’t miss any appointments, and we provide high-quality cleaning on time. Though it may cost you some money, the return is worth it.
9. Not Encouraging Cleanliness
Many homeowners and office owners prefer to clean on their own. As part of the industry, it’s important to convince them of the benefits of professional cleaning.
However, many companies fail to promote the importance of regular cleaning. They miss out on opportunities for growth. Professional cleaning helps eliminate germs and bacteria, creating a safer environment. Companies should implement referral programs to encourage clients to spread the word.
Solution
Focus on engaging with customers through boot camps and run awareness campaigns. This will show that you genuinely care. People will feel grateful and remember your brand name. You can also visit schools, hospitals, and shopping malls. Pay a visit and distribute leaflets.
10. Avoiding Flexible Plans
Many cleaning businesses stick to rigid plans. They don’t offer options that cater to individual needs. This approach can turn away potential clients. People want flexibility when it comes to cleaning schedules and services. Some may need weekly, bi-weekly, or one-time cleanings.
Without flexible plans, businesses fail to meet diverse needs. This leads to frustration and lost clients. A business that adapts its services to fit clients’ schedules and budgets builds trust. Offering customized plans creates better customer satisfaction. It also increases the chance of repeat business and helps grow the company in the long term.
Solution
Though it can be challenging for small businesses to offer flexible plans, you need to manage it. Discuss with employees and convince them. Most offices may not want to take service during office hours. You have to send your team after the office ends. Offering 24/7, therefore, can be a USP.
Grow DigiBusiness: Trusted Marketing Solution for Cleaning Companies
Grow DigiBusienss can help you avoid these common mistakes, at least the ones that are related to marketing. We are an organic digital marketing agency offering comprehensive solutions. You can receive the below services from us:
- Website development
- Search engine optimization
- Graphics design
- Content writing and copywriting
- Social media management
- Google business profile maintenance, etc.
We help you reach targeted audiences. Our content writers will create compelling content to help you achieve sustainable growth. We have dedicated and experienced SEO experts who excel in creating SEO strategies for cleaning companies.
Final Words
So, these were the common mistakes commercial cleaning companies make. Try to avoid them and understand the importance of SEO for cleaning companies. If you need any help, reach out to us, Grow DigiBusiness. We offer a complete solution for organic, sustainable growth for cleaning businesses.