How to Get Clients for a Cleaning Business in Houston, TX

Be creative in promoting your Houston cleaning business.

Marketing a business is one of the most time-consuming aspects of running one. If you have never done this in the past, it can be confusing to know where to start and what works. Houston, Texas, has lots of cleaning businesses, which makes it all the more important that you find a way to set your business apart from the rest. The best way to do this is to start off with a good, basic marketing foundation and build from there.

Things You'll Need

• Fliers
• Business cards
• Association memberships

Instructions

1. Create or pay someone else to create a website for your cleaning business. Not only will a well-constructed website help you get new clients, but it will give your business more credibility. There are many website developers in the Houston area.

2. Design fliers for your Houston cleaning business. Include information about your services, hours of operation, Web address and phone number.

3. Deliver some fliers to the larger real estate offices in Houston and ask the receptionist if they can be distributed to the agents. Many real estate agents need good, reliable cleaning people for their listings. If you need help finding these offices, check with the Houston Association of Realtors at 713-629-1900.

4. Take some fliers to a local self-storage facility. Ask the person on duty if you can leave some for his customers. Many people that use storage facilities are moving and may need your services.

5. Purchase business cards and distribute them to anyone you meet that may be in need of cleaning services. Don't neglect to use the space on the back of the business card as well as the front. You can list your services and rates, and even offer a discount.

6. Join one of the Houston Chambers of Commerce, such as Houston Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce and Northwest Houston Chamber of Commerce. The chambers hold events, such as mixers and after-hours get-togethers that offer perfect opportunities to network with other business owners. Pass out your business card to each person you meet.

7. Offer a discount on the first cleaning. A discount may give potential customers the incentive they need to try your services. You may also want to offer a free cleaning to any existing client that refers you to a friend or family member.

8. Create an ad and place it at online classified sites, such as houston.craigslist.org and houston.backpage.com. These sites do not charge for ads in their services section. Be sure to mention your discount, if you've decided to offer one, and your Web address in your ad.

9. Take a course or two at the University of Houston Small Business Development Center. Two courses in particular may help you learn more about how to find new clients for your cleaning business: Promoting Your Business and Advertising Your Business. Both courses are given online and they cost $35.00 each.

10. Purchase advertising space in one of Houston's magazines, such as 002Houston or HTexas. Print advertising can be pricey but effective.

References

• Entrepreneur; Small Marketing Changes With A Big Impact; Rosalind Resnick; November 2010
• Walden University: How To Start A Housecleaning Company

Resources

• Houston Texas Online: Chambers of Commerce
• University of Houston Small Business Development Center
• University of Houston Small Business Development Center: Promoting Your Business
• University of Houston Small Business Development Center: Advertising Your Business
• HTexas Magazine: Advertise
• 002Houston Magazine: Media Kit