No one wants to see streaks of dirt or mildew on their windows. However, people don’t always have the time or energy to clean those windows themselves. This makes window washing a lucrative business opportunity for those looking to be their own boss. But how do you get into the window washing business and make it profitable? Keep reading to learn the 5 steps you should follow to start a window washing business.

1. Determine the Type of Services You’ll Offer

There are tons of opportunities for those venturing into this business, especially since every building has windows. For your business to be successful, it’s important to choose specific opportunities to capitalize on.

You could build your business around residential window cleaning and cater to homeowners who need clean windows. Commercially, you can offer your services to local businesses. Specialized services like high-rise window cleaning and pressure washing are also an option if you have a breadth of experience in this industry.

Residential window cleaning is a great place to start. It’s easier to connect with clients, provide estimates, and land jobs on the same day. You can use newspaper ads and flyers to market your business. In addition, these jobs pay higher hourly rates. The downside is that residential buildings have fewer windows, and as such, the income potential is lower than that of commercial window cleaning.

The commercial market is competitive, and clients expect a high level of experience and professionalism from their service provides. Therefore, you must establish yourself as a professional company that clients can trust to get the business done.

Pitching and landing commercial window cleaning is not easy. More often than not, you have to talk to several people before connecting with the ultimate decision-maker. You need to be comfortable walking into business premises, asking to speak to those in charge, pitching your services to them.

There are advantages and disadvantages of residential and commercial window cleaning businesses. Ensure you know which business model best fits your goals before deciding between the two.

2. Write a Business Plan

A business plan lays out the steps to help you build a successful and profitable business. It should include;

Startup Budget

The startup costs of a starting window business may be low, but it’s still important to how much money you need and how you’ll spend it. Some startup costs you need to consider include training, equipment, logo design & marketing, business website, insurance, and a vehicle. Consider registering with a window franchise – it offers all the benefits of a window business for sale for a minimal upfront investment.

Services

What kind of services will you provide? Who is your target customer?

Pricing Structure

Will you charge by the hour or per window pane? Whatever the case, take time to learn how to price and land window cleaning jobs.

Operational Strategy

How will you run and operate your business? How will you run it?

Staffing

Will you need to hire extra window cleaners? If so, how many and how will you pay them?

Customer Service Strategy

Creating an elevated experience for your customers is crucial to business success, especially if it is service-based.

Marketing Strategy

Outline how you’ll sell your services. Use the most effective marketing strategies that your target audience will love.

3. Get Your Business Permit, Insurance, and Licenses

This step of the process helps legitimize your business in the eyes of the law and those of prospective customers. You may choose to work as a sole proprietor, but a limited liability company (LLC) offers personal liability protection. A corporation also protects you from liability and offers tax perks. Unfortunately, you have to contend with more paperwork.

You’ll need certain permits and licenses, which vary depending on your state and town. Some states may require you and your employees to pass a safety certification program. This is particularly true if working on high-rise windows. Other registrations you may need include an Employer Identification Number (EIN) and sales tax permit.

Securing business insurance is a must to protect yourself and your employees in case of an accident while on the job. It will also give you peace of mind that some of the costs are covered if anything breaks or is damaged while on the job. You’ll need general liability insurance and worker’s compensation insurance. Consider shopping around for insurance covers specifically designed for window cleaning businesses.

4. Get Your Window Cleaning Supplies

You need the right tools to get the job done right. Depending on the types of jobs you’ll be tackling, this might include squeegees, ladders, cleaning solutions, microfiber cloths & towels, bucker, scraper, an extension pole, scrubbers, and water-fed poles.

When shopping for supplies and equipment, get the bare minimum. You can stock up once you start landing more jobs and earning more revenue. At most, supplies will cost you a few hundred dollars if sourced well.

5. Market Your Business and Land Jobs

There are several ways to market your new venture including social media, cold calling, advertising, and word of mouth. Social media platforms like Facebook are a great way to connect with potential customers and get the word out about your services.

Strategies such as cold pitching are particularly effective if you are targeting commercial clients. However, the process can be nerve-wracking. You should also consider exploring different advertising mediums. Traditional methods like flyers and local newspapers ads aren’t as popular anymore but can prove effective. Digital ads can also get your business in front of the target audience.

Here are more affordable ways to market your business and land window cleaning jobs:

• Build a professional website that outlines your services and offers an easy way to contact you
• Network with local businesses such as glass franchise, realtors, landscapers, and remodelers
• Create and optimize your Google My Business profile
• List your business on local directories and online marketplaces
• Create a referral program

Ready to Start a Window Washing Business?

Starting your own window washing business can be the first step towards financial freedom if well executed. However, it will take determination, hard work, and the steps outlined above to make it successful. Register today to learn more about how to start a window washing business.