How to Start a Cleaning Business in GA

Introduction

If you are reading this and you want to start a cleaning business in Georgia, you are in the right place. Georgia is a brilliant place to start a cleaning business. It ticks all the right boxes. The state is friendly to small businesses. Small companies enjoy start funding, and the cost of living is relatively affordable. Read to discover five steps you can take to start a cleaning business in Georgia.

Step One: Create a Business Plan

The business plan is the number one requirement for every serious business in the world. Before you take any other step, develop your business plan. It is a document where you project your goals and estimates your income.

Answering the following questions can help you set up your business plan.:

1. Is your cleaning business viable?
2. Do you have target audience?
3. What expenses will incur in the course of doing business?
4. What is the budget of the cleaning business?
5. At what point will the business become profitable?
6. How do you get clients for your cleaning business?
7. What type of business model am I running? (Sole proprietorship, partnership, Limited Liability Company (LLC), or corporation)

These are questions you can use to start. There are several other questions you will still address as the business grows. The business plan is a dynamic document you should review at least thrice in a year.

If you want a loan, you need a more extensive business plan than this. The standard format for the business plan includes the executive summary, company description, market analysis, organisation and management, marketing and sales, funding request, financial projections and appendix.

Step Two: Become a Legal Entity

Conduct proper and in-depth research to find out all the requirements for running a cleaning business in Georgia. You need to stay compliant with Georgia laws and local business regulations. Do not assume it is the same for all states. What you need to do to register a legal cleaning business in Georgia include

1. Get your unique business name registered with the office of the Secretary of State.
2. You need a federal tax identification number if you do not already have one. Then, file your federal tax number with the state and local revenue offices.
3. Choose the business type you want to register. There are four options: sole proprietorship, partnership, Limited Liability Company, or corporation.
4. You need a federal employer identification number to start your cleaning business in Georgia.  You can get it from the IRS office. Once you get the number, register it with the appropriate state and local agencies.
5. Go the Georgia Department of Revenue to obtain a business license.
6. Obtain business insurance for your cleaning business.
7. Join the United Professional Cleaning Alliance if your target market is commercial clients, or the Georgia chapter of Association of Residential Cleaning Services International (ARCSI) if your target market is residential customers.
8. Join your local chamber of commerce.

Step Three: Create A Marketing Plan

After creating a business plan and becoming a legal entity, the next step is to find clients. You need to share the word about your new business and work at getting clients. To do so effectively, you need a marketing plan.

The marketing plan contains your marketing strategies and key business factors such as pricing, your ideal customer and unique selling points. 

Identify Your Target Market

Your business model and marketing plan have to revolve around your target market. Understanding their pain points and how you can solve it, is the simple secret to winning client. People are more than willing to pay for the solution to their problems. By identifying your target market, you will be able to send specific marketing messages tailored to their needs.

Identify Your Competitors

Georgia is a big state with a large population. You are going to be competing with competitors for clients. Knowing your competitors and what they provide gives you ideas of what to put in the marketing plan. Have a unique selling point will not only stand you out from your competitors, but it will also win your loyal clients.

Step Four: Purchase Your Cleaning Equipment and Supplies

Getting the necessary cleaning tools and supplies you need for your cleaning business in Georgia needs no special prompting. Without purchasing the right tools, your cleaning business will be a struggle. What you should solve early is finding a reliable cleaning equipment supplier. Typically, you want to look for one that saves you money and delivers quality equipment. Some recommended suppliers in Georgia include US Janitorial Supplies, SouthEast Link Home, Peoples Supplies, Janilink and Office Supplies Atlanta.

Here are some cleaning items you will need when starting your cleaning business in Georgia:

1. 1. Broom with dustpan
   2. Sponges, scrubbers, and brushes
   3. Mop with bucket
   4. Cleaning solutions (multisurface, glass, wood, bleach)
   5. Protective equipment (gloves, masks, goggles)
   6. Washcloths and paper towels
   7. Garbage bags

1. Caddy to carry equipment
2. Dusting equipment
3. Vacuum

Some clients may insist you use special cleaners if they have sensitiveness or allergies to certain products. You can also position yourself as a cleaning business that uses environment-friendly products.

Step Five: Hire Employees

Employees are vital if you want to scale your cleaning business. They are the ones that are regularly interacting with the clients. Also, the employees are the ones doing most of the cleaning jobs. Hiring quality and experienced cleaners is the best option, but it can prove expensive and eat into your profit.

Finding the right cleaners at the right price is a bit challenging. You can save some money and maintain your high standards by employing cheaper but quality cleaners. Some places to find such employees in Georgia include Facebook, Craiglist and Indeed.

Conclusion

Getting the basics rights such as the business plan, proper registration, marketing plan, purchasing of quality equipment and assembling your team is the recipe for success. These five steps to starting a cleaning business in Georgia will make your business stand the test of time.