As the new year approaches, it’s the perfect time for reflection and renewal. For cleaning business owners, 2025 presents an opportunity to improve operations, enhance customer experiences, and shed outdated practices. Whether you’re running a small local service or managing a larger team, the beginning of the year is the perfect moment to take a step back, assess your business, and set goals for growth and improvement.

Here are some actionable ideas for things to improve and things to stop doing in your cleaning business as we enter the new year.

✨ Things to Improve in the New Year

1. 📞 Enhance Customer Communication
   o Effective communication is crucial in any service business. Improve your customer touchpoints by adopting better communication tools. Consider using automated text or email reminders for appointments, updates on service status, or feedback requests.
   o Create a customer feedback loop. Regularly ask for reviews or input from clients about their experiences to fine-tune your services.
2. 📚 Invest in Employee Training
   o Cleaning techniques, safety protocols, and customer service skills should never be neglected. Ensure your team has regular training sessions to stay up-to-date with the latest cleaning solutions, equipment, and methods.
   o Offer courses or workshops on team building, time management, and other professional development areas. A well-trained staff will improve the quality of service, reduce mistakes, and increase customer satisfaction.
3. 💰 Refine Your Pricing Strategy
   o As inflation and costs increase, it’s essential to evaluate your pricing regularly. Ensure that your rates reflect the value of your service, market trends, and your operational expenses. You may also want to consider tiered pricing, offering discounts for long-term contracts, or providing seasonal deals to attract new customers.
4. 💻 Leverage Technology for Efficiency
   o Technology is a game changer in the cleaning industry. Implement software for scheduling, invoicing, payroll, and inventory management. These tools can save time and reduce human error, allowing you to focus more on growing your business.
   o Consider introducing a customer portal or mobile app for easier booking, payments, and communication.
5. 📈 Optimize Your Marketing Strategy
   o Don’t let your business be invisible online. Update your website to ensure it’s mobile-friendly, offers clear service descriptions, and has easy contact options.
   o Invest in local SEO (Search Engine Optimization) so your business appears when people in your area search for cleaning services. A Google My Business profile and active social media accounts can also boost your visibility.
   o Content marketing is a great way to connect with your customers. Start a blog or create social media posts with cleaning tips, customer stories, or “behind-the-scenes” looks at your process to build trust.
6. 🌱 Adopt Sustainable Practices
   o Eco-friendly cleaning products are increasingly in demand. Look for ways to integrate sustainable products and practices into your services. Not only will this help the environment, but it can also give you a competitive edge in the market.
   o Start by reducing single-use plastic, using greener cleaning solutions, and disposing of waste properly.
7. 📱 Try Virtual Bidding with Virtual Bid
   o Stop spending time driving to potential clients’ locations for estimates! This year, download Virtual Bid, an app that allows you to provide virtual bids quickly and efficiently. With Virtual Bid, you can offer fast and accurate pricing for new customers without leaving your office. This not only saves you time but allows you to reach a wider range of potential clients and respond faster to bids. It’s an essential tool for modern cleaning business owners looking to stay competitive and save valuable time.
   🛑 Things to Stop Doing in the New Year
8. 🧠 Neglecting Employee Well-Being
   o As a business owner, your employees are your most valuable asset. Stop ignoring their mental and physical health. Burnout is a real issue in the cleaning industry, so ensure you’re fostering a supportive environment.
   o Stop allowing long working hours without adequate breaks or time off. Instead, prioritize team well-being by implementing flexible scheduling, providing health benefits, and offering incentives for excellent performance.
9. ⚠️ Overlooking Safety Standards
   o Cutting corners on safety can have serious consequences. Stop underestimating the importance of providing your team with proper safety equipment and training.
   o Ensure your business complies with OSHA guidelines, and make safety a part of your daily routine by regularly inspecting equipment and facilities.
10. 💼 Offering Generic Services
    o If you’re offering the same services as every other cleaning business in town, it might be time to differentiate yourself. Stop offering one-size-fits-all cleaning packages. Instead, customize your services based on the unique needs of your clients.
    o Start offering specialized services such as post-construction cleaning, deep cleans for specific areas (like carpets, upholstery, or windows), or even subscription-based services for regular clients.
11. ⏳ Overcomplicating Operations
    o As your business grows, it’s easy to add more layers of complexity to your operations. However, this can slow you down. Stop complicating your processes with unnecessary steps or multiple systems that don’t integrate well.
    o Streamline your workflow, from booking to billing, and simplify how you manage employees and inventory. A clean and organized internal process will help your business run more smoothly and reduce mistakes.
12. 💸 Ignoring Financial Health
    o Stop ignoring the financial side of your business. Make it a priority in 2024 to track your profits, monitor cash flow, and set a clear budget for the year ahead.
    o If you don’t have one already, hire a professional accountant or financial advisor to help guide your business decisions. Know where your money is going and how to make it work harder for you.
13. 🧹 Holding on to Outdated Equipment
    o Outdated cleaning equipment can hinder your staff’s productivity and the quality of your service. Stop hanging on to old tools, and invest in newer, more efficient equipment to boost performance and customer satisfaction.
    o If some tools are still in good condition, consider donating or recycling them instead of letting them gather dust.

New Year’s Business Growth Mindset
Entering the new year is an opportunity to evolve and grow. Take time to reflect on your past year, acknowledging what worked well and identifying areas where you can improve. Whether it’s streamlining processes, upgrading your marketing strategies, or better supporting your team, small changes can make a big difference in the long run.

By setting the intention to improve in these areas and stop doing what no longer serves your business, you’re setting yourself up for success in 2025. Cheers to a new year of growth, efficiency, and profitability for your cleaning business!

Now for the last time of 2024, go take a bite out of grime! ✨

Sincerely,
Robin Crockett
Founder & CEO, Heaven Scent Home Cleaning & Virtual Bid™