Start by building a professional website that allows customers to view before and after photos, discover your pressure washing services, and book online. Include a booking widget so clients can schedule estimates or appointments at any time, 24/7.
Stay in touch with existing customers by sending out an email newsletter featuring seasonal cleaning tips, specials and more. Leveraging a business management platform like vcita can simplify booking, scheduling, invoicing and payment processing as well as more.
Equipment
Equipment acquisition is key when starting up a pressure washing business. Not only should you invest in high-grade pressure washer and detergent, but you'll need other tools such as scrub brushes, buckets, sprayers and hoses to complete your arsenal of cleaners.
Trucks are essential in transporting you and your equipment from one job site to the next, while adding graphics to them can serve as a great way to promote services offered.
Apply for an employer identification number to facilitate tax filing. A small business insurance plan covering general liability, commercial property and income. In addition, look for coverage that provides workers' compensation insurance for you and your employees.
Insurance
Your local laws and regulations will determine which insurance you need for starting a pressure washing business, but generally speaking you will require both damage caused by your work as well as liability coverage in case someone gets hurt while under your care. Furthermore, you will require selecting a legal business structure and filing the necessary paperwork in order to operate legally in your region.
As your business structure, choose either sole proprietorship or LLC (limited liability company). Both options protect personal assets from being exposed, although you will require an Employer Identification Number before starting up.
Promote your business through word-of-mouth referrals from satisfied clients, social media channels and print marketing campaigns. A professional website equipped with an online booking widget is key to drawing in new customers; alternatively you could use an all-in-one business management solution like vcita to automate administrative tasks and free up more time for growth in the form of increased productivity and efficiency.
Licenses
Licenses and permits required to run a pressure washing business depend on your location; so make sure you do your research first. Typically, a general business license as well as industry-specific permits and licenses that pertain specifically to your company will likely be necessary for operation.
Rate your services according to equipment, time and materials necessary for completion of each job. Remember your goal is to turn a profit, so charge enough to cover costs plus an adequate profit margin.
Establish a separate business bank account. Mixing personal and business finances increases liability risk while complicating bookkeeping, expense tracking and tax filings.
Use digital checklist and forms tools to alleviate daily friction from activities, automate information flow, improve response times, and build greater oversight. GPS time tracking also eliminates buddy punching while increasing employee accountability.
Marketing
Marketing strategies can play an essential role in helping pressure washing businesses flourish. Establishing a website provides the perfect way to present services and contact information while Google Analytics serves as an efficient way of tracking metrics and optimizing future marketing initiatives.
Social media is a valuable marketing resource in the pressure washing industry. Posting useful content such as photos of work done or stories about why pressure washing matters are simple ways to build relationships with potential customers on platforms such as Facebook and Instagram.
Attracting customer loyalty with discounts and incentives is also key. Offering new customers free services or discounted services will increase email lists while repeat customers may be incentivized through referral discounts. Don't forget to follow up after each job is completed to request feedback and ensure customer retention.
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