If you own a cleaning business, you need to invest in more than just cleaning tools and products if you want to succeed. For one, you need to be serious about professional training. Even the most high-tech equipment will not clean properly if you and your staff don’t know how to use them properly.
Speaking of high-tech equipment, commercial cleaning companies should also be willing to invest in technology. That’s because truly bankable cleaning businesses provide more than just cleaning services. Rather, they continuously improve all facets of their enterprise to ensure sustained success.
Here are a few ways that tech can help in this regard.
It Improves Communication
One of the most important aspects of maintaining a business is good communication not just between you and your clients, but also among your staff. This ensures that nothing gets lost in translation, which in turn ensures that you can always deliver high-quality results.
For example, through the help of task management software, you can easily notify your customers once their request has been logged. Then, your team will be informed that they have an upcoming job. If anything needs to be rescheduled, you can easily make changes and the concerned parties will immediately be updated.
Other technological tools you can use for your cleaning business include ticketing software, schedulers, and even the most basic messaging apps.
It Boosts Customer Service
In relation to the previous point, communication is an important facet of customer service. In particular, client feedback gives you valuable insight into how you can improve your business. If you don’t have proper communication channels, you won’t be able to receive feedback much less act on them.
Luckily, there are various ways you can communicate with your customers through the help of technology. The best examples here include a feedback form on your website, as well as indicating your telephone number and email on the “Contact Us” page. Ideally, the telephone number and email you provide ARE dedicated customer service hotlines.
You should also consider setting up a social media page, where customers can get in touch with you in real-time. There are some people who prefer messaging businesses on Facebook or Twitter, for example, because they’re already active users of these platforms. Social media can also give your business a more approachable, personable image.
Other communications solutions you can look at include a chat option on your website, as well as various messaging applications. The latter is particularly valuable for quick updates, in case something goes wrong or if the cleaning staff needs to clarify anything with the client.
It Saves You Time
Project managers and schedulers are a big boon, especially if your cleaning business already has an established clientele. Using these tools can help you prevent double bookings and other errors, which ultimately saves you time and ensures more efficient operations. Minimising errors also does wonders for your reputation.
Meanwhile, timesheet apps can help you track working hours and ensure that your staff doesn’t get overworked. In turn, this means fewer sick days and a generally more satisfying working experience. Employees who feel cared for also tend to stay longer, which means you don’t have to worry about high attrition.
It Saves You Money
Running a business costs money. Purchasing supplies such as cleaning liquids, microfibre cloths, and other implements is a constant need. If you have electrical equipment, you also have to think about their upkeep. Of course, there are also wages and other operational costs to think about.
These are just a few expenses that you have to consider as the owner of a cleaning company. If you don’t keep track of them, you likely won’t make much of a profit. Thus, it’s best to invest in accounting software, expense trackers, inventory managers, and other similar solutions. This way, you can take a good look at where your money goes and make adjustments as necessary.
It Promotes Sustainability
Using technology in your cleaning business can help promote sustainability. As an example, by keeping track of your inventory through dedicated inventory software, you can prevent excessive or unnecessary purchases.
You can also find smart cleaning equipment that uses fewer resources, such as energy-saving jet washers and low-moisture vacuums. There are also various “no-touch” cleaning solutions that utilise high pressure for faster, more efficient cleaning. Technology is also a big factor in the development of non-toxic, odour-free, and biodegradable cleaning products.
These products and equipment are good for business, not just because they can be as effective or even more effective than “traditional” products but also because consumers are now more aware of environmental issues. Thus, they are more likely to patronise businesses that are eco-friendly.
It can be a little daunting to invest in technology for your cleaning business, especially if you’re unfamiliar with them. However, you’ll be missing out on all the benefits if you don’t (not to mention losing opportunities to your competitors).
The key is to do your research and be conscientious about technology. Then study which ones will benefit you the most, develop a roll-out plan, and gradually transition to a more tech-oriented cleaning company.
Good luck!