From One Business Owner to Another: Here’s How to Level Up in 2025
Hey everyone, my name is Keith, and I’m a 26-year-old entrepreneur who owns a growing residential cleaning business. I’ve learned a lot over the years, and I wanted to share some advice that could help take your business to the next level in 2025. One thing that has consistently set my business apart is offering multiple cleaning options. I can’t tell you how many times clients have told me they chose my company over competitors because we gave them options beyond just “basic clean” or “deep clean.” Our most popular service is what I call a semi-deep cleaning. This option focuses on deep cleaning the kitchen and bathrooms (the areas most prone to build-up), while doing a basic clean for the rest of the home. Clients love it because it’s practical and affordable. The key here is giving clients the freedom to choose the level of service they want. Plus, having different price points makes booking a no-brainer. Another tip: charge flat-rate fees instead of hourly rates. I’ve found that clients appreciate knowing exactly what they’ll pay upfront. With flat rates, they don’t have to worry about surprise charges or feeling like the job was rushed because the cleaner was running out of time. It also allows you to price based on the condition and size of the home, which makes it easier to provide a fair and transparent quote. Here’s a small but powerful touch: always give your clients something to remember you by. When we arrive at a client’s home, we hand them something thoughtful like a brochure, referral card, or even just a simple “thank you” card. At the end of the cleaning, we leave them with a small gift, like a $2 candle or new dish sponge. Little gestures like these stick with clients and make your service memorable. It’s an easy way to stand out from other companies they’ve used in the past or might consider in the future.How Referral Systems Are Changing the Home Improvement Game
Referral programs aren’t new, but they’re becoming a huge part of the home improvement world. Homeowners want trusted pros, and contractors want more jobs—referrals make that happen. Why They Work People trust word-of-mouth over ads. A referral from a friend or neighbor carries weight, and when companies reward that, it’s a win-win for everyone. How People Are Using Them Homeowners save money – Discounts or perks for referring friends. Contractors grow their business – More jobs without spending big on ads. Loyalty programs – Earn rewards for multiple referrals. Community referrals – Nextdoor, Facebook groups, and forums are full of trusted recommendations. Make It Work for You If you're a contractor, a solid referral program can bring in quality leads without the heavy marketing costs. Try something simple—offer $50 off the next project for both the referrer and the new client when they book. It’s an easy way to keep customers coming back while bringing in new ones who already trust your work. Are you currently using a referral program with your business? Drop a comment!$200K in 2 Years: Here's How!
My 5-Step Process for Creating a Recurring Revenue Stream for Any Service 1. Identifying the Right Service Assessing Your Current Services List your current service offerings. Identify frequently requested or needed services by customers. Look for easy opportunities ("low-hanging fruit") where you can add value quickly. Understanding Customer Pain Points Conduct surveys or interviews with current customers to uncover recurring problems or unmet needs. Analyze customer feedback, reviews, and service history for trends. Conducting Competitive Analysis Research competitors' recurring service offerings. Identify market gaps that your business can fill effectively. Brainstorming Potential Services Examples include: Regular maintenance checks Seasonal services Safety inspections Ongoing support 2. Creating Your Recurring Revenue Model Designing Service Packages Develop tiered service packages (e.g., Basic, Premium, Deluxe). Define what each package includes, such as service frequency and additional benefits. Setting a Pricing Strategy Competitive Pricing: Compare with similar market offerings. Cost-Plus Pricing: Calculate costs and add a profit margin. Value-Based Pricing: Base prices on perceived customer value. Offer discounts for long-term commitments (e.g., annual subscriptions). Exclude material costs; instead, offer them as add-ons with a markup. Structuring Membership Programs Take the time to design the membership model and structure. Create exclusive programs offering: Priority scheduling Special discounts Foster community through email campaigns and newsletters. 3. Building and Testing the Service Operational Setup Develop clear processes for service delivery (e.g., scheduling, protocols). Train staff to maintain consistency and quality. Invest in tools and technology, such as CRM systems, scheduling software, and automation tools. Launching a Pilot Program Test the service with a small group of loyal customers. Collect feedback on the experience. Measure metrics like customer satisfaction, cost efficiency, and operational performance. Making Adjustments Refine services based on feedback. Adjust pricing and processes as needed. Streamline operations for efficiency. 4. Bringing the Service to Market Crafting a Marketing Strategy Develop a compelling value proposition. Highlight benefits such as convenience, cost savings, and peace of mind. Utilizing Marketing Channels Leverage email marketing, social media, local ads, and direct mail. Create sales funnels tailored to each channel. Use testimonials, reviews, and case studies to build credibility. Sales Tactics Train your sales team to communicate the value of recurring services. Use upselling techniques to convert one-time customers to recurring clients. Introduce limited-time promotions or discounts to attract new customers. Retention Strategies Create nurturing sequences for customer engagement. Provide excellent customer service to maintain satisfaction. Regularly check in with customers and promptly address issues. Offer loyalty programs and incentives to retain clients. 5. Managing and Scaling Operational Management Use robust systems to manage subscriptions and memberships. Avoid overloading current systems or staff; rely on technology for efficiency. Continuously monitor service delivery and customer satisfaction. Scaling Up Expand offerings based on customer demand and market trends. Consider geographic expansion to reach new markets. Fostering Continuous Improvement Regularly review and refine service packages and pricing. Stay informed on industry trends and innovate services. Act on customer feedback to ensure ongoing improvements. Any questions feel free to reach out!Your Best Marketing Ideas!
What has been your most successful marketing tool in 2024? Is there anything new you are trying going in to 2025 and beyond? Mine has been word of mouth and literally making neighboring sites envious of how we take care of our clients. What has worked for you? What are you looking to try next? 😎Who has their vehicles wrapped? 🛻🙋🏻♀️
Yes ➡️ Do you have any tips or advice? What are the pros and cons you've experienced? No ➡️ What’s been holding you back from getting your vehicle wrapped? Is it cost, design ideas, or something else? Got a pic of your wrap? Share them in the comments for bonus points! 📸
