Acquire entrepreneurial expertise and establish a secondary source of income by providing recurring cleaning services to clients through weekly, bi-weekly, and monthly subscription packages. The aim is to steadily enhance the revenue of my business by offering a subscription-based cleaning service.
The primary objective for my website was to establish a user-friendly interface and instill a sense of trust among visitors. To encourage users to schedule a cleaning and confidently provide their payment details, it was crucial to create an atmosphere of trust in both the website itself and the home cleaners we recommended.
After completing the website, I conducted experiments with various advertising platforms, including Adwords, Yelp Ads, and Facebook Ads. Over time, I discovered that Facebook ads and Yelp Ads yielded the highest returns for our business.
To optimize our marketing efforts, we adopted a dynamic approach. This involved alternating between investing in advertising campaigns and temporarily suspending them to focus on maximizing revenue from our existing base of recurring clients.
In addition to paid advertisements, our most effective marketing tactic was delivering exceptional services and encouraging our most satisfied clients to share positive reviews online. By prioritizing customer satisfaction and generating positive word-of-mouth, we were able to enhance our brand reputation and attract new customers.
Wondering how to build a reputation from scratch? The answer is simple: Gradual progress.
To cultivate an abundance of positive reviews on platforms like Yelp, it was crucial to not only deliver exceptional service consistently but also implement a review funnel. This involved automatically sending an email to clients after the completion of their home cleaning, encouraging them to leave a review.
By combining outstanding service with a systematic review gathering process, we were able to steadily build our reputation and generate a steady stream of positive reviews from satisfied customers.
If a client clicks on the Smiley Face, they will instantly receive a follow-up email inviting them to write a review on platforms like Yelp.
We noticed a direct correlation between the number of positive reviews we received on platforms like Yelp and Google and the influx of new scheduled cleanings. These positive reviews became an effective marketing tool in their own right, driving organic growth without the need for additional advertising.
In the event that a client clicks on the Unhappy Face, they are directed to a form where they can share their concerns or complaints. We believe in actively listening to our clients and resolving any issues they may have. Often, a simple conversation can resolve matters without requiring a refund or re-cleaning. It’s important to acknowledge that people appreciate being heard.
The following example showcases a review we received directly from a client. Unfortunately, this particular cleaner made the poor decision of eating a cupcake and leaving a note. Not the smartest or kindest action.
However, when such issues arise, it’s essential to have the opportunity to address them internally first, before they are publicly aired in a review. Just imagine the impact of a client posting a review like this online. It’s definitely a situation we want to avoid.
Through excellent customer services and using our review funnel emails, we were able to grow a very positive reputation.
Over time, I successfully established a substantial clientele consisting of recurring subscription-based customers, availing themselves of weekly, bi-weekly, and monthly home cleaning services.
This growth also resulted in a stable and reliable source of income for the contracted home cleaning companies I collaborated with.
As a result, my business was able to generate an annual revenue ranging from $150K to $300K.
Furthermore, I implemented automation measures to streamline certain aspects of the business. For instance, I outsourced phone call handling to a third-party service, which significantly reduced my workload to a mere five hours per week dedicated to overseeing business operations.
Embarking on the journey of starting Book to Clean has been an incredible experience. It provided me with valuable insights, pushed me outside my comfort zone, and taught me the importance of continuous growth and learning. This entrepreneurial endeavor has underscored the significance of perseverance and dedication, highlighting that without motivation, even the most refined skills cannot bring your dreams to fruition.
Throughout my years operating Book to Clean, I encountered numerous challenges, with 75% of them revolving around resolving client and home cleaner issues. These experiences taught me the value of patience and being an attentive listener.
Two key factors contributed to the success of Book to Clean:
1. A User-Friendly Interface and Trust Signals: Having a simple and intuitive interface, coupled with trust-building elements, proved crucial in driving conversions.
2. Positive User Experience and Reputation: Cultivating a positive user experience and a strong reputation emerged as the most powerful form of marketing.
Between 2019 and 2020, I deliberately slowed down promoting Book to Clean and gradually transitioned my recurring clients to the home cleaners I had contracted, as a token of appreciation.
I ultimately ceased the operations of Book to Clean due to California Legislation AB5. While personally having no objections to the law, its implications clashed with the specific structure of my business model.