Are you interested in the cleaning business? Explore how to start a profitable cleaning business in 7 Steps in Nigeria.

People want greater freedom from having to do things like wash their clothes, clean their offices, and other duties, which has led to unprecedented development in the demand for professional cleaning services year after year. 

Professional cleaning services, also known as janitorial services, are becoming more lucrative for people and businesses. 

These people have the time and technical know-how to assist others in cleaning their environments as households, organisations, schools, and other institutions continuously outsource their cleaning needs. 

How to start a profitable cleaning business in 7 steps

How to Start a profitable Cleaning Business in 7 Steps 

How to start a profitable cleaning business in 7 Steps are scientific methods to starting and growing your cleaning business. Rule applies to the cleaning industry in Nigeria as it does everywhere else in the globe. 

Without sufficient planning, likely, your professional cleaning services business won’t be as successful as you had planned.

To launch your own cleaning company in Nigeria, follow these 7 essential steps: 

Step 1: Conduct a market analysis

This is a crucial element for every organisation, to assist you to grasp the chances and difficulties you will face in the future. 

Additionally, it will help you identify who your main rivals are, how much their products or services cost, and whether they provide value for money or not. 

Step 2: Select the type of cleaning business

You must choose the key niche you want to be known for because the cleaning industry is so diverse, whether it is in Nigeria or anywhere else. 

They include: 

  1. Cleaning Services for Homes 
  2. Services for Commercial Cleaning 
  3. Services for Specialized Cleaning

Step 3: Select a business model

Here, you have the option of either launching a brand-new company or a franchise. Building a respected brand name is a necessary step in starting a new firm, but it will inevitably take the entrepreneur a lot of time and money. 

Instead, if you decide to go with a franchise, you may quickly begin bringing in a large number of customers who will pay you. 

How far your cleaning firm can go will depend on your business objectives and the strategy you choose. 

Step 4: Raise enough money 

The amount of money needed to complete your project will vary depending on the kind of cleaning service you’re starting.

House cleaning businesses would always be highly cost-effective to launch, but commercial and specialised cleaning businesses will always need specialist equipment, which might cost thousands of naira to buy. 

As a result, for any cleaning business you decide to start, you must raise enough initial money. 

Step 5: Promote your cleaning business

The number of new clients you can bring in will depend on how successfully you handle this. 

No matter how great your service is or how affordable your pricing is, customers won’t come knocking until they are aware of your company. 

Step 6: Build a reputable brand 

You must work hard to establish your company as a valuable brand right away. You can get professional uniforms for your team members as well as a professional logo for your business.

Additionally, you should post client reviews on your websites and work to establish a reputation among customers for your professionalism and values, rather than just your competitive pricing.

As you get a large number of pleased clients, they will spread the word about your company to as many people as possible who require your services.

Step 7: Hiring Professional Employees

When hiring, make sure the people you hire have a lot of cleaning industry expertise or have at least undergone some sort of training. 

After hiring professionals, do not also forget to start keeping records for your financial reports which you will present to willing angel investors to help you with funds to scale your business.

About Cleaning Job Business in Nigeria 

Cleaning Business is one of the small scale businesses in Nigeria which can be grown into a startup to a Soonicorn/unicorn if you take the business seriously.

If you are reading this, it’s probably because you’re seeking a low-cost business idea that can grow quickly and doesn’t have as many demanding requirements as other startups, or maybe you just need a side hustle.

This is one of the few industries that, despite being simple to start in Nigeria, Africa, or anyplace else in the world, is extremely competitive since a sizable portion of the market is controlled by hundreds of tiny enterprises. 

There are crucial actions that must be performed to ensure your company grows if you want your firm to succeed. You’re about to learn all of these things and more from this in-depth manual on how to start a profitable cleaning business in 7 steps anywhere in the world, whether it’s in Nigeria, Africa, or elsewhere. If you are confused, checkout how to start a small scale business in Nigeria.

Pros and cons of Starting a cleaning business

The pros and cons of Starting a cleaning business in Nigeria includes:

ProsCons
Involves small or low capital The business is tough and requires much physical manpower 
The variable cost is low and cheap compared to other businesses It is stressful and not an easy business 
Easy to startupThere’s always too much competition on prices
You set your office at home without need to lease/rent an office for your business 
You can do most things by yourself 
Comes with a limited experience. Hence, it doesn’t require professional training or education 
Cleaning business comes with flexible work hours
The turnover and it’s profit can come in quickly 
The online marketing strategy is cheap
The business can serve as source of regular income
Can survive during recession downturn
The business can play a major role by employing other people as cleaners
Comes with a high unlimited profit potential. You set the structure yourself and whatever income you desire, you can make out of the business 

3 Opportunities in the Cleaning Industry 

The breadth and prospects in the cleaning industry make it simple for business owners to establish a precise and long-term strategy. 

While some might see it as a side hustle, many others make much more money from it than they ever could from even a well-paying job. 

The following are a few long-term cleaning business options in Nigeria:

1. Cleaning services for businesses

Large commercial buildings require frequent cleaning, which is difficult for a single person or a team of hired janitors to complete.

Your company’s growth will be accelerated by landing a long-term contract to clean up a few commercial structures. 

2. Cleaning services for homes 

This encompasses cleaning clients’ homes, swimming pools, or gardens. It doesn’t need a lot of employees because all you would need at first is a few pieces of equipment and some light assistance if needed.

3. Specified Cleaning Services 

Here, you can specialise in a certain set of duties, such as cleaning windows, cars, couches, ducts, or carpets. 

It provides you with a specialised job and pays quite well because it is a specialised field. 

What license is needed to start a cleaning business in Nigeria? 

Before you can start your cleaning business in Nigeria, it is pertinent:

  1. You Register your business with Corporate Affairs Commission
  2. Get your TIN number from Tax office and file other documents for your value Added Tax and company tax
  3. Prior to opening your business, get a legal business binding agreement. The contract agreement will cover the vendors, customers and company terms.

Cleaning Service Business Plan 

The cleaning service business plan is an official document that will cover all you need to know about the business. It will cover areas like:

  1. Problems of the business
  2. Solution of the cleaning business 
  3. Market
  4. Competition in the business 
  5. Expectations and expenditures forecast.

Going further, if you need an official cleaning service business plan, you can click here.

Reasons why you need to open cleaning business 

Here are some explanations for why you should decide to launch a cleaning company in Nigeria, or anywhere else.

1. Less Capital Needed 

This is unquestionably one of the most crucial justifications for starting a cleaning company in Nigeria or anyplace else, as the startup costs are less in contrast to other business ventures. 

All you need to start modestly and mostly provide home services is a vacuum cleaner, a few brooms, and an equipment cart. All of those are inexpensive to purchase. 

2. A great option for a part-time job

Most people like to have their homes cleaned while they are present, which leads to a lot of weekend work chances for persons and companies offering janitorial services, making this perfect for those who currently hold a day job. 

3. Requires less space

Clients do not have to come to your office while working with a cleaning company. Instead, they can give you a call. 

This means that you may operate your workplace in a very little area as all you’ll need is a tiny reception area and a spot to store your cleaning supplies. 

4. Less effort required 

You become your own boss and are now in charge of your organisation and bookkeeping when you open a cleaning business anywhere in the world, including Nigeria

Other reasons include; 

There are numerous more benefits, such as

  1. The absence of rigid work schedules and
  2. The development of jobs for those who would work for you. 

7 Advertising Strategies for your Cleaning Business 

You can employ some of the following strategies to advertise your cleaning business:

  1. Local newspaper advert: The best approach to promote your business is through local newspaper advertising. 
  1. Door hangers: This is the most effective method of advertising because you can practically hang it on every gate in your neighbourhood. 
  1. Business cards: You can pass out your cards to friends and family and to local companies to attract additional customers. 
  1. Websites: Since most people spend their time online, having a quality website will help you draw in more clients. 
  1. SEO: Achieving a high ranking on Google and other search engines will greatly increase your consumer base.
  1. Referrals: The easiest strategy to bring in new consumers from current clients is through a referral programme since they will receive incentives while bringing you additional revenue. 
  1. Social media: To expand your business, you can market your services on social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and others. 

3 Challenges facing the cleaning industry 

The following are some difficulties you can encounter if you work in the cleaning industry in Nigeria or any place in the world: 

1. An Unexpected Rise In Responsibility 

Even though it may seem less serious, this is one of the most significant issues people run into while starting their firm. All of a sudden, you are in charge of hiring, managing finances, and seeking new clients.

2.  Competition

As a result of the fierce rivalry in the professional cleaning services sector, your company needs to stand out from the crowd. 

3. Non-paying Customers

There will always be customers whose balances you won’t clear. This is why it is typically advised in this market to obtain a 70% upfront payment. 

How much money do I need to start a cleaning business

Depending on the scope of your cleaning business, the startup capital requires can start from the range of #50,000 to 500,000

Is it worth it Starting a Cleaning Business

Starting a cleaning business is extremely profitable because the services are in demand. If you create a strong business plan, unique market entry and you are serious about the business it is worth it starting a cleaning business. 

How to Start a Cleaning Business With No Money

  1. You can use your credit card to start or collect a legit small business loan
  2. Borrow from family, benefactors or friends. 
  3. Look for partners or angel investors willing to invest in your cleaning business.
  4. Apply for funding via the world bank grant for small businesses or other grants for small scale business

Frequently Asked Questions on Cleaning Business  

Cleaning Business Names

When looking for a name for your cleaning business or brand, make sure the name selected reflects the niche of the business. Examples include:

  1. Victor Extreme Clean
  2. Spot Clean
  3. Cleaning with skill
  4. Cleaning designer
  5. Sweet cleaning auction, e.t.c

Conclusion

When starting a cleaning business in Nigeria or any other place in the world, it’s necessary to be aware of the above elements. They won’t assure you of success, but they’ll put you in the correct direction. 

Along with the things mentioned in this article, other crucial actions to take include preparing your paperwork and, if necessary, obtaining the relevant permits from the government.

Author

Hi, I am Chidimma, the Chief Editor of StartupSpot. I hold a bachelor's degree in Business Education (with a major in Accounting) from the Nnamdi Azikiwe University Awka, Anambra State, Nigeria and online certifications in Digital Marketing by SEMRUSH Academy. Startupspot was therefore born (in 2021) out of my passion to reach startups, small businesses and a greater audience to educate them about startups, the challenges facing startups and how to manage their finances. I also wish to educate people (especially women) to attain financial independence. I hope you find the contents useful, and should you need further help, I hope you ‌reach me.