Starting your own pressure washing business can be a very lucrative endeavor. There are a few key steps you need to take in order to get your business off the ground and running smoothly.
Here are the 10 steps you can take to get started on building your very own pressure washing business.
10 Steps to Launching a New Pressure Washing Business
1. Choose Your Type of Pressure Washing Business
The first step in launching a pressure washing business is to identify the type of pressure washing business you want to launch. You might choose from the following types among others:
- Residential
- Window cleaning
- Driveway and sidewalk cleaning
- Deck cleaning and sealing
- House siding cleaning
- Roof cleaning
- Commercial
- Office building exterior cleaning
- Parking lot striping and pressure washing
- Awning cleaning
2. Name Your Pressure Washing Business
Give your pressure washing business an identity so people will think of it as a well-known and respected brand. You can take the name of your pressure washing business from your industry, focus on a geographical location, or use your own name among other options.
The main goal for naming your pressure washing business is to make it sound appealing and trustworthy so customers will consider using your services.
3. Determine Your Pressure Washing Business Model
There are several possible types of business models for a pressure washing business including:
- Working as an employee for a pressure washing company
- Starting a pressure washing business as a sole proprietor
- Partnering with another business owner to start a pressure washing business
- Launching a franchised pressure washing business
No matter which model you choose, make sure that it aligns with your business goals and the services you offer.
4. Choose a Legal Form for Your Business
By incorporating your pressure washing business, you will limit your liability. You can incorporate as a Limited Liability Company (LLC), a C Corporation (C-Corp), or an S Corporation (S-Corp). Or you can operate as a sole proprietorship.
The business structure you choose for your pressure washing business will determine the amount of taxes you pay and which state or federal tax forms you need to file.
Read our article comparing the most common pressure washing business structures.
5. Write a Pressure Washing Business Plan
All pressure washing business owners should develop a business plan.
A business plan is a document that outlines the goals, strategies, and operations of a business. It can be used to secure funding from investors or lenders, as well as to guide the day-to-day operations of the business. The business plan should include information on the company’s products or services, market analysis, financial projections, and management team among other things.
Read our article about how to write a pressure washing business plan.
6. Apply for the Necessary Permits and Licenses
There may be required licenses and permits you need to obtain before launching your pressure washing business.
For example, if you will be washing windows, you may need a business license and a liability insurance policy. If you plan on doing any type of work on commercial buildings, you may need to obtain a contractor’s license.
You must also register your pressure washing business as a legal entity with the state where you plan to do business. You can simply file an online form through your Secretary of State website.
Registering with the federal government is also essential so you can properly pay taxes for your business. You will also need an Employer Identification Number (EIN), which you can apply for at the IRS website, if you plan to hire employees.
Read our article about obtaining the proper pressure washing business licenses.
7. Determine Your Budget & Apply for Funding as Needed
In developing your pressure washing business plan, you will figure out how much funding you need to start and grow your business.
If you have your own funds to invest in your pressure washing business, you may consider taking advantage of that. In addition to your personal funds, other forms of potential funding for your pressure washing business include traditional bank loans, SBA loans, credit cards, angel investors and family and friends.
Read our article about the costs associated with starting a pressure washing business to help you determine if funding is needed.
8. Get the Technology & Software Needed to Run Your Business Efficiently
When you start your pressure washing business, it’s essential to have the right technology in place to maximize efficiency. You definitely need a computer with Internet access, and accounting software for tracking expenses and revenues.
You may also want to invest in pressure washing specific software, which can help you manage customers and jobs, track employee hours, and dispatch crews.
Read our article about the technology and software you need to run a pressure washing business.
9. Market Your Pressure Washing Business to Potential Clients
Before you start selling your services, you have to let the world know you exist. The first step is to create a website so people can learn more about your services and how they benefit them.
After you launch your website, start promoting it through social media channels like Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter. Also consider networking with other people in the pressure washing industry through social media and blogs so they can help share your business.
You also need to start gathering the materials needed to execute on your promotions strategy, which is your strategy for attracting new customers. Pressure washing businesses should consider the following promotional strategies for which you should start getting prepared:
Developing a Referral Program: You can incentivize customers to refer your business to others by offering them discounts on future services.
Running Promotions and Specials: Customers are always looking for a deal, so consider running promotions or giving first-time customers a discount.
Creating Flyers & Door Hangers: Design attractive flyers and door hangers to hang on doors in neighborhoods where you’d like to attract new customers.
Distributing Branded Gifts: Give potential customers branded gifts, like pens, mugs and notepads, so they think of your business when they need pressure washing services.
Read our article about how to market your pressure washing business for more tips.
10. Get New Clients & Grow Your Business
When you promote your services, you’ll start to get interest from potential clients.
Make sure you’re ready to serve these clients. Also, be sure to establish systems to ensure consistency and reduce costs. And be sure to find and train the right people to help you grow your pressure washing business.
Read our article about how to effectively grow your pressure washing business to learn more.
Starting a Pressure Washing Business FAQs
Why Start a Pressure Washing Business?
Starting a pressure washing business is a great way to be your own boss and control your own destiny. It’s also a great way to make money, as the demand for pressure washing services is always high.
What are Some Tips for Starting a Pressure Washing Business?
Here are some tips for starting a pressure washing business:
- Have the right equipment
- Promote your business online and offline
- Invest in marketing
- Focus on building relationships with potential clients
- Understand the ins and outs of pressure washing
- Train employees properly
- Keep overhead costs low
- Offer discounts and promotions
- Get new clients and grow your business
- Focus on quality and customer satisfaction
Where Can I Find a Simple Checklist for Starting a Pressure Washing Business?
A simple checklist to use when starting a pressure washing business is as follows:
- Choose Your Type of Pressure Washing Business: This should be based on what you are best at and how much experience you have. Remember to keep your interests, skills, and experience in mind at all times.
- Name Your Pressure Washing Business: This should be done with care, as your brand is important for attracting the right customers. A simple, memorable name will go a long way.
- Choose a Legal Form for Your Business: Whether you choose to become a sole proprietorship, partnership, LLC, corporation or another option will depend on your business. Ensure that you are aware of all the implications of each type.
- Determine Your Pressure Washing Business Model: Determine how your business will make money. Will you sell products, services, or a combination of both?
- Write a Pressure Washing Business Plan: Your business plan will also help you determine what your start-up costs will be and will provide a roadmap with which you can launch and grow.
- Apply for the Necessary Permits and Licenses: In most locations you will be required to apply for a business license and/or permits before you can begin operations.
- Determine Your Budget & Apply for Funding as Needed: You will need to know how much money you have to spend on all of your business-related expenses before opening any doors. If needed, apply for a small business loan or other funding options.
- Get the Technology & Software Needed to Run Your Business Efficiently: You need to have the right tools in place to succeed. Implement software that will help you manage your time, contacts, and business operations in general.
- Market Your Pressure Washing Business to Potential Clients: A solid marketing plan will be crucial to your success. It should focus on attracting the right customers so that you can provide them with the services they truly need.
- Get Clients & Grow Your Business: Once you have a solid marketing plan, it's time to actively pursue and secure those who could benefit the most from your services.
Summary
Starting a pressure washing business can be a great way to get started in your entrepreneurial journey. With the above tips, you can set up a successful business with low overhead costs. Make sure you have the proper equipment and marketing strategy in place to get the word out about your new business. Focus on quality work and customer satisfaction to grow your pressure washing business.