Overview of Business

This type of business would operate offline, but would use the Web as a communication and promotional medium with its target market. Your Web site would promote your services, and you might decide to include a free-quote

Option or the ability to set up corporate accounts online. A few of the services you could include are:

• Carpet cleaning

• Furniture cleaning

• Wall washing

• Floor cleaning

• Draperies cleaning

• Water, smoke, and fire damage restoration

• Air-quality testing.

Skills Needed

Knowledge of cleaning supplies and what works best in certain situations would be a valuable asset. You may need to acquire certification to do some tasks, such as air-quality testing or specific types of cleaning.

Cost to Start This Business

The development of your Web site and promotional materials will factor into your start-up costs. Any cleaning supplies needed and certification courses you are required to take will also factor in. Expect start-up costs to be between $1,000 and $3,000.

Number of Employees Needed to start

This depends on how much business you plan to take on. You can get started with yourself, and as business picks up you can slowly expand your work force. This type of operation can be started as a part-time business.

International Potential

There is very little international potential. Most of your business will be derived for your immediate area or surrounding communities.

E-Business MODEL/Payment Processing Method

E-business level 1 is most appropriate for this type of business. For more information, see Part 1.

Important Business Issues to Be Addressed

Do your research. This is a very popular business idea, so you will want to understand who your competition is. You do not want to get involved in a business area that is overly saturated.

Online Marketing Techniques

• Participate in newsgroups and discussion forums related to commercial cleaning.

• Develop links from as many Web sites, meta-indexes, and directories related to commercial cleaning as possible. You should also have your site listed in as many online business directories as possible. You will want to focus on those that target your geographic area.

• Develop a sponsored listings campaign to bid on appropriate keyword phrases with the popular search engines.

• To increase repeat traffic, you might want to develop a newsletter offering helpful cleaning tips. This will encourage people to visit your site and find out more about your products and services.

For a more detailed description of these techniques, along with many other effective online marketing methods, I recommend the companion book 101 Ways to Promote Your Web Site. You can also find tons of free resources at Http:// www. susansweeney. com/resources. html.

Additional Income

If you are considering expanding your business into other product or service areas, you could generate additional income by selling cleaning products and supplies. If you want to expand the business itself, then you might consider setting up franchise opportunities.

Online examples

Regina’s Maids

Http:// www. reginasmaids. com

A cleaning company located in Hoboken, NJ. They offer residential and corporate cleaning services to the tri-state area.

Capital Cleaning Services, Inc.

Http:// www. capitalcleaning. com

This is a Chicago-based business cleaning service for office, retail, and manufacturing buildings.