window cleaning business plan

Window Cleaning Business Plan [How to Write + Template]

• Last Updated: October 13, 2023

As per the Bureau of Labor Statistics , the entire cleaning business is expanding at a rate that is significantly faster than the growth rate of many other industries. Window cleaning is a service that most people need today, and it’s the perfect time to start a window cleaning business.

Running a successful window cleaning business can significantly increase your income and bring you the success you deserve. But how do you get started? And what should you be doing to ensure your business is a success?

The key to growing your business has a clear business plan. This is why we have put together this quick guide to help you write a window-cleaning business plan with a special template to help you get started.

Table of Content

• How to Write a Window Cleaning Business Plan?

Window Cleaning Business Plan Template

How to write a window cleaning business plan .

There are a few things you need to do in order to write a window cleaning business plan before starting your own window cleaning business . 

1. Research

If you’re thinking about starting a window washing business, the first step is to do your market survey. This will help you determine the potential demand for quality services in your area. 

It’s also a good idea to research your competition and find out what kinds of services they offer and how much they charge. Benefits that come with doing prior research:

• You will learn about the different types of window panes, window cleaning products and equipment, and what kind of window cleaning businesses typically use them.
• This will help you determine what kind of potential clients or customers you can target and what kind of service offering you can promote.
• Additionally, you should research the window cleaning industry to see what kind of competition you’ll be up against. 
• By doing your homework, you can set your business up for success.

Once you’ve done your market research, you can start planning your business. You’ll need to determine what equipment and supplies you’ll need, how you’ll market your business, and what your start-up costs will be. 

With a little planning and research, you can start a successful window washing business.

2. Budgeting

Once you’ve decided to start a window washing business, the next step is to create a budget . This will help you determine the start-up costs and ongoing expenses for your service business.

Start-up expenses: This will include things like the cost of a ladder, overhead costs, a bucket, and a squeegee. You may also need to purchase insurance and bonding, as well as any permits or licenses required by your city or state.

Once you have a good idea of your start-up costs, you’ll need to set your prices. Be sure to research the going rates for window pane washing in your area so you can price your window cleaning services competitively.

Ongoing expenses: This will include the cost of cleaning supplies, as well as any advertising or marketing expenses you incur. You will also need to factor in the cost of Gas and/or Public Transportation if you plan on traveling to corporate clients plus any overhead costs.

Be sure to include some money for unexpected expenses in your budget, as there are always potential unforeseen costs when starting a business.

• Additionally, you’ll need to set aside money to pay yourself and your employees.
• Last but not least, don’t forget to set aside some money for yourself! This is your business, after all, and you’ll need to be able to cover your own living expenses.

Creating a financial analysis for your window washing business will help you determine whether or not starting the business is profitable or you would be losing money. It will also give you a roadmap to follow as you get your business up and running.

3. Create a business plan

A business plan is an important tool for any business, and a business window cleaning services business is no exception. Your plan will help you to define your business goals and objectives and will also provide a roadmap for how to achieve them.

There are a few key things to keep in mind when creating your business plan:

• Define your business goals and objectives. What do you want to achieve with your window cleaning services business? Write down why you want to offer window cleaning services.
• Research your industry and your competition. What are the trends in the window cleaning industry, and who are your biggest competitors?
• Create a marketing plan. How will you market your window pane cleaning business and attract clients and turn them into satisfied customers?
• Create a financial plan. How much do you need to start your business, and how will you generate revenue?
• Plan for growth. How will you scale your business as it grows?

Creating a comprehensive and well-thought-out plan is essential for any business, and a window cleaning business is no different. By taking the time to properly plan for your own business, you’ll be setting yourself up for success from the start.

4. Licencing and Insurance

There are a few different things to consider when obtaining insurance and licenses for your window cleaning business. 

• First, you will need to decide what type of business insurance is best for your business. This will likely include liability insurance, workers’ compensation insurance as well as any other type of business insurance that may be relevant to your business. 
• Next, you will need to obtain the necessary licenses from your local authorities. This will ensure that you are able to operate your own business legally and protect yourself from any potential fines or penalties. 
• You will need to ensure that your insurance and licenses are up to date and valid. This will ensure that you are always protected in the event of an accident or damage to property.
• You will need to make sure that you are using the proper equipment and following all safety regulations in order to avoid any accidents or injuries.
• Finally, you will need to ensure you are familiar with the health and safety regulations surrounding high-rise window cleaning. This will ensure you are able to work safely and protect your customers. 

By taking all of these factors into consideration, you can be sure that your high-rise window cleaning business will be up and running smoothly.

5. Invoicing

There are a few things to keep in mind when setting up accounting software and invoicing system for your commercial window cleaning business. 

• First, you’ll need to decide what software to use. FieldCamp is a great option, as it’s specifically designed for window cleaning businesses.
• Then, you’ll need to input your customers’ information and set up their invoices. Make sure to include all the relevant details, such as the services provided, the date of service, additional related services, and the amount due. 
• Finally, send your invoices out in a timely manner and follow up with customers who haven’t paid. 

Whichever system you choose, make sure that you’re keeping accurate records of your income and expenses. This will help you stay organized and keep track of your finances. 

By staying on top of your billing and invoicing, you’ll be able to run your commercial window cleaning business smoothly and efficiently.

6. Marketing

You will need to start marketing your residential window cleaning business to attract commercial clients. You can do this by creating a marketing plan and budget and then implementing various marketing strategies. Some effective marketing strategies for window cleaners include:

• One marketing strategy is to use online directories and review sites to list their business and services. This will help potential customers to find them easily and learn more about your business online and also save money on marketing spending.
• Another strategy is to offer discounts or coupons to first-time customers. This can help to attract new business and build customer loyalty. 
• Window cleaners can also use social media accounts to reach their target market and promote their business. By creating a strong online presence, they can reach a wider audience and connect with potential customers.
• You can also create printed materials like flyers and business cards to promote your business in your local community.
• Additionally, participating in local events and fairs can also be a great way to market your business to potential customers in your area.
• Finally, don’t forget the power of word-of-mouth referrals. If you provide excellent service, your customers will be happy to recommend you to their friends and family.

Whatever marketing channels you choose, ensure you are consistent in your messaging and that your marketing materials are professional and eye-catching. By following these steps, you’ll ensure that your residential window cleaning business runs smoothly and efficiently.

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Free PDF Template of Window Cleaning Business Plan

There are numerous benefits to having a window cleaning services business plan. Some of the benefits include:

• Having a clear and concise plan to follow
• Knowing what your goals are and how to achieve them
• Being able to track your progress
• Having a roadmap to success

Some of the key elements that should be included in a window cleaning business plan are:

• The business name and contact information (executive summary)
• The business owner’s name and contact information
• The business address
• The business goals
• The business strategies
• The target market
• The competitive landscape
• The financial projections

There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question, as the best way to create a successful plan will vary depending on your unique business and goals.

However, there are some key elements that all successful business plans share, such as a clear description of the business, achievable goals and objectives, and a well-thought-out marketing and financial plan.

If you’re looking to take your window cleaning solution business to the next level, FieldCamp is the perfect solution. With our powerful window cleaning software , you will be able to streamline your operations and improve your bottom line. 

From scheduling and dispatching to invoicing and payments, FieldCamp has everything you need to run your business more efficiently. Plus, our mobile app makes it easy for all your employees to stay on top of work orders while on the go. 

Ready to take your business to the next level? Contact us today to learn more about FieldCamp, or you can start your FREE trial today.

Gaurang Bhatt

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• Sample Business Plans

Window cleaning business plan

With increasing demand for cleaning services and low startup costs, starting a window cleaning business is a lucrative and rewarding business.

Anyone can start a new cleaning business, but the catch is to make it successful. You will need a detailed business plan for raising funds, applying for loans, and scaling it to be successful.

Need help writing a business plan for your window cleaning business? You’re at the right place. Our window cleaning business plan template will help you get started.

Free Business Plan Template

Download our free business plan template now and pave the way to success. Let’s turn your vision into an actionable strategy!

• Fill in the blanks – Outline
• Financial Tables

How to Write a Window Cleaning Business Plan?

Writing a window cleaning business plan is a crucial step toward the success of your business. Here are the key steps to consider when writing a business plan:

1. Executive Summary

An executive summary is the first section planned to offer an overview of the entire business plan. However, it is written after the entire business plan is ready and summarizes each section of your plan.

Here are a few key components to include in your executive summary:

Introduce your Business

Start your executive summary by briefly introducing your business to your readers.

This section may include the name of your window cleaning business, its location when it was founded, the type of window cleaning business, etc.

Market Opportunity

Summarize your market research, including market size, growth potential, and marketing trends. Highlight the opportunities in the market and how your business will fit in to fill the gap.

Products and Services

Highlight the window cleaning services you offer your clients. The USPs and differentiators you offer are always a plus.

Marketing & Sales Strategies

Outline your sales and marketing strategies—what marketing platforms you use, how you plan on acquiring customers, etc.

Financial Highlights

Briefly summarize your financial projections for the initial years of business operations. Include any capital or investment requirements, associated startup costs, projected revenues, and profit forecasts.

Call to Action

Summarize your executive summary section with a clear CTA, for example, inviting angel investors to discuss the potential business investment.

Ensure your executive summary is clear, concise, easy to understand, and jargon-free.

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2. Business Overview

The business overview section of your business plan offers detailed information about your company. The details you add will depend on how important they are to your business. Yet, business name, location, business history, and future goals are some of the foundational elements you must consider adding to this section:

Business Description

Describe what kind of window cleaning company you run and the name of it. You may specialize in one of the following window-cleaning businesses:

• Residential window cleaning business
• Commercial window cleaning business
• Interior and exterior business cleaning business
• Specialized stain removal

Describe the legal structure of your window cleaning company, whether it is a sole proprietorship, LLC, partnership, or others. Explain where your business is located and why you selected the place.

List the names of your window cleaning company’s founders or owners. Describe what shares they own and their responsibilities for efficiently managing the business.

Mission Statement

Summarize your business’ objective, core principles, and values in your mission statement. This statement needs to be memorable, clear, and brief.

Business History

If you’re an established window cleaning service provider, briefly describe your business history, like—when it was founded, how it evolved over time, etc.

Additionally, If you have received any awards or recognition for excellent work, describe them.

Future Goals

It’s crucial to convey your aspirations and vision. Mention your short-term and long-term goals; they can be specific targets for revenue, market share, or expanding your services.

This section should provide a thorough understanding of your business, its history, and its plans. Keep this section engaging, precise, and to the point.

3. Market Analysis

The market analysis section of your business plan should offer a thorough understanding of the industry with the target market, competitors, and growth opportunities. You should include the following components in this section.

Target Market

Start this section by describing your target market. Define your ideal customer and explain what types of services they prefer. Creating a buyer persona will help you easily define your target market to your readers.

Target market for ClearView Window Solutions

ClearView Window Solutions aims to target a diverse range of customers in the residential, commercial, and industrial sectors, primarily located in the bustling city of Los Angeles, California.

In the residential sector, homeowners and tenants seeking professional window cleaning services to enhance the appearance of their homes will be a key target.

ClearView will also cater to the commercial sector, including businesses, offices, and storefronts looking for regular window maintenance to create a positive and inviting atmosphere for customers.

Moreover, the industrial sector, encompassing factories and manufacturing facilities with large windows or specialized cleaning needs, represents another vital segment of ClearView’s target market.

Market size and growth potential

Describe your market size and growth potential and whether you will target a niche or a much broader market.

For instance, in 2022, 3 million people were working in the cleaning services industry in the United States, so imagine the revenue of this industry.

Competitive Analysis

Identify and analyze your direct and indirect competitors. Identify their strengths and weaknesses, and describe what differentiates your window cleaning services from them. Point out how you have a competitive edge in the market.

Market Trends

Analyze emerging trends in the industry, such as technology disruptions, changes in customer behavior or preferences, etc. Explain how your business will cope with all the trends.

For instance, commercial window cleaning has a booming market; explain how you plan on dealing with this potential growth opportunity.

Regulatory Environment

List regulations and licensing requirements that may affect your window cleaning company, such as business registration, insurance, environmental regulations, state and federal regulations, etc.

Here are a few tips for writing the market analysis section of your window cleaning business plan:

• Conduct market research, industry reports, and surveys to gather data.
• Provide specific and detailed information whenever possible.
• Illustrate your points with charts and graphs.
• Write your business plan keeping your target audience in mind.

4. Products And Services

The product and services section should describe the specific services and products that will be offered to customers. To write this section should include the following:

Describe your services

Mention the window cleaning services your business will offer. This list may include services like,

• Residential window cleaning
• Commercial window cleaning
• Skylight cleaning
• Pressure washing

Quality measures

This section should explain how you maintain quality standards and consistently provide the highest quality service.

It may include regular maintenance of equipment and cleaners and timely training for the cleaning staff.

Additional Services

Mention if your window cleaning company offers any additional services. You may include services like, solar panel cleaning, facade cleaning, mirror cleaning, interior glass cleaning, etc.

In short, this section of your window cleaning plan must be informative, precise, and client-focused. By providing a clear and compelling description of your offerings, you can help potential investors and readers understand the value of your business.

5. Sales And Marketing Strategies

Writing the sales and marketing strategies section means a list of strategies you will use to attract and retain your clients. Here are some key elements to include in your sales & marketing plan:

Unique Selling Proposition (USP)

Define your business’s USPs depending on the market you serve, the equipment you use, and the unique services you provide. Identifying USPs will help you plan your marketing strategies. For example,

Unique selling proposition for ClearView Window Solutions

ClearView Window Solutions distinguishes itself in the window cleaning industry by providing unparalleled services and ensuring customer satisfaction at every turn.

Their team of highly skilled professionals is dedicated to delivering crystal-clear results, employing cutting-edge equipment, and adhering to heightened safety standards.

The company places a strong emphasis on environmental responsibility, utilizing eco-friendly cleaning solutions and methods to minimize its ecological impact. What sets ClearView apart is its commitment to customization, offering tailored service plans for residential, commercial, and specialty window cleaning needs.

Known for prompt and professional service, ClearView Window Solutions values transparency in pricing, ensuring clients receive fair and upfront cost estimates with no hidden fees. The company actively seeks customer feedback, maintaining a customer-centric approach to continuously improve its services.

Pricing Strategy

Describe your pricing strategy—how you plan to price your window cleaning services and stay competitive in the local market. You can mention any discounts you plan on offering to attract new customers to your cleaning service.

Marketing Strategies

Discuss your marketing strategies to market your services. You may include some of these marketing strategies in your business plan—social media marketing, Google ads, brochures, email marketing, content marketing, and print marketing.

Sales Strategies

Outline the strategies you’ll implement to maximize your sales. Your sales strategies may include direct sales calls,  partnering with other cleaning or housekeeping businesses, offering referral programs, etc.

Customer Retention

Describe your customer retention strategies and how you plan to execute them. For instance, introducing loyalty programs, discounts on annual membership, personalized service, etc.

Overall, this section of your window cleaning business plan should focus on customer acquisition and retention.

Have a specific, realistic, and data-driven approach while planning sales and marketing strategies for your window cleaning business, and be prepared to adapt or make strategic changes in your strategies based on feedback and results.

6. Operations Plan

The operations plan section of your business plan should outline the processes and procedures involved in your business operations, such as staffing requirements and operational processes. Here are a few components to add to your operations plan:

Staffing & Training

Mention your window cleaning business’s staffing requirements, including the number of employees or cleaning staff needed. Include their qualifications, the training required, and the duties they will perform.

Operational Process

Outline the processes and procedures you will use to run your window cleaning business. Your operational processes may include sending quotations, scheduling appointments, site visits, training employees, and window cleaning.

Equipment & Machinery

Include the list of equipment and machinery required for window cleaning, such as ladders, scrapers, safety equipment, pressure washers, etc.

Adding these components to your operations plan will help you lay out your business operations, which will eventually help you manage your business effectively.

7. Management Team

The management team section provides an overview of your window cleaning business’s management team. This section should provide a detailed description of each manager’s experience and qualifications, as well as their responsibilities and roles.

Founders/CEO

Mention the founders and CEO of your window cleaning company, and describe their roles and responsibilities in successfully running the business. For example,

Key managers

Introduce your management and key members of your team, and explain their roles and responsibilities.

Organizational structure

Explain the organizational structure of your management team. Include the reporting line and decision-making hierarchy.

Compensation Plan

Describe your compensation plan for the management and staff. Include their salaries, incentives, and other benefits.

Advisors/Consultants

Mentioning advisors or consultants in your business plans adds credibility to your business idea.

So, if you have any advisors or consultants, include them with their names and brief information consisting of roles and years of experience.

This section should describe the key personnel for your window cleaning services, highlighting how you have the perfect team to succeed.

8. Financial Plan

Your financial plan section should provide a summary of your business’s financial projections for the first few years. Here are some key elements to include in your financial plan:

Profit & loss statement

Describe details such as projected revenue, operational costs, and service costs in your projected profit and loss statement. Make sure to include your business’s expected net profit or loss.

Cash flow statement

The cash flow for the first few years of your operation should be estimated and described in this section. This may include billing invoices, payment receipts, loan payments, and any other cash flow statements.

Balance Sheet

Create a projected balance sheet documenting your window cleaning business’s assets, liabilities, and equity.

Break-even point

Determine and mention your business’s break-even point—the point at which your business costs and revenue will be equal. This exercise will help you understand how much revenue you need to generate to sustain or be profitable.

Financing Needs

Calculate costs associated with starting a window cleaning business, and estimate your financing needs and how much capital you need to raise to operate your business. Be specific about your short-term and long-term financing requirements, such as investment capital or loans.

Be realistic with your financial projections, and make sure you offer relevant information and evidence to support your estimates.

9. Appendix

The appendix section of your plan should include any additional information supporting your business plan’s main content, such as market research, legal documentation, financial statements, and other relevant information.

• Add a table of contents for the appendix section to help readers easily find specific information or sections.
• In addition to your financial statements, provide additional financial documents like tax returns, a list of assets within the business, credit history, and more. These statements must be the latest and offer financial projections for at least the first three or five years of business operations.
• Provide data derived from market research, including stats about the industry, user demographics, and industry trends.
• Include any legal documents such as permits, licenses, and contracts.
• Include any additional documentation related to your business plan, such as product brochures, marketing materials, operational procedures, etc.

Use clear headings and labels for each section of the appendix so that readers can easily find the necessary information.

Remember, the appendix section of your window cleaning business plan should only include relevant and important information supporting your plan’s main content.

The Quickest Way to turn a Business Idea into a Business Plan

Fill-in-the-blanks and automatic financials make it easy.

This sample window cleaning business plan will provide an idea for writing a successful window cleaning plan, including all the essential components of your business.

After this, if you still need clarification about writing an investment-ready business plan to impress your audience, download our window cleaning business plan pdf .

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Frequently asked questions, how do i write a good market analysis in a window cleaning business plan.

Market analysis is one of the key components of your business plan that requires deep research and a thorough understanding of your industry.

We can categorize the process of writing a good market analysis section into the following steps:

• Stating the objective of your market analysis—e.g., investor funding.
• Industry study—market size, growth potential, market trends, etc.
• Identifying target market—based on user behavior and demographics.
• Analyzing direct and indirect competitors.
• Calculating market share—understanding TAM, SAM, and SOM.
• Knowing regulations and restrictions
• Organizing data and writing the first draft.

Writing a marketing analysis section can be overwhelming, but using ChatGPT for market research can make things easier.

How detailed should the financial projections be in my window cleaning business plan?

The level of detail of the financial projections of your window cleaning business may vary considering various business aspects like direct and indirect competition, pricing, and operational efficiency. However, your financial projections must be comprehensive enough to demonstrate a complete view of your financial performance.

Generally, the statements included in a business plan offer financial projections for at least the first three or five years of business operations.

What key components should a window cleaning business plan include?

The following are the key components your window cleaning business plan must include:

• Executive summary
• Business Overview
• Market Analysis
• Products and services
• Sales and marketing strategies
• Operations plan
• Management team
• Financial plan

Can a good window cleaning business plan help me secure funding?

Indeed. A well-crafted window cleaning business plan will help your investors better understand your business domain, market trends, strategies, business financials, and growth potential—helping them make better financial decisions.

So, if you have a profitable and investable business, a comprehensive business plan can certainly help you secure your business funding.

What's the importance of a marketing strategy in a window cleaning business plan?

Marketing strategy is a key component of your window cleaning business plan. Whether it is about achieving certain business goals or helping your investors understand your plan to maximize their return on investment—an impactful marketing strategy is the way to do it!

Here are a few pointers to help you understand the importance of having an impactful marketing strategy:

• It provides your business an edge over your competitors.
• It helps investors better understand your business and growth potential.
• It helps you develop products with the best profit potential.
• It helps you set accurate pricing for your products or services.

About the Author

Vinay Kevadiya

Vinay Kevadiya is the founder and CEO of Upmetrics, the #1 business planning software. His ultimate goal with Upmetrics is to revolutionize how entrepreneurs create, manage, and execute their business plans. He enjoys sharing his insights on business planning and other relevant topics through his articles and blog posts. Read more

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How to Start a $100K/Month Window Cleaning Business

If you’re considering getting into the field, you’ll want to hear what Martin Skarra has to say about how to start a window cleaning business.

Martin decided he wanted to buy a window cleaning business for around $400K, and a year later, he doubled the company’s revenue. In this helpful how-to, he shares his business, marketing, and communication strategies for running a successful window cleaning business.

Case Study: Seattle Window Cleaning

Learn how to start a cleaning company, learn about the window cleaning industry, step 1. write a window cleaning business plan, step 2. register the window cleaning business, step 3. get a window cleaning business license, step 4. get business insurance, step 5. open a business bank account, step 6. create a pricing guide, step 7. buy window cleaning supplies, step 8. market your window cleaning business, step 9. provide window cleaning services.

Martin Skarra graduated from business school and wanted to buy a business. He started looking for a service company that was already successful but provided opportunities to improve.

He spent 18 months looking for a small business opportunity that had opportunities to improve branding, adopt technology, and increase profitability. That’s when he found Mercer Island Window Cleaners. He bought it for $400K and started making changes.

First, Martin changed the business name from Mercer Island Window Cleaners, among other brands the company operated under, to Seattle Window Cleaning. This single change helped improve the company’s rank on search engines, jumping to the top three with more than 1,000 searches per month.

He updated the website, automated the business, improved the marketing, and hired more people. These changes helped him double the revenue in less than a year.

Watch his story below:

Does Martin’s story inspire you to be your own boss and start a window-washing company?

Starting a window washing business or any cleaning business can be a high-paying endeavor, but most business owners spend a lot of time and energy learning on the job.

What if you could skip all the guesswork and get straight to making money?

We partnered with Cristobal Mondragon to create a cleaning business course that covers everything you need to start cleaning business operations. It covers everything you need to start, build, and grow your cleaning business to seven figures and beyond. Get access to it here .

How much do window cleaners make?

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics , window cleaners typically get paid between $12 and $29 hourly, or a salary of $25,950 to $58,780 per year.

You might pay your window washing employees by the job, by the hour, or commission. In 2022, Martin told us:

The guys make $12 base pay, and then they get 15% commission above that. So if they do a $100 job, they get $15. The guys are making between $35 and $40.

If you want to know how much you can make by starting a window cleaning business, keep reading.

How much do window washing business owners make?

Most window washing business owners pay themselves a salary, which is approximately $100K per year, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics . You can pay yourself less if you make less, but the IRS likes going after business owners who don’t pay themselves a competitive wage.

While many local window cleaners don’t make that much, starting a window-washing business can be pretty profitable. Martin told us:

I have about 20% to 25% profit margins but am reinvesting for growth.

That means he could be making as much as $22,500 per month. Sound good? Learn more about starting your own window cleaning business.

How much does it cost to start a window cleaning business?

As long as you have the vehicle, starting a window cleaning company costs under $1K. All you need to start a window cleaning business is:

• Window cleaner
• Extension pole
• Business license
• Limited liability company (LLC) or other business structure

If you have to buy a vehicle, you can still do it for under $5K. Martin took a different route and found a great window cleaning business opportunity. He told us:

I paid around $400K for the business, but the beauty of the U.S., you have something called SBA loans, which are loans from a commercial bank guaranteed by the Small Business Administration. And they let you buy a business with up to 90% leverage.

His down payment was around $40K.

Now that you understand the financials, let’s look at how to start a window washing business.

How to Start a Window Cleaning Business

You will need to follow a seven-step process to start your own window cleaning business.

According to Harvard Business Review , taking the time to write a business plan increases the probability of success by 16%. A business plan is normally required to take out SBA loans, too.

To write a window cleaning business plan, you’ll want to:

• Brainstorm cleaning business ideas.
• Establish goals for your business.
• Create a budget.
• Create your pricing strategy.
• Write your marketing plan.

Check out our interview with Mike Andes, a successful business owner and franchisor, about writing a business plan.

Let’s start by discussing business ideas.

Brainstorm Cleaning Business Ideas

Window cleaning businesses typically have three types of window washing clients they accept:

• Residential clients: Residential window cleaning services focus on a target market, typically homeowners in zip codes with high median wages.
• Commercial clients: Small business owners and building owners often look to commercial window cleaning services. You may focus on buildings like offices, shopping malls, hotels, and apartment complexes.
• High-rise clients: A high-rise window cleaning company operates on skyscrapers and has more safety and insurance requirements than other types of window washers.

Since residential and commercial window cleaners have fairly similar requirements, many businesses will accept both commercial and residential clients. Check out our blog about more cleaning business ideas here .

Once you decide what your business is going to focus on, you need to establish your goals.

Establish Goals for Your Cleaning Business

Every business owner has different goals for their window washing business. The average revenue per employee across the industry is only around $67K, so you probably aren’t going to make $1M per year as a single-person business.

You should consider:

• How much do you want to earn?
• Do you want to be a home-based office or rent office space?
• How wide of a service area do you want to serve?
• When you’re ready to retire, do you want to be able to sell the business or pass it on to your kids?
• Do you want the business to be in a single location, or would you like to expand through corporate-owned stores or franchising?
• Do you want to hire employees?

You’ll want to document all this early because they will impact your pricing guide, insurance, software requirements, marketing, business licenses, and practically every decision you make when opening your own business.

Create a Budget for the Window Washing Business

You’ll need a budget to run your window cleaning business successfully. Martin told us:

I’m hoping long term, [margins] are gonna be in the 20% to 25% range. So that’s roughly a third, 35%, 40% is gonna be your technicians, and then there’s another, roughly 30% in the overhead and insurance.

The breakdown would look something like the table below for a solo entrepreneur. Just multiply the highlighted cells by the number of employees to alter projections when you hire employees.

Create Your Pricing Strategy

You’ll need to figure out how much to charge for window cleaning. You can quote bids for potential customers using the following business models:

• Per Pane: This business model uses the number of window panes to establish how much to charge. The window cleaning cost will normally be $4 to $15 per window.
• Square Footage: Some residential window cleaning companies charge based on the square footage of the windows or the home. These are good for tract homes where cleaning windows doesn’t require a lot of guesswork.
• Time and Materials: This business model is good for commercial properties and custom homes because you can estimate based on factors like ladders, screens, and other features. Companies normally charge $80 to $150 per hour.

Most small businesses call around to figure out what the local market normally charges.

Seattle Window Washing uses a tool called ResponsiBid that makes it easier to provide instant quotes, but BookingKoala ’s layout is better (in my opinion) and the cost is less. Chris discusses it in our blog about how to start a cleaning company

Write Your Marketing Plan

Now it’s time to establish how you’re going to market your business. You should establish:

• Marketing channels you want to use: Digital, print, radio, and TV are all options. Most opt for digital and limited print.
• Monthly marketing budget: How much do you want to spend on marketing, including blogs, ads, and print media?
• Physical products to market your business: You’ll want vehicle signs, business cards, and door hangers. Some people also use mailers.

Martin told us:

When we’re at a house, the neighbors get a card in the mail afterwards and it says, ‘Hey, we’re just cleaning the neighbor’s windows, we’d love to do some work for you too!

Learn more about finding cleaning customers here .

You’ll need to choose a business name and register the business. Check that the name is available as a web domain, social media handle (on all platforms), trademark, and as an actual business name.

Two common business structures are LLCs and corporations. Both have their benefits, which you can read about in our business structure guide . Make sure to talk to a business attorney before you register.

You’ll also need to get tax permits and an Employer Identification Number (EIN) from the Internal Revenue Service.

You’ll need to look up your local county clerk or business license department to verify what business licenses you’ll need. Licensing requirements vary by location, but common requirements are:

• General liability insurance
• Workers compensation insurance
• Security bonds
• A licensing fee

The window cleaning license cost will normally be between $100 and $500 , but I have seen some locations where a business license costs a percentage of the previous year’s or quarter’s revenue.

If your location requires insurance, you’ll need to get it before the license.

Check out our blog on how to get a cleaning business license . We even walk you through how to get your EIN from the IRS.

You may need to get insurance before you offer window cleaning services. Even if insurance for window cleaners is not required, you should protect your business assets. I normally suggest Simply Business because they are quick, easy, and affordable. They compare window cleaning insurance for most types of business insurance, including:

• Professional liability
• Business owner policies
• Auto insurance
• Workers’ compensation

Make sure you get insurance that will protect your personal and business assets.

You’ll want to keep your business and personal assets separate. Business expenses are tax-deductible, but personal expenses are not. A business bank account makes it easy to keep personal assets separate from your business expenses. Apply online or at your local credit union.

Small banks tend to have better approval rates than major banks when you apply for a business loan, so start building a relationship early.

Most window cleaners will also want a business credit card to pay for overhead costs like gas and cleaning solutions. If the bank approves you at the same time you open your bank account, you’ll be able to use it for start-up costs.

You’ll need to make it easy to provide price quotes to potential clients. Customer service representatives and your window cleaning team will benefit from having an easy way of providing estimates.

This is especially critical if you provide other services to existing customers. Martin told us:

Window cleaning is super seasonal. We do that in the summer and then trailing into September. Late August, it starts to quiet down quite a bit.

They also offer gutter cleaning, roof cleaning, power washing, and Christmas light installation to provide year-round services for their target audience.

You might want to consider a similar approach to build relationships with existing and potential clients. It will help cover overhead costs during slow months. Check out our cleaners pricing guide for inspiration.

As mentioned previously, you should consider Responsibid or BookingKoala, but you can also use an Excel spreadsheet and script to provide window cleaning job quotes.

Check out our 7-Figure Cleaning Business Blueprint course to get the business skills, systems, and processes you need to run a profitable cleaning company. It will make day-to-day operations way easier.

You can buy window cleaning supplies on Amazon. You’ll want to get:

• Cleaning solution

Window cleaning equipment might also include a pressure washing setup .

Check out our window cleaning business start-up kit on Kit . Combine it with the pressure washing kit for diversified revenue streams and power window washing capabilities.

Martin told us he attempted every type of marketing and found three that work well.

• Referral programs
• Send a mailer to five neighbors of each customer

He explained:

I spend about $3,000 per month [on marketing]. We just use regular Google Ads. And then we also do a five-round automated with the cards that go out and to all the neighbors. When we’re at a house, the neighbors get a card in the mail afterwards.

Check out our cleaning course to get templates for mailers, automations, and ad platforms.

You might also want to create social media accounts and join local business directories, like Angi (formerly Angie’s List), Yelp, and Thumbtack. These provide leads and add to your authority.

You’ve started a window cleaning business, but now it’s time to serve customers. If you offer other services like pressure washing, offer this to your customers to increase the revenue per trip. You already use similar cleaning solutions and towels—cleaning tools are pretty interchangeable.

Be careful when cleaning window panes. If you accidentally break a window pane, immediately pay for someone to come out and fix it. Accidents happen, but a quick, honest response can help build a good reputation even when you have accidents.

Now you know how to open a window cleaning business. We discussed how Martin runs his home window cleaning company and what to expect when you enter the industry.

Local service businesses, like window cleaners, can serve both residential and business customers to make a great living. To make a window cleaning business profitable, don’t offer $99 window cleaning unless you are in a place with a low cost of living. Window cleaning jobs require time and money, and you need to make money to stay afloat.

How much is window cleaning in your area?

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How to start a window cleaning business (the right way).

Starting a window cleaning business can be one of the most attractive ventures in the home service industry. Aside from being your own boss (which is crazy worth it alone), there isn't a lengthy training process, overhead costs are extremely low, high growth opportunity and income potential is huge - if you do it the right way.

If you're reading this, you've taken the most important step into starting a window cleaning business. Yes, we know, it can be both exciting and a little worrisome in the beginning. Venturing into something you may no very little about can be. But trust us, starting your very own window cleaning business is so worth it in the end.

This article will guide you through the steps involved in starting a business in the window cleaning industry. With a window cleaning business start up, the key steps are: What is required to perform the duties of a window cleaner, understand the costs of starting the business, gather materials and purchase insurance, and finally, marketing and window cleaning business tips to drive customers to your door.

Starting a Window Cleaning Business

‍ Before starting a window cleaning business, it’s imperative to understand what it’s all about and what makes a great window cleaning company. Not only do you need to clean windows, glass surfaces and doors at a high level of quality, but being able to provide a great customer experience is vital to the future of your window cleaning business. If you think you have what it takes to perform these tasks at a high level of quality while providing amazing customer service and experiences, then read on.

Creating a Window Cleaning Business Plan

A window cleaning business plan is a required document for all new businesses. It outlines the purpose of your business, its services and products, marketing strategies, financial forecasts and more. Whether you are seeking investment money or running this venture on your own, it will be helpful to have an up-to-date window cleaning business plan in place that can help you keep track of where you stand with your company's progress. Here are some points to help you get started:

Choose a target market

As a window washing company, you have the ability to service commercial and residential clients, including:

• Storefronts
• Car dealerships
• Restaurants
• Government buildings
• Universities
• Multi-story buildings
• Apartment buildings
• Condo complexes

- Conducting market analysis will help answer questions like "What's my target audience?"

Window Cleaning Business Budget

Fortunately, window cleaning equipment needed should not break the bank but still require some investment up front - this could include squeegees ($10 - $100), window washers soap ($6-$20) and other supplies like buckets or pads depending on how often they're used. Most window cleaning expenses to consider are:

• Liability insurance (Need this before working)
• Gasoline and maintenance (Getting to and from your clients.)
• Work Truck (if you choose to buy one)
• Microfiber cloths and towels
• Cleaning tools (ladder, buckets, squeegees, water hoses, hard hats, extension pole, scraper, buckets, surgical towels )
• Cleaning solution (both standard and eco-friendly)
• Sales and marketing
• Business licenses and permits
• Window Cleaning Software (We use Servgrow and it's our #1 choice. We've grown 500% since starting with them. Get 20% by mentioning Squeegeezy.)
• Rent and utilities (if you rent office space)

Keep your business and personal assets separate

Savvy business owners understand that distinguishing between personal and business assets is important for both personal and professional reasons. On the one hand, proper accounting will allow you to make informed decisions about purchasing equipment or filing taxes; on the other hand, corrupt behavior of any sort reflects poorly on the company.

We suggest that at least one separate bank account for both personal and business expenses will make it easier to distinguish these two types of expenditures. It also helps to prevent nefarious charges from being put directly on a credit card, which may make it seem like an illegal purchase by breaching the company's codes of ethics or by making it impossible for accounting professionals to identify what was purchased or why - often preventing them from granting approval for any reimbursement if unsure about what was purchased.

Base of Operations

If you want to start a window cleaning business from home, this can save on costs. But if your goal is for the company to scale and grow in profitable renting an office could help achieve these goals. More office space and centralized operations allow for more customer service representatives or dispatch teams and gives employees a better work environment.

Register your window cleaning business

It's time to make you business official-and legal. The steps below guild you in registering your window cleaning business.

Choosing a Business Name

Your Company's name and tagline should be catchy and memorable, which will help people to recognize and remember your brand. "TAG" is a good choice of word for a business name because it starts with an easy-to-remember letter and stands out easily.

To come up with a good company name, start by brainstorming words that represent what your company does or what you want to achieve (for example, words like “window cleaning” or “sparkling windows”). Then narrow down your selection using this list of criteria:

1) Does the company name sound like it could be confusingly similar to another company?   2) Is there any other existing registered trademark that conflicts with the proposed Name?

In addition, with the internet rapidly becoming a part of everyday life, it's almost inevitable that you'll need an online presence. Be sure to check if your domain name is available as a company name. Last thing you want is for it to be taken by a competitor that your customers find when searching for your business name. Sites such as Name.com or Godaddy can verify whether or not your company name is available as a domain name.

Choose a business entity

Choosing a business entity is one of the first key steps in launching a new and prospering window cleaning business. A lot of time and effort goes into researching what business entities are good for you, so we've compiled some of the most popular types here.

Sole Proprietor: Independent contractors who set out on their own without any legal protection or liability entitling them to pursue debts or lawsuits as faceless creditors. Once temporary privileges (EIN) expired, this entity loses all protection.

Limited liability company (LLC): LLCs let you enjoy some personal liability protections, unlike sole proprietorships. You may establish an LLC as an individual or in conjunction with other people. You can be taxed as a C Corporation or a pass-through entity when completing your taxes.

Partnership: This type is an agreement between two parties where there is no clear specified ownership, hence it does not grant its participants with independent rights like sole proprietorships do; which means that both partners share and contribute

Corporation: If you're expecting to grow aggressively, corporations tend to be a popular choice. This independent entity offers tax perks and liability protections but comes with the task of a lot more paperwork. Some of that work includes forming a board of directors and writing bylaws.

Get an Employer Identification Number (EIN)

The employer identification number (EIN) is a nine digit number that the IRS issues for employers in the United States. You can use your EIN when you register for a window cleaning business license or when you fill out a 1099 tax form. Keep in mind that forming a corporation with partners will require an additional tax id called a "partnership," which has an identifier of either five digits or eight digits, so be careful if registering with partners--you may have to issue multiple numbers at different times.

You can start this process by going to the IRS website and following these 3 steps: Step 1-Create your free account Step 2-Complete your profile Step 3-Request employer identification number (EIN)

After these steps, you only need to wait for confirmation whether it has been successfully registered or not. If there is something wrong with the information provided, then the request will be rejected and you will get a reply back with an indication for what needs to be rectified.

Price your window cleaning services

When deciding how to price your services and what to charge for window cleaning , do some research and study the competition. You want to entice new consumers without sacrificing your service's profitability. The usual approach to charge in the window cleaning business is either per hour, per window pane, or per project.

Charge Per Hour

This technique for charging is simple. Let's assume you charge $35 per hour and it takes you three hours to clean a two-story home. You made $105 from that single job and spent three hours of your time completing it.

Charge Per Window

Charging by the window is usually a more efficient way to charge, as it encourages efficiency. You may earn more money by completing multiple jobs on a per-pane business model if you have competent employees that can clean windows quickly without sacrificing quality.

The window cleaning standard rate is $2 to $7 per pane. This industry rate is generally used by commercial window cleaning businesses when billing for business customers—particularly those on multi-story structures. As an example, let’s say you charge $5 per window and a building has 70 window. You can net $350 from that single job.

Charge Per Project

Charging per project might make more sense depending on the intensity of the job and everything it entails. Take a high rise with luxury apartments for example, you have added exposer, a higher level of training, knowledge to clean aluminum window frames , and will need added preparation time to complete this job. Your rate should reflect this in a per project basis.

‍ Costs of Starting a Window Cleaning Business

‍ Usually, a window cleaning business doesn’t need high start-up costs. However, it’s important to understand that it’s more than buying a few buckets and sponges, even if you are aiming at setting up a small business. Besides the cost of buying the required equipment, start-up costs also include training and insurance costs. You’ll also need to hire some equipment such as ladders, in the beginning, to keep your business running. Therefore, you need to your calculations well to determine the amount you need to start the business. Gather Your Window Cleaning Equipment

‍ The traditional window cleaning kit contains items such as sponges, squeegees, blades and a scraper. However, if you have the capital, you should invest in modern equipment such as filtration kit and water fed pole. Other items you’ll need include ladders to reach high-rise buildings, tough stain removers for removing stubborn stains, and microfiber towels. These items are easily available in your local supermarkets or home improvement stores.

4. Invest in Proper Insurance Window cleaning is a risky job. It involves climbing up tall buildings with a ladder. You are also washing glasses which are fragile meaning they can easily break during the cleaning and lead to injuries. So, you’ll need to buy proper insurance to cover you in case these accidents occur. Because window cleaning windows involve scaffolding and climbing ladders, you may have to increase your premium. An insurance agent or broker can help you lower your premiums. 5. Market Your Business The last step is to market your business to potential clients. There are many ways of marketing such as through your social media and print media. For a start, social media such as Twitter and Facebook are the best as they are free and easy to reach many people. You can also use flyers, Yellow Pages, and Daily Mail to spread your word to your potential customers. Don’t Know How to Start A Window Cleaning Business? Don’t know how to start a window cleaning business? Putting the heights aside, the average window cleaner pay is surprisingly high when including the bonuses, commissions and fees. By simply providing the best service, and listening to your clients, you can make your window cleaning business successful and profitable. Starting a window cleaning start up may seem overwhelming but trust us, it's so worth it in the end.

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If you’re an ambitious entrepreneur looking to start a business of your own, consider a window cleaning business. There is a demand for window cleaners among commercial and residential markets. In fact, some estimates show the window cleaning business is worth over $40 billion per year in the U.S. alone.

On top of that, a window cleaning business offers several advantages. First, you get to be your own boss. You have access to repeat clients—windows need regular cleaning, after all. Plus, there is a low capital requirement to get started, overhead costs are nominal, and scaling is possible.

If you want to learn how to start your own window cleaning business, keep reading for our step-by-step guide.

How to start a window cleaning business in 7 steps

What do you need to start a window cleaning business? Below, we’ll break down everything you need to know.

Step 1: Write your business plan

Learning how to start a window-washing business, like any business, starts with writing a business plan . Your business plan will ensure that you’re accomplishing the right things in the right order when starting your business. Here are some points to get you started:

Choose a target market

For window cleaning businesses, you can serve commercial and residential clients, including:

Storefronts

Government buildings

College universities

Car dealerships

Restaurants

Multi-story buildings

Apartment buildings

Condo complexes

Whether you want to learn how to start a commercial window cleaning business or how to start a residential window cleaning business is up to you. While you don’t necessarily need to limit yourself to one or the other, you do need to make sure there is a need for your business—that the market isn’t already saturated—and that you know who your target audience is.

Conducting a market analysis —a crucial part of your business plan—will help you answer the above questions and set your window cleaning business up for success.

Consider joining a franchise

There are several advantages to joining a franchise, like access to business resources and a trusted brand. The top window cleaning franchises include:

Window Genie

Home Cleaning Centers of America

Squeegee Squad

Franchises, however, often carry a greater financial entry barrier than starting your own business. Window Genie, for example, charges an initial franchise fee starting at $33,000. You will also need a minimum net worth of $150,000 and at least $75,000 in liquid capital.

Of course, there are several advantages of franchising that help offset this cost, like joining a successful, established business; receiving ongoing training and support; and having a built-in customer base.

Create a business budget

Fortunately, the tools and supplies you need to start a window-washing business won’t break the bank, but you’ll still need to spend some money upfront. Here is a list of expenses and startup costs you’ll want to include when creating a business budget:

Gasoline and maintenance

Commercial vehicle (if you choose to buy one)

Cleaning business insurance

Microfiber cloths and towels

Cleaning tools (ladder, buckets, squeegees, water hoses, hard hats, extension pole, scraper, buckets)

Cleaning solution (both standard and eco-friendly)

Sales and marketing

Business licenses and permits

Invoicing software

Rent and utilities (if you rent office space)

Set up your base of operations

It’s common to start a window cleaning business from home. This can save on costs from renting office space—an attractive benefit for bootstrapping entrepreneurs on a budget.

If you decide to scale your business, you may want to rent a space to accommodate more employees. For example, you may hire customer service representatives and a dispatch team and have them operate from a centralized location.

While you may start small as a one or two-person team, this may be a possibility you’ll eventually factor into your business budget.

Separate your business and personal assets

There are several financial musts that any savvy business owner should follow. One of those is separating your personal and business assets. Here’s why you shouldn’t mix the two:

Tax Purposes: Tax season can be a headache, especially when your business and personal expenses are mixed. It’s easier to tally your tax write-offs when you draw a line between your personal and business assets

Personal Liability : This is critical if you register your business as an LLC or corporation. If you want to enjoy your personal liability protections, keep your personal and business assets separate. This protects your personal assets should you find yourself in a financial or legal dispute.

One way you can distinguish your personal and business assets is by opening a business checking account . Another way is to open a business credit card . Referencing your business expenditures is simple when you have a devoted credit card.

How much do you need?

with Fundera by NerdWallet

We’ll start with a brief questionnaire to better understand the unique needs of your business.

Once we uncover your personalized matches, our team will consult you on the process moving forward.

Step 2: Register your business

With all of this prep work done, you’re ready to make your business official—and legal. Follow these steps when registering your window cleaning business.

Choose a business name

The Small Business Administration has recorded 30.7 million small businesses within the U.S. That’s why a unique business name is critical when distinguishing your brand. When you’ve settled on a name that best represents your business, confirm its availability with your local Secretary of State's office and the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office .

Also, an online presence is almost a requirement in today’s digital age. Be sure to check if your domain name is available, as well. It will be important when you’re marketing yourself and ranking in local search results. Sites like Name.com or GoDaddy can verify the domain name’s availability.

Choose a business entity

Next, you need to choose your business entity. This is crucial, as it will affect how you file your taxes, your level of liability protections, how you structure your business, and more. It may be helpful to consult with a business attorney but here are the three most common business structures to get you started:

Sole proprietorship: Sole proprietorships are the simplest business structure to set up and operate. This simplicity, however, comes at a cost. You do not have any personal liability protections, should your business ever stumble into a legal or financial dispute. Your business taxes will also be filed on your personal return.

Limited liability company (LLC): You can form an LLC as an individual or with multiple partners. Unlike sole proprietorships, LLCs let you enjoy some personal liability protections. When filing your taxes, you can be taxed as a corporation or pass-through entity.

Corporation: Corporations tend to be popular among businesses that expect to grow aggressively. This independent entity offers liability protections and tax perks but at the cost of more paperwork, like writing bylaws and forming a board of directors.

Register for employer identification number (EIN)

As your business grows, you might hire more employees to handle the influx of client jobs. Before you do this, you must register for an employer identification number (EIN), which is used for tax filing. Securing one is a simple process and you can register online with the IRS.

Even if you don’t plan on hiring employees, though, you should still consider getting an EIN, as this will be used when you apply for a business credit card, business financing, and more.

Step 3: Price your services

Research the market and your competition when deciding how to price your services. You want to attract new clients without losing money on your services. Within the window cleaning industry, the standard way to charge is either per hour, per window pane, or per project.

Charge per hour

This method for charging is straightforward. You charge for the amount of time it takes to complete the job. Let’s say you charge $40 per hour and it takes you three hours to clean a two-story residential building. You’ve made $120 from that single project.

Charge per window pane

Another way to charge is by the number of window panes you clean. The standard rate is $2 to $7 per pane. Many window cleaners use this rate when charging for commercial clients—especially for jobs on multi-story buildings. For example, let’s say you charge $6 per pane and a building has 50 window panes. You can net $300 from that job.

Charging per window pane can sometimes be a more efficient way to charge, as it incentivizes speed. If you have skillful employees who can quickly clean windows without sacrificing quality, you can make more money by completing more jobs on a per-pane business model.

Charge per project

Depending on the job, it may make more sense to charge per project. If you’re working on a skyscraper, for example, you’ll want to charge more because you’re exposing yourself to the dangers of operating a scaffold. This would require more preparation and training than cleaning a ground-level home with a couple of windows.

Step 4: Obtain business permits, licenses, and insurance

Secure business permits and licenses

When operating a service-based business, there are certain state licenses and permits that you need to obtain. Window cleaning businesses may need to register for a state business permit, a window cleaning license, and more.

The exact documentation you’ll need will depend on the state and county in which you operate. There is no “blanket” license or permit for operating a window cleaning business. Be sure to check out your state’s business resources and consider working with a business attorney to make sure you’re covered.

Buy business insurance

As a window cleaning business owner, business insurance is worth investing in. Workers compensation and unemployment insurance will be required if you hire employees.

General liability insurance is also helpful because you’ll be working on private and commercial property. If anything breaks or is damaged while you’re on the job, you can rest easy knowing some of the costs are covered.

Step 5: Secure startup funding

Window cleaning has comparably low startup and overhead costs but you may need to secure funding if you’re renting an office, hiring employees, or joining a franchise. Here are some ways to secure the financing you need:

Apply for a business loan

When applying for a business loan , your first step is often with your bank. If this isn’t your first business and you have a successful financial history, you may find it easier to secure a traditional bank loan. If you have little to no experience, however, lenders can be quick to reject your loan application. If this is your situation, you can seek out alternative financing options, such as online lenders and SBA microloans that target newer entrepreneurs.

Self-finance your business

If you already have the financial means to start your window cleaning business, you can self-finance. Also called bootstrapping , this financing method should only be considered by those with financial discipline. After all, you are risking your personal cash reserves.

Still, with a window cleaning business, you can start with just a few thousand dollars. For that amount, you can enjoy full ownership of your business without worrying about repaying a loan plus interest rates.

Step 6: Market your window-washing business

Without a reliable way of securing incoming revenue, you’ll struggle with keeping your doors open for business. Here are a few ways you can find clients:

Cold calling

Even though many marketing tactics have moved online, cold calling still has its merits. You can immediately interact with your potential clients without waiting for an email response. You can also build rapport on a personal level—something hard to convey in an email.

When cold calling, don’t forget to follow up. Studies show that it takes five follow-up calls after the first meeting to close the sale. While you’re going down your list of prospects, remember to return to companies you’ve called earlier.

Rank for SEO

Using SEO to rank for local search results is one reason why you need a domain name and a dedicated business website. For service-based small businesses, ranking for local search terms like “window cleaning Ohio” is great for helping you find clients.

Getting your business on page one of Google’s search results may take time but it’s worth it. In addition to Google, remember to complete your business profile on Yelp. Your Yelp rating can be the deciding factor when a client is choosing between you and a competitor. And after you complete a job, encourage your satisfied customers to leave you a positive review. This will help your business gain credibility—and new clients.

Step 7: Prepare yourself for the day-to-day operations

If you’re starting your business with only yourself, expect to wear different hats. Here are some of the different responsibilities you can expect to fulfill during a typical work week:

Executing client jobs

Marketing your business

Maintaining inventory

Invoicing clients

Offering quotes

Scheduling appointments

As your business expands and brings in more revenue, you can hire employees to offset these responsibilities, but when you first start your window cleaning business, make sure you’re prepared to handle all these ongoing tasks.

LLC Formation

Final thoughts

Learning how to start a window cleaning business can feel overwhelming. Take it one step at a time and don’t be afraid to dedicate additional time to writing your business plan. It will help you feel confident and prepared about the milestones you need to hit. With a thorough business plan, all that’s left is to follow through and execute. Soon, you’ll be marketing yourself, closing clients, and increasing your bottom line.

This article originally appeared on JustBusiness, a subsidiary of NerdWallet.

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A good business plan is a crucial element in running any successful business. This provides an outline of goals for the business, as well as a plan for achieving each of those goals over time. A business plan may indicate dreams of expanding in the future, or it may simply show how the business will turn a profit year after year.

The tips below will guide you in creating a window cleaning business plan so you can start off on the right track.

The Basics Of A Business Plan

Formal business plans can range greatly in size, complexity, and timeframe. You may not need to write out a formal business plan for your window cleaning business , but it is a good idea to understand the basic components of one. These include:

• Executive Summary: Outline the purpose of the business – in this case window cleaning – and important highlights from the rest of the plan.
• Products And Services: Provide a detailed overview of the window cleaning services you plan to offer.
• Target Market: Identify your audience. If you plan to specialize in residential or commercial window washing , you will want to state that in this section.
• Marketing Plan: Explain how you plan to promote your services in your community, such as business cards , internet marketing , or business relationships .
• Financial Goals: Explain where you see your profits being at various milestones in the future.
• Expansion Goals: If you plan to expand the business in the future, explain how that process would come about.

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Using a window cleaning business plan effectively.

Having a business plan won’t do you any good if you don’t put it into action. This should be a timeline of goals that you strive to achieve in your business. If you exceed your goals, that is even better. Set short-term and long-term goals that you want to meet, with the shorter ones working toward the longer ones. As you tick off each goal in your checklist, you will find your business growing like you never thought possible.

Modifying Your Business Plan Over Time

Most businesses experience some sort of setback in their first few years of operation. If you are unable to achieve your original goals, modify your business plan to come up with new, more reachable expectations. If you decide to work in a different market (like switching from residential to commercial window cleaning), you may need to restructure your plan to reflect the new vision. Continually expand on and improve your business plan to keep your business growing strong. Window Academy is here to put you on the path to success.

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How To Write a Window Cleaning Business Plan + Template

Creating a business plan is essential for any business, but it can be especially helpful for window cleaning businesses that want to improve their strategy and/or raise funding.

A well-crafted business plan not only outlines the vision for your company, but also documents a step-by-step roadmap of how you are going to accomplish it. In order to create an effective business plan, you must first understand the components that are essential to its success.

This article provides an overview of the key elements that every window cleaning business owner should include in their business plan.

Download the Ultimate Cleaning Business Plan Template

What is a Window Cleaning Business Plan?

A window cleaning business plan is a formal written document that describes your company’s business strategy and its feasibility. It documents the reasons you will be successful, your areas of competitive advantage, and it includes information about your team members. Your business plan is a key document that will convince investors and lenders (if needed) that you are positioned to become a successful venture.

Why Write a Window Cleaning Business Plan?

A window cleaning business plan is required for banks and investors. The document is a clear and concise guide of your business idea and the steps you will take to make it profitable.

Entrepreneurs can also use this as a roadmap when starting their new company or venture, especially if they are inexperienced in starting a business.

Writing an Effective Window Cleaning Business Plan

The following are the key components of a successful window cleaning business plan:

Executive Summary

The executive summary of a window cleaning business plan is a one to two page overview of your entire business plan. It should summarize the main points, which will be presented in full in the rest of your business plan.

• Start with a one-line description of your window cleaning company
• Provide a short summary of the key points in each section of your business plan, which includes information about your company’s management team, industry analysis, competitive analysis, and financial forecast among others.

Company Description

This section should include a brief history of your company. Include a short description of how your company started, and provide a timeline of milestones your company has achieved.

If you are just starting your window cleaning business, you may not have a long company history. Instead, you can include information about your professional experience in this industry and how and why you conceived your new venture. If you have worked for a similar company before or have been involved in an entrepreneurial venture before starting your window cleaning firm, mention this.

Industry Analysis

The industry or market analysis is an important component of a window cleaning business plan. Conduct thorough market research to determine industry trends and document the size of your market. 

Questions to answer include:

• What part of the window cleaning industry are you targeting?
• How big is the market?
• What trends are happening in the industry right now (and if applicable, how do these trends support the success of your company)?

You should also include sources for the information you provide, such as published research reports and expert opinions.

Customer Analysis

This section should include a list of your target audience(s) with demographic and psychographic profiles (e.g., age, gender, income level, profession, job titles, interests). You will need to provide a profile of each customer segment separately, including their needs and wants.

For example, the customers of a window cleaning business may include:

• ​​ Homeowners
• Commercial businesses (e.g., office buildings, retail stores, restaurants)
• Industrial facilities (e.g., warehouses, factories)

You can include information about how your customers make the decision to buy from you as well as what keeps them buying from you.

Develop a strategy for targeting those customers who are most likely to buy from you, as well as those that might be influenced to buy your products or window cleaning services with the right marketing.

Competitive Analysis

The competitive analysis helps you determine how your product or service will be different from competitors, and what your unique selling proposition (USP) might be that will set you apart in this industry.

For each competitor, list their strengths and weaknesses. Next, determine your areas of competitive differentiation and/or advantage; that is, in what ways are you different from and ideally better than your competitors.

Marketing Plan

This part of the business plan is where you determine and document your marketing plan. . Your plan should be clearly laid out, including the following 4 Ps.

• Service : Detail your service offerings here. Document their features and benefits.
• Price : Document your pricing strategy here. In addition to stating the prices for your services, mention how your pricing compares to your competition.
• Place : Where will your customers find you? What channels of distribution (e.g., partnerships) will you use to reach them if applicable?
• Promotion : How will you reach your target customers? For example, you may use social media, write blog posts, create an email marketing campaign, use pay-per-click advertising, launch a direct mail campaign. Or, you may promote your window cleaning business via word-of-mouth marketing.

Operations Plan

This part of your window cleaning business plan should include the following information:

• How will you deliver your service to customers? For example, will you do it in person?
• What infrastructure, equipment, and resources are needed to operate successfully? How can you meet those requirements within budget constraints?

The operations plan is where you also need to include your company’s business policies. You will want to establish policies related to everything from customer service to pricing, to the overall brand image you are trying to present.

Finally, and most importantly, in your Operations Plan, you will lay out the milestones your company hopes to achieve within the next five years. Create a chart that shows the key milestone(s) you hope to achieve each quarter for the next four quarters, and then each year for the following four years. Examples of milestones for a window cleaning business include reaching $X in sales. Other examples include adding a certain number of new customers or expanding to a new location.

Management Team

List your team members here including their names and titles, as well as their expertise and experience relevant to your specific window cleaning industry. Include brief biography sketches for each team member.

Particularly if you are seeking funding, the goal of this section is to convince investors and lenders that your team has the expertise and experience to execute on your plan. If you are missing key team members, document the roles and responsibilities you plan to hire for in the future.

Financial Plan

Here you will include a summary of your complete and detailed financial plan (your full financial projections go in the Appendix). 

This includes the following three financial statements:

Income Statement

Your income statement should include:

• Revenue : how much revenue you generate.
• Cost of Goods Sold : These are your direct costs associated with generating revenue. This includes labor costs, as well as the cost of any equipment and supplies used to deliver the product/service offering.
• Net Income (or loss) : Once expenses and revenue are totaled and deducted from each other, this is the net income or loss.

Sample Income Statement for a Startup Window Cleaning Business

Balance Sheet

Include a balance sheet that shows your assets, liabilities, and equity. Your balance sheet should include:

• Assets : All of the things you own (including cash).
• Liabilities : This is what you owe against your company’s assets, such as accounts payable or loans.
• Equity : The worth of your business after all liabilities and assets are totaled and deducted from each other.

Sample Balance Sheet for a Startup Window Cleaning Business

Cash Flow Statement

Include a cash flow statement showing how much cash comes in, how much cash goes out and a net cash flow for each year. The cash flow statement should include:

• Cash Flow From Operations
• Cash Flow From Investments
• Cash Flow From Financing

Below is a sample of a projected cash flow statement for a startup window cleaning business.

Sample Cash Flow Statement for a Startup Window Cleaning Business

You will also want to include an appendix section which will include:

• Your complete financial projections
• A complete list of your company’s business policies and procedures related to the rest of the business plan (marketing, operations, etc.)
• Any other documentation which supports what you included in the body of your business plan.

Writing a good business plan gives you the advantage of being fully prepared to launch and/or grow your window cleaning company. It not only outlines your business vision but also provides a step-by-step process of how you are going to accomplish it.

A well-written business plan is an essential tool for any startup window cleaning company. If you are searching for funding or investors, a business plan is an absolute must. Even if you do not need financing, a business plan can still be a helpful tool to keep you on track as you grow your company.  

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