We dive into the best lead-generation strategies for HVAC specialists. 

What is HVAC lead generation?

The HVAC industry is booming, and highly competitive. So, every small business owner wants to know how they can get more leads for their business. That’s where HVAC lead generation comes in. HVAC lead generation is the different methods HVAC specialists use to bring in new clients to their business consistently. 

How do I get more customers for my HVAC business?

There are countless ways to find new clients for your HVAC business, from word-of-mouth referrals to social media promotion. There are even online businesses dedicated to generating leads for small business owners. 

With so many options, how do you know which ones are worth your time and money?  After all, you don’t want just any old lead, do you? You need high-quality, relevant leads with lots of potential to convert into paying customers. 

Here are the best HVAC lead generation strategies for your small business

#1 Optimize your Google Business profile for leads and reviews

Thousands of potential clients scour the web every day for a trustworthy home service provider. How do you make sure your business pops up in their search results? Create and optimize a Google Business profile. 

A Google business profile is essential for small local businesses. With a well-optimized profile, and some stellar reviews, Google will display your business when clients search “air conditioning repair in Philadelphia” or “HVAC specialist near me.”

To get the most out of your Google business profile, you’ll need to cultivate reviews. High-quality reviews are the best way to increase the conversion rate from your Google business page. Reviews build trust with potential clients, and Google ranks profiles with more reviews higher in search. 

You can connect PocketSuite directly to your Google Business Account. Clients will automatically receive review requests based on your set frequency. And you can respond to reviews directly from the PocketSuite app. 

#2 Improve your website’s SEO

Search engine optimization (SEO) is one of the most popular ways to attract qualified leads to your business. And the best part is that it’s free (mostly!).  SEO makes it easier for potential clients to find your business’ website when they search Google for home services.

The only problem is that most of your competitors are competing for the same rankings. And some have more time and money to ensure their website nabs those top positions.

You can improve your website SEO by:

•  Creating content specific to your target audience. Use SEO tools to find keywords your potential clients search, like “affordable air condition repair.” Then, include these keywords throughout your website. 
• Create dedicated pages for each of your service offerings, with detailed descriptions and pricing information. Your clients search for specific services like “central air installation,” so meet them where they are!

Here’s a tip: Become a trusted resource for potential clients. If leads are looking for an HVAC specialist, chances are they have tons of questions only a home service provider can answer. You can use your website blog to provide informative solutions to their problems and show off your expertise. 

The more clients land on your website, the more opportunities you have to capture leads. Getting potential clients to your site is just one piece of the puzzle. It’s also important to create a good user experience for your clients with descriptive language, pricing, photos, and easy navigation (or they’ll click right off!) 

Once they arrive, you need to capture their information with lead forms or chatbots so you can reach out to them again. You can also add digital downloads to your site to collect their email addresses. 

#3 Invest in pay-per-click advertising

Pay-per-click advertisements appear above organic search results on Google. They have an indicator that reads “sponsored” below the ad.  It’s one of the most cost-effective lead generation strategies with a clear ROI.

Google Ads allow you to compete for the most prolific keywords in your Industry. Like SEO, you’ll research keywords that appeal to your potential clients, but where SEO content takes time to grow, your pay-per-click advertisements pop up immediately. 

You bid on the keyword against your competitors, so it’s important to decide beforehand how much you’re willing to spend on each keyword and stick to your budget. The good news is that you only pay for the advertisement when someone clicks through to your website or landing page. So, you know you’re getting the most bang for your buck.

Lead the way!

If you want new leads for your HVAC business, a well-optimized Google Business profile is the way to go. You should also take steps to improve your website’s performance in search engines and consider paid advertisements to acquire new leads. Either way, PocketSuite can help.

PocketSuite is the all-in-one app to run your home services business. You can schedule appointments, send estimates, and get leads and reviews straight from your phone!

In this article, we tell you everything you need to know about Jobber, why it may not be the best fit for your mobile detailing business, and compare the app to PocketSuite. 

What is Jobber?

Jobber is field service management software. Many home services businesses, like mobile detailers, pressure washers, and landscapers, use Jobber to schedule appointments, manage team members, and accept payments. 

Is Jobber a good booking app for mobile detailers? 

While Jobber is a popular app, it may not be worth the cost to your mobile detailing business. Not to mention, many features that draw business to Jobber are actually integrations with other apps, i.e., more money out of your pocket. 

Here’s why small business owners might find themselves in need of Jobber alternatives. 

#1 Too Expensive 

Field management software is an investment, but is Jobber worth the cost? Jobber is notably one of the more expensive booking apps for mobile detailers. Jobber’s least expensive plan is a whopping $69 per month, and that’s only for a single user! 

Also, many essential features aren’t available on their Core plan, including online booking, automated appointment reminders, job forms, and two-way texting with clients. Online booking is essential for a mobile detailer. Otherwise, you spend hours on your computer doing a task that could easily be automated. It seems unthinkable to pay nearly $70 per month with no way to have clients book you online. 

Jobber’s other plans range from $169 to $350 per month! Not to mention, you only get a 14-day free trial to decide if the app is right for your business. 

PocketSuite’s plans start at $24.99 per month. Plus, you get a 30-day free trial with full access to our dynamic features. It’s a no-brainer! 

#2 No built-in Leads and Review Feature

As a mobile detailer, you know how tough it is to attract and retain new clients. That’s why it’s essential to have tools that generate high-quality leads and solicit reviews from past clients. Unfortunately, Jobber does not offer a built-in lead generation and review feature. 

If users want to find leads and request reviews from clients, Jobber recommends integrating with another app, like Broadly or Thumbtack. This is an extra step for you and more money out of your wallet. 

PocketSuite wants to make it easy for you to find new customers and land those 5-star reviews. Our Google Leads and Review feature connects easily to your Google Business profile. In a few simple steps, you can add a book now button to your profiles so clients can book you through Google search or maps. Plus, we send automatic review requests to your clients for no extra charge! You can even respond to reviews in the PocketSuite app. 

#3 No built-in contracts

Contracts are essential for a mobile detailing business. You need to protect your business from legal action, and your clients want assurance that their high-value cars are in the right hands. Unfortunately, Jobber doesn’t have a built-in feature to create and sign contracts. 

Instead, Jobber users must integrate their accounts with Docu-sign to make contracts for their clients. This means users must pay an additional monthly cost for Docu-sign on top of Jobber’s hefty price tag. No thanks!

PocketSuite allows you to create and sign contracts in the app at no extra cost. You can send them to your clients via text, email, or in-app messaging. Plus, we have pre-made contract templates for mobile detailers. So you can get set up in minutes. 

#4 No Partial Refunds

To small business owners, payments are everything. Unfortunately, Jobber’s payment functionality is limited, especially when it comes to issuing refunds to clients. 

Jobber doesn’t allow partial refunds on payments made through the Jobber app. Instead, you’ll have to use a time-consuming workaround, where you issue the full refund and then charge your clients again for the difference. This is frustrating when customers pay a deposit or pay in advance and don’t use the full value of their deposit.  Not to mention, clients will find it annoying to be charged twice just to receive a refund. 

On PocketSuite, you can do full, partial, and custom refunds. PocketSuite is the best way to accept payments for your mobile detailing business. You can accept multiple payment methods straight from your phone, whether you use tap to pay, a card reader, or mark paid to accept cash. 

#5 Limits on in-app messaging 

Quick and effective client communication is key for mobile detailers. Jobber does offer in-app “two-way texting” between you and your clients. However, you can’t share images with your clients through this feature. This can frustrate a mobile detailer when you need to share photo updates with clients. Plus, two-way texting isn’t even available on Jobber’s least expensive plan. 

Not to mention, you can’t use this “two-way texting” feature to message or start a group chat with your team. You’ll have to use email notifications or another app to remind your team members about appointments or schedule changes. 

With PocketSuite’s in-app messaging, you can message clients directly, send images and other attachments, and start a group chat with your team to keep everyone in the loop! In-app messaging is available for all PocketSuite users. 

Are you ready to break up with Jobber? 

Jobber is a popular app to run a home service business. But Jobber’s hefty price tag, plus the cost of other apps you’ll need, may not be worth it. 

PocketSuite is the best Jobber alternative for mobile detailers. We have everything you need to schedule appointments, communicate with clients, and manage payments straight from your phone. We’re the all-in-one app to grow a mobile detailing business.

As a home services professional, you’re on the go a lot. And you need a booking app that can keep up. Many home service providers choose Housecall Pro to run their businesses. But does the platform fulfill its promise to users?

In this article, we tell you everything you need to know about Housecall Pro and compare the platform to PocketSuite.

Is Housecall Pro a good app for your business?

Housecall Pro is a leading field service management app for home service businesses. HVAC technicians, cleaners, lawn care specialists, and more use the platform to schedule jobs, dispatch their teams, and process payments.  

But does Housecall Pro have all the essential features you need to run your business? With a 3.2 star rating on Google Play App Store, the platform definitely has room for improvement.

Here are some problems you might encounter while using Housecall Pro and how PocketSuite solves them.

#1 Limited Mobile App

Seamless appointment booking and management are the bread and butter of running a successful service business. And home service professionals need to do this while they’re in the field. 

However, reviews suggest that the Housecall Pro mobile app lacks some of the functionality found in their desktop platform. Without a reliable, mobile-first scheduling tool, you’re left with unhappy clients and lost income. 

PocketSuite was made for entrepreneurs who need to run their businesses straight from their phones. We make it easy for you to get booked solid and grow your business while you’re on the move. 

#2 Limited Forms

Just like clients, every property is different. That’s why forms are a must for home service businesses. But, Housecall Pro users may be out of luck in this department. 

Housecall Pro only allows you to create customer intake forms with its add-on Pipeline feature. If you’re willing, Pipeline can be purchased on top of the standard plan (though the extra cost is unclear). If not, you may have to turn to other platforms like Paperform or Gravity Forms with Housecall Pro integrations.

Or, you can avoid that entirely by booking with PocketSuite. We know forms are essential. So, all PocketSuite pros can create unlimited forms to send to clients. 

#3 No Inventory Management

A home service business comes with a lot of baggage, i.e., inventory. You need a platform that can keep track of the tools and products that keep your business running, like pesticides and other chemicals. 

However, Housecall Pro doesn’t currently have a feature to track inventory. Instead, users must defer to Quickbooks to keep track of their materials. This may get frustrating, especially because a Quickbooks integration is only available on Housecall Pro’s Essential Plan (for a whopping $129 per month).

PocketSuite allows you to track your inventory on any plan. You always know when it’s time to stock up on the essentials.

#4 Extra Fees

Housecall Pro users can choose between three tiers: Basic, Essentials, and MAX, depending on the size of their team. However, many of the features and integrations that lead users to choose Housecall Pro aren’t available on their Basic plan, which is already a lofty $49 per month (if you pay annually). 

For example, you will be charged an extra $20 a month for each vehicle you want to track on the Basic plan. Sure, you can upgrade. But, the Essential plan jumps to $129 per month. So, you’ll pay more than double for features that should be built into the cost. 

With Housecall Pro, you may not be getting the most bang for your buck. And there are other platforms that won’t tack on extra fees. PocketSuite users have access to our dynamic features for $24.99 per month. 

#5 No Text Marketing Campaigns 

With a 99% deliverability rate, text marketing is key to growing a service-based business. While Housecall Pro allows users to customize SMS notifications for appointment reminders and send out email marketing campaigns, the platform doesn’t seem to have a text campaign feature. 

With Smart Campaigns, PocketSuite users can send automated text campaigns to promote discounts, make announcements, connect with past clients, send prep before appointments, and much more! 

Also, Housecall Pro provides a custom SMS number but no dedicated business line to take calls. PocketSuite users get a premium business number to make running your business easier.

#6 Minimal Customer Service 

Every business owner knows that customer support is key, especially when your reputation is on the line. However, some users express frustration with the company’s customer service offerings. At a large company like a Housecall Pro, you’re not likely to get the one-to-one support you need for your small business. 

At PocketSuite, customer support is our main priority. We offer a range of support calls as per our PocketSuite Academy.  

Do you need a new booking app?

Housecall Pro is a popular option for home service professionals. But, with a limited mobile and lots of additional fees, it may not be the best solution for your small business. 

If you’re ready for an all-in-one booking app, give PocketSuite a try. You can schedule clients, accept payments, track inventory, and manage recurring services straight from your phone.

Landscapers may work with private homeowners, large recreational facilities, such as golf courses, as well as the campuses of colleges and universities. Botanical gardens, arboretums and greenhouses also employ landscapers.

A landscaper uses hand tools and power tools to cut grass, trim trees and bushes, and manage plants. These professionals also take care of plants by watering and fertilizing them and pruning them back when necessary. Use of herbicides and pesticides, as necessary, is often part of the job.

Landscapers are also trained in recommending design elements, such as paths, fountains and flowing water systems, as well as specific plants and flowers that will thrive in certain areas or be aesthetically pleasing. Some landscapers develop their shrubbery skills to become topiary artists – individuals who sculpt shrubs and bushes to resemble animals and objects.

As a landscaper you’ll get to work outdoors, often by yourself or with a small crew, transforming living spaces into thriving places of beauty.

If you have a green thumb and enjoy the challenge of creating visually appealing landscapes, this may be the ideal career. Read on to discover what it takes to become a professional landscaper.

In this article you’ll learn:

• How much money you can make as a landscaper
• The required training and certifications
• Professional groups to join
• Employment opportunities for landscapers
• Finding clients
• Plus helpful tips

How much money can you make?

Landscapers on average make $30,890 per year, according to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics. Based on a 40-hour work week, that annual salary breaks down to $14.85 per hour.

Employment of landscapers is projected to grow 9 percent through 2028, the BLS reports. That’s faster than the average for all US occupations. More workers will be needed to keep up with increasing demand for lawn care and landscaping services from large institutions as well as individual homeowners.

Training and Certification

Different states set out varying requirements for a landscaping license. Some require no license. Others mandate that you hold a license if you do any construction as part of your landscaping business. Before choosing a training program, it’s best to determine what requirements apply where you live.

Here’s a handy state-by-state guide to licensing requirements for landscapers.

If you offer any pest or weed control services as part of your landscaping business, such as spray treatments for mosquitos or herbicide treatments to control unwanted vegetation, you may need separate licensing from the state’s division of pesticide regulation. Generally, any handling of toxic chemicals is going to require licensure.

Training programs in landscaping are available at colleges and universities throughout the country, if your goal is to earn an associate’s or bachelor’s degree.

Highlights of what you’ll learn during training:

• Basic landscape techniques, including lawn health and maintenance
• Greenhouse operations
• Growing fruits and vegetables
• Plant science (basic botany)
• Selecting the right chemicals and fertilizers to use for specific applications
• Safe use of toxic chemicals
• Safe use of landscaping equipment
• Turfgrass culture
• Landscape construction methods
• Pest management

You should also know that if you employ workers in a landscaping business, you’ll need to be aware of Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) regulations governing horticultural and landscape services. OSHA lays out specific training requirements for landscape assistants.

Because many landscape workers in the United States are Hispanic, being able to speak conversational Spanish will also be a helpful skill for landscape managers.

Professional Groups to Join

Joining a professional group shows you’re serious about your work, devoted to the highest standards of landscaping. Professional groups offer continuing education, forums for conversation about landscaping tips and techniques, and valuable networking opportunities. Making professional connections through these groups is also a great way to learn about employment opportunities, often before they are advertised.

 The National Association of Landscape Professionals is a trade association representing nearly 100,000 landscape industry professionals in the United States, Canada and overseas. Member companies specialize in lawn care, landscape design and installation, landscape maintenance, tree care, irrigation and water management, and interior plant design. Members also include students, consultants, industry suppliers, state associations and affiliate members. A membership comes with networking opportunities, continuing education and training, and increasing professionalism of the field through certification and accreditation.

The Association of Professional Landscape Designers is dedicated to advancing the profession of landscape design and recognizing landscape designers as qualified and dedicated professionals. APLD includes members throughout the United States who support multiple state chapters as well as individual international members. The association’s day-to-day management is headquartered in Harrisburg, PA. There are several membership tiers. A professional membership is $415 per year.

Employment

If you’re not ready to start your own mobile detailing business, print out your resume and take it to area auto shops and detailers. This can be useful on-the-job training for your own business while you’re getting paid. Learn everything you can about the business side of mobile detailing as you hone your skills in the craft itself. That way, you’ll be better prepared to launch a company of your own when you’re ready. Be sure to include references and their contact information. If you can show an established track record of customer satisfaction combined with decent experience, you’re in.

Finding Clients
When you’re a self-employed landscaper, you’ll need to cultivate customers as much as the flowers you plant for them. This means marketing your landscaping company. You’ve got to get your company name out there and build a reputation.

A website is essential. A basic two-page website is perfect in the beginning. One page highlights your services and contact information, and the other page displays great “before” and “after” photos of your landscaping work to show potential clients what you can accomplish for them.

Hire a printing company to make a custom magnet sign you can attach to the side of your van or truck. The sign should include your business name, the fact that you offer landscaping services, and a phone number to call. You can include your website address at the bottom. Now you’ll have a mobile billboard, advertising your business everywhere you go.

As the business grows and you become more successful, you can always have your company name professionally painted on the side of your vehicles. But in the beginning, a magnetized sign is affordable and gets the job done.

While you’re at the printing company, order some business cards with your company name, phone number and website address. If there’s room for a logo as well as a slogan or catchy motto, add that as well.

Satisfied customers will refer you to their friends if you do a good job and keep your promises. People almost always stick with companies they trust. Earn that trust consistently, and customers will be lining up for your landscaping services.

As an incentive, offer your regular customers a discount for referring new customers, then give new clients a discount for trying out your landscaping business.

Set up business pages on Facebook, Google My Business and Instagram. You can set up a decent-looking social media page in less than an hour with the name and logo of your company, all contact information and services you provide, plus a few sharp-looking pictures of your landscaping. These are free services, too, so you’ll have promotional material working for you around the clock on the sites millions of people visit every day.

Good to know

Tools and equipment are a significant up-front cost for the landscaper launching a new business. Some of the big-ticket items, like mower decks, tractors and seed hoppers can sometimes be leased until you’re financially comfortable buying the equipment outright.

One of the biggest challenges facing a small-business owner in the beginning is maintaining cash flow. Make a priority list of the equipment you need, then buy gear as you are able to afford it, one or two pieces at a time.

In terms of pricing your service, call other landscapers around your state and casually ask about the prices they charge for different services, as though you’re shopping around for a quote. Make sure you know what work the quote includes. After you have price ranges and a good idea of the market rate for landscaping, you’ll be able to set your own competitive prices. Resist the temptation to offer the lowest price, even if you’ve just started the landscaping company, because you may be stuck with those prices for a long time. Think in terms of repeat business. If you attract a customer with a rock-bottom price, then charge significantly more six months later, there’s a good chance you’ll just alienate the customer. It’s basic psychology.

A good approach for a new business is to offer pricing somewhere in the middle of what competitors are charging. Then you can promote your landscaping business as “not the cheapest, simply the best.” Studies repeatedly show that consumers are drawn to the middle price range when shopping around for any service. Some people will always choose the most expensive, because they can afford it and because they believe a high cost must mean value (it doesn’t always). Other individuals will consistently choose the cheapest service they can find. You’ll find most of your customers in the middle.

You’ll also want to carry business liability insurance. This protects you and your business should any of your employees damage private property in the course of doing landscaping work. Some states may require proof of liability insurance or a surety bond before you can legally perform landscaping work.

If you enjoyed this article, check out some more great PocketSuite.io content that can help you grow your career as a landscaper. Here’s a great place to start.

PocketSuite has thousands of business owners who all started where you are right now. Our community is always happy to help you ramp up, grow your client base, and achieve your income goals, both within the PocketSuite app and as part of our exclusive Facebook Community Group. PocketSuite’s vision is for any professional to be able to work for themselves and make a great living. It starts here. It starts with you. It starts today. Let’s get started, download PocketSuite now! Feel free to reach out with any questions (we’d love to hear from you)! Text us @ (415) 841-2300.

These professionals eliminate roaches, rats and mice, ants, bedbugs, and termites from houses, buildings and surrounding areas. They inspect buildings for signs of pests, determine the correct treatment and provide a cost estimate. Without pest controllers, termites can destroy the wooden frame of a building. Rats would take up permanent residence, exposing the people in a building to potential diseases and, well, the repulsiveness of rats. Roaches are unsightly bugs that nobody wants in their home, yet even the cleanest kitchen in an apartment or condominium complex can become infested with roaches if the next-door neighbors are slobs who leave food waste exposed.

Pest controllers solve these problems. To do this work you’ll need special training and certification, as well as a license. That’s because the job often involves handling toxic chemicals, so there are safety procedures that must be followed. You’ll also need to learn more than you probably could have imagined about the habits, habitat and life cycle of the pests you’ll encounter on the job. You must know the enemy to defeat the enemy.

There’s good money to be made in pest control and the industry is projected to have ongoing demand for workers. Cockroaches are expected to outlast humanity on this planet, so pest controllers will always be needed.

Among the benefits of this work, you will provide peace of mind to property owners knowing they have made the right choice in you for protecting their investment from pests.

Read on to learn how you can make a good living as a pest controller.

In this article you’ll learn:

• How much money you can make as a pest controller
• The required training and certifications
• Professional groups to join
• Employment opportunities for pest controllers
• Finding clients
• Plus helpful tips

How much money can you make?

A pest controller on average makes $37,330 per year, according to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics. That breaks down to $17.95 per hour based on a standard 40-hour work week. The pay rate can be higher for weekend and on-call assignments.

Employment of pest control workers is projected to grow 7 percent through 2028, which is faster than the average for all US occupations. Job opportunities should be good because of the limited number of people seeking work in pest control and the need to replace workers who retire.

Training and Certification

All pest controllers in the United States come under the jurisdiction of the US Environmental Protection Agency and the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA). However, each state has an agency – typically the state’s department of Agriculture or Environmental Protection – that actually enforces the FIFRA requirements. You’ll need to contact your state’s pesticide agency or cooperative extension department to determine what specific licensing requirements apply where you live.

A state-by-state guide to licensing requirements can be reviewed here.

Regardless of the specifics in your state, you’ll need training in pest control in order to become certified and licensed.

There are many accredited training programs to choose from, both in-person and online. While online training is typically less expensive, there is less opportunity for hands-on learning and individualized instruction.

Pested is one of the best-known and accredited online training services. Whichever program you choose, be sure it fulfills the requirements needed to get your state license.

In most states, license applicants must pass at least two written examinations. The first is known as the core exam and tests on mastery of concepts common with all pesticide applications. This covers knowledge of rules and regulations, record keeping, the ability to read and understand label instructions, math skills needed to mix and apply chemicals properly, and knowledge of emergency procedures in case of a spill or other emergency.

The second written test is called a category exam. It focuses on the type of pest control you want to practice. The exam tests your ability to identify pests common within your specialty, the safety requirements for that type of pest control, and how to select and apply the appropriate pesticides used within that specialty under different situations.

Some states also require a passing score on oral or practical examinations for licensure.

What you’ll learn in training:

• Types of pests, where they prefer to live, how they reproduce and their life cycle
• Identifying the appropriate techniques for exterminating different types of pests
• Mastery of chemicals uses in pest control, as well as safety issues
• How to inspect a property for evidence of pest infestation, including entry areas (pipes, windows, doors, attics, garages, crawlspaces and cracks in the foundation)
• How to examine a lawn for evidence of pests
• Use of a moisture meter to detect signs of dampness where pests are drawn.
• Preparing reports and cost estimates for the job
• Communication skills with customers (learn how to explain the report findings, the extent of the problem and your proposal for getting rid of pests). This also includes discussion of safety issues such as removing pets while infested areas are being treated and keeping children safe from exposure to chemicals.

Professional Groups to Join

When customers and potential employers see that you are a member of a professional organization, it enhances your credibility and shows you are dedicated to your career. Joining a professional group also gives you access to continuing education opportunities, news and information to help you stay on top of the industry, and the ability to network with other members, who can share tips and insider knowledge of job openings.

The National Pest Management Association is the premiere professional organization for pest controllers. The association offers member networking, job listings, continuing education, frequent news updates and more.

Employment

General online searches of pest control companies in your area as well as focused searches on sites such as Indeed and ZipRecruiter will turn up job openings. Most job-search services will allow you to set up an alert with your geographic location so the job openings in your areas are sent each day in an email. Pest control companies, like most service-oriented businesses, still use the Yellow Pages to advertise their services, so don’t overlook old-school resources like the phone directory when job hunting.

Finding Clients
When you’re self-employed as a pest controller, you’ve also got to do your own promotion to ensure you have steady work. This means marketing your business. You’ve got to get your company name out there and build a reputation for yourself.

You’ll need a website. Something basic will do fine, just a page outlining your services and contact information, and a few pages of photos or illustrations of common pests.

Most printing companies can create a custom magnet sign you can attach to the side of your vehicle. The sign should include your business name, the fact that you offer pest control services, and a phone number to call. You can include your website address at the bottom. As your business grows and you become successful, you can eventually have your business information professionally painted on the side of your pest control van or truck – or your entire fleet. But in the beginning, a magnetized sign will be enough.

While you’re at the printing company, order some business cards with your company name, phone number and website address. If there’s room for a slogan or catchy motto, add that as well.

Customer retention is important, but satisfied customers will also refer companies they like to their friends. Keep your customers happy and you’ll enjoy repeat business for years to come. People tend to stay with companies they trust. Your business strategy should be to deliver on what you promise to the customer and get the job done right the first time.

As an incentive when you’re just starting out, offer customers a discount for referring new customers, then give those new customers a first-time discount. It’s cheaper than advertising and arguably better, because you’ll be getting new customers by word-of-mouth endorsement. People trust their friends to give them good advice.

Good to know

While you’re building your pest control business, one easy way to increase customer satisfaction and encourage referrals is to leave every client with a checklist of pest prevention tips. While it might seem counterintuitive to suggest ways customers can protect themselves from actually requiring your services, the reality is pests are not going away and there will always be demand for pest controllers.

Printing a checklist on card stock is inexpensive (you can do it yourself with a laptop and an inkjet printer). Then keep a supply of these cards in your van or truck. Hand 2 out to customers and encourage them to give one to a friend. The checklist can be as simple or fancy as you like. Common tips for pest prevention include:

• Keep roof gutters clean
• Always keep food covered
• Leave the lights on in basements
• Eliminate puddles and fix leaks (pests gravitate toward standing water more than anything)
• Reduce pest hiding spots (yard clutter and debris)
• Don’t store firewood close to the house
• Clean up storage areas
• Cap the chimney to prevent access by small animals and nesting birds

If you enjoyed this article, check out some more great PocketSuite.io content that can help you grow your career as a pest controller. Here’s a great place to start.

PocketSuite has thousands of business owners who all started where you are right now. Our community is always happy to help you ramp up, grow your client base, and achieve your income goals, both within the PocketSuite app and as part of our exclusive Facebook Community Group. PocketSuite’s vision is for any professional to be able to work for themselves and make a great living. It starts here. It starts with you. It starts today. Let’s get started, download PocketSuite now! Feel free to reach out with any questions (we’d love to hear from you)! Text us @ (415) 841-2300.

Home cleaning is different from housekeeping or maid services, which are intended for general cleaning and upkeep, often on a weekly basis. Home cleaners go further. Their services may be required when a homeowner wants to sell the house, complete a good spring cleaning or perhaps prepare a vacation home in advance for the summer.

It may take several visits to clean the house to the client’s expectations. Vacuuming and mopping can instantly make a house smell fresher and look cleaner, but it takes a good scrubbing to remove the film of grease that can settle on kitchen surfaces (peek on top of your refrigerator some time or run a finger across the range hood). It may also take two or more treatments and scrubbing to remove stubborn stains or get the mildew out of bathroom tile grout. The good news is you get paid for every visit.

While at one point house cleaning might have been seen as a luxury, today it is becoming a necessity as busy professionals struggle to maintain a work/life balance and would prefer either to work more on their careers or pursue hobbies and personal interests rather than spend time giving their house a deep cleaning. As a result, home cleaner services are in demand.

In this article you’ll learn:

• How much money you can make as a home cleaner
• The required training and certifications
• Professional groups to join
• Employment opportunities for home cleaners
• Finding clients
• Plus helpful tips

How much money can you make?

Home cleaners make $24,850 per year according to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics. That works out to $11.95 per hour. The top 10 percent of home cleaners make $37,900 per year.

One way to ramp up your income is to start a home cleaning business with employees who work under your supervision. With cleaning teams in place, you can bid and work on more jobs. Plus, when you own the company you spend less time scrubbing and more time supervising.

Training and Certification

There is no specific license required to be a home cleaner. It’s not like working in a regulated trade, such as a licensed electrician or cosmetologist. You may need a business license, though. Check with your local government to determine the requirements for operating as a home cleaner.

If you intend to work for a housecleaning company, you may want to become certified in the field. Many training programs are available to learn efficient house cleaning practices, how to manage and grow a cleaning business, find customers and more. Here is a list of training programs to review that can help you get started.

This list covers the basic services house cleaners provide:

• Clean and disinfect bathroom tiles
• Remove all mildew and scales from bathroom and kitchen tiles, shower heads and fixtures
• Dust common areas, bookcases, cabinets and furniture, as well as picture frames
• Wipe baseboards
• Vacuum or mop all floors
• Wipe down the surfaces of all kitchen appliances
• Clean tables and chairs
• Clean and remove spots from mirrors
• Wipe down window sills and clean interior windows
• Remove grime behind appliances
• Clean lamp shades
• Vacuum upholstery and furniture
• Wash blinds and curtains, unless dry cleaning is necessary
• Clean cabinets
• Shampoo and vacuum carpets and rugs

Training programs focus on the most efficient techniques to complete a cleaning task thoroughly yet quickly, as well as safety precautions, including the use of chemical cleaning products. You’ll also learn basic business skills and customer service etiquette.

Professional Groups to Join

Joining a professional home cleaning organization shows you are serious about your career. These affiliations look good on a resume and can help make the difference in securing that new job because employers see that you are so dedicated to your work that you are involved in professionals groups. Here are two professional organizations for home cleaners to consider:

The Association of Residential Cleaning Services, International (ARCSI) helps residential cleaning service owners and professionals in starting, promoting, building and expanding their businesses. ARCSI provides information to ensure the growth and development of member businesses.

The American House Cleaners Association is a community of cleaning professionals helping each other become better cleaners and better business owners. They discuss strategies, share cleaning tips and tricks, and even help each other bid on jobs. Membership levels vary from $10 to $50 per month and come with different tiers of benefits.

Employment

If you’re not ready to start your own home cleaning business, print out your resume and take it to area companies that offer these services. Think of it as on-the-job training for your own business while you’re getting paid. Be sure to include professional references (not family members) and their contact information. If you can show an established track record of customer satisfaction combined with good experience, you’re in.

Finding Clients

If you live near a resort area or close to beaches where people maintain vacation homes, make appointments with all the realtors and property managers in the area. Introduce yourself and your services. Vacation home owners routinely pay house cleaners to freshen up their properties before they arrive for a long holiday. In a beach area, this could provide steady work from spring till fall.

When you’re self-employed as a home cleaner, it’s up to you to find the work. This means marketing your business. You’ve got to get your name out there.

You’ll need a website. Something basic but attractive, a page or two outlining your services and contact information, and a few pages of photos showing off your work. Some “before” and “after” photos make a nice contrast to illustrate the benefits customers can expect when hiring you for the job.

Work with a printing company to produce a large magnet sign you can attach to the side of your vehicle. The sign should include your business name, the fact that you offer home cleaning services, and a phone number. You can include your website address at the bottom. As your business grows and you become wildly successful, you can have your business information professionally painted on the side of your work van – or your entire fleet of vehicles. But in the beginning, a magnetized sign is enough.

While you’re at the printing company, order some business cards with your company name, phone number and website address. If there’s room for a slogan or catchy motto, add that, too.

Create Google Business and Facebook pages for your company. Include all services you offer as well as contact information, plus photos. Both of these platforms are free and can be promoting your business 24/7.

Customer retention is also important. Keep your customers happy and you’ll enjoy repeat business for years to come. People almost always stick with companies they trust, but a reliable house cleaner is precious.

As an incentive, offer regular customers a discount for referring new customers to your business, then give those new customers a discount.

Ask all happy customers to review your services online. Make it easy for them to do this by handing out cards printed with the websites you want to feature your reviews.

Good to know

If you’re just starting out in home cleaning, call the homeowners association (HOA) for every subdivision and neighborhood in your service area. If you can secure an appointment with a representative of the HOA, you’ll be able to introduce yourself (always dress professionally) and leave a stack of business flyers promoting your home cleaning services. Homeowners in a subdivision who learn about you through their neighborhood association are much more likely to view you favorably because you’ve already established a measure of credibility – they’ve found you through their HOA.

The benefit of signing up multiple homeowners for cleaning services in the same subdivision is the substantial time and cost savings. You probably won’t spend so much time driving around your city or county getting from one job to another. Instead, the next job might be a block away or even next door. Even better, you’ll gradually become established as the go-to home cleaner in that neighborhood if you keep customers happy.

If you enjoyed this article, check out some more great PocketSuite.io content that can help you grow your career as a home cleaner. Here’s a great place to start.PocketSuite has thousands of business owners who all started where you are right now. Our community is always happy to help you ramp up, grow your client base, and achieve your income goals, both within the PocketSuite app and as part of our exclusive Facebook Community Group. PocketSuite’s vision is for any professional to be able to work for themselves and make a great living. It starts here. It starts with you. It starts today. Let’s get started, download PocketSuite now! Feel free to reach out with any questions (we’d love to hear from you)! Text us @ (415) 841-2300.

The basic steps to carpet cleaning involve what the pros call the Triple S – Spray. Scrub, Suction.

Carpet is still the preferred flooring in U.S. homes. The carpet industry accounts for 51 percent of the total flooring market in America, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

For carpet cleaners the money is good. It takes about 20 minutes to clean the carpet in an average-size room, while the average price per room in the United States currently stands at about $50. Some of your time will naturally be spent driving from job to job, as well as consulting with customers, but overall, if you choose to go the route of an independent carpet cleaner you can make a nice income.

Other benefits of this career path include providing a much-needed service that helps people protect the investment in their homes and office buildings, as well as making customers feel good. Freshly cleaned carpets smell better and can improve the entire vibe of the room.

No formal license is needed to clean carpets, but training and certification can set you apart from competitors. We’ll cover all this and more in this eBook.

In this article you’ll learn:

• How much money you can make as a carpet cleaner
• The required training and certifications
• Professional groups to join
• Employment opportunities for carpet cleaners
• Finding clients
• Plus helpful tips

How much money can you make?

The average carpet cleaner pay is $13.56 per hour, according to PayScale, with the top 10 percent of workers in this field averaging $18.57 an hour. At $13.56 with a 40-hour work week, a carpet cleaner can expect to make about $26,000 a year. If you decide to start your own carpet cleaning business and assemble a team of employees to assist, you can expect in time to triple your income to an average of more than $75,000 a year.

Training and Certification

To offer carpet cleaning services you’ll need a business license and, in most states, a surety bond. A surety bond is similar to insurance in that it offers financial protection if the bonded company, such as a cleaning business, should fail in the job or cause damage.

In order to secure a surety bond, you’ll need to provide proof of training and certification as a carpet cleaner. Even if your plan is to work for a carpet cleaning company, employers increasingly expect new hires to have training and certification in best practices for carpet cleaning. This reduces the time and money a company must invest in training new employees.

The Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) is a nationally recognized carpet cleaning training and certification organization, considered the gold standard in the industry. The institute offers a 2-day course in carpet care, including training on fiber and carpet identification, advanced cleaning techniques and methods, and spot and stain removal. Cleaning chemistry is also covered in detail so students learn the reaction of soils with cleaning solutions, and how to use chemicals safely.

There are many training programs available. Here is a listing of training and certification programs for aspiring carpet cleaners.

Professional Groups to Join

When you join a professional home cleaning organization you show the world you are serious about your career. These affiliations look good on a resume and can help make the difference in securing that new job because employers see that you are so dedicated to your work that you are involved in professionals groups.

The National Carpet Cleaners Association is the only nationally recognized trade association devoted to cleaning carpets, hard flooring and soft furnishings. NCCA membership consists of insured companies and trained technicians that follow a Code of Practice and are recommended for a full range of services related to the carpet and upholstery cleaning industry.

Low Moisture Carpet Cleaners Association is on a mission to increase awareness and knowledge of low moisture carpet cleaning methods to gain world-wide acceptance of the benefits of low-moisture carpet cleaning systems used by professional carpet cleaning technicians.

There are also dozens of informal online groups for carpet cleaners. Joining one or more of these allows you to meet other pros in the field, learn about job openings and share information.

Employment

If you’re not ready to start your own carpet cleaning business, print copies of your resume and drop them off at area carpet cleaning companies. Think of it as on-the-job training for your own business while you’re getting paid. Be sure to include professional references (not family members) and their contact information. If you can show an established track record of customer satisfaction combined with good experience, chances are you’ll get the job.

Finding Clients

When you’re self-employed as a carpet cleaner, part of your job involves self-promotion if you want steady work. This means marketing your business. You’ve got to get your company name out there and build your reputation in the community.

You’ll need a website, which can be basic or fancy, depending on your budget. This should feature a page outlining your services and contact information, and a few pages of photos or illustrations of common pests. If you get ambitious, you can publish a regular blog on your website with pest control tips and information that customers might find useful. A blog can help your website rank higher in search results and also establishes you as an authority in the industry.

Most printing companies can create a custom magnet sign you can attach to the side of your vehicle. The sign should include your business name, the fact that you offer pest control services, and a phone number to call. You can include your website address at the bottom. As your business grows and you become successful, you can eventually have your business information professionally painted on the side of your pest control van or truck – or your entire fleet. But in the beginning, a magnetized sign will be enough.

While you’re at the printing company, order some business cards with your company name, phone number and website address. If there’s room for a slogan or catchy motto, add that as well.

Customer retention is important, but satisfied customers will also refer companies they like to their friends. Keep your customers happy and you’ll enjoy repeat business for years to come. People tend to stay with companies they trust. Your business strategy should be to deliver on what you promise to the customer and get the job done right the first time.

As an incentive when you’re just starting out, offer customers a discount for referring new customers, then give those new customers a first-time discount on pest control services. It’s cheaper than advertising and arguably better, because you’ll be getting new customers by word-of-mouth endorsement. People trust their friends to give them good advice on home maintenance companies, including carpet cleaners.

Good to know

Print a list of carpet cleaning tips & tricks on card stock to give customers after you finish a job. These are helpful ways to solve minor stains on carpet. They are not a substitute for a full carpet cleaning, but will help your customers get through life’s little accidents. Include your contact information on the card. This thoughtful gesture not only helps your customers but reminds them of your services then next time they need whole-house carpet cleaning.

• Blot stains, don’t rub them. Rubbing just spreads the stain around
• Use club soda to remove beer and wine stains
• If that doesn’t work, try a blob of shaving cream
• Use warm water to dissolve candy stuck in carpet, then blot away
• Spritz stains with a 50-50 mix of white vinegar and distilled water in a spray bottle
• Use dish soap to cut through grease stains
• Chewing gum stuck to carpet? Freeze with ice cubes and peel off
• Candle wax dripped and dried on carpet? Place a clean cloth over the area to be treated, then warm the cloth with a clothing iron set to low heat. As the wax softens, scrape it up with a butter knife.
• Hydrogen peroxide removes blood stains
• Use organic cleaning products to remove stains caused by pet accidents. You don’t want to use harsh chemicals on carpet with animals around.

If you enjoyed this article, check out some more great PocketSuite.io content that can help you grow your career as a carpet cleaner. Here’s a great place to start.PocketSuite has thousands of business owners who all started where you are right now. Our community is always happy to help you ramp up, grow your client base, and achieve your income goals, both within the PocketSuite app and as part of our exclusive Facebook Community Group. PocketSuite’s vision is for any professional to be able to work for themselves and make a great living. It starts here. It starts with you. It starts today. Let’s get started, download PocketSuite now! Feel free to reach out with any questions (we’d love to hear from you)! Text us @ (415) 841-2300.

And that’s when the professional snow remover swings into action. No matter how much snow falls from the sky or fast it accumulates on buildings, streets, roads and parking lots, people still need to get out and about. Without a snow removal pro, many people would remain stuck at home when winter weather shows her fury. Others might try shoveling to freedom by themselves, perhaps not realizing that snow shoveling is a leading cause of heart attack during the winter months. Some cities require residents to clear their sidewalks within 24 hours after the snow stops falling. In a brutal winter with a foot or more of ice and snow, clearing a sidewalk can become a daunting and dangerous task for the inexperienced.

If you live in a region prone to harsh winters, starting a career as a snow remover might be the right move. The need is critical and the pay is good. You don’t need a formal license to do this work, while getting the proper training is fairly quick and inexpensive. The only significant investment is the equipment you’ll need to get that frozen obstacle out of the path of your customers. Plenty of snow removal pros start out working for a company to build up their savings and experience before launching their own business. With a couple of years of experience and a good credit history, you should be able to get financing for the plows, snow blowers and other equipment needed to start your own snow removal business. Does that sound cool? Even cold? Okay. Let’s get started.

Pour a cup of hot chocolate and read on to learn how you can get into the snow removal business.

In this article you’ll learn:

• How much money you can make as a snow remover
• The required training and certifications
• Professional groups to join
• Employment opportunities for snow removers
• Finding clients
• Plus helpful tips

How much money can you make?

Snow removal professionals charge an average range of $25 to $75 per hour for their services, depending on the situation. Some charge by the hour, others charge per inch or square foot of snow. In subdivisions, where driveways tend to be of uniform length, snow removers are likely to charge the same price to all residents. It’s difficult to estimate an annual salary for snow removers because the work tends to be seasonal and entirely dependent on the weather. For a rough example of how much you can make, if you work through a 3-month winter with a consistent accumulation of snow, and devote 40 hours a week to the removal, charging $75 per hour, over that 90 days you could expect to earn about $36,000. To maximize their income, established snow removers invest in equipment and employees who clear snow on a contract basis for as many clients as they can sign up.

Training and Certification

There is no formal licensing requirement for individuals who remove snow for a fee. However, if you plan to operate a snow plow or other snow-removal vehicles, you will need a commercial driving license (CDL). That is because these vehicles are in operation typically during extremely adverse weather conditions, so the operators are held to a higher standard than regular drivers. Check with your state’s department of motor vehicles to determine what regulations apply where you live.

There are many in-person and online training programs to prepare you for the CDL test leading to your commercial driving license.

You can also learn how to operate a snow plow either in a local training workshop or with simulation programs available online. Here’s one example. Snow removal training courses are also available at colleges and universities in areas subject to harsh winters. Additionally, the Snow and Ice Management Association offers a training and certification program. The six study modules in the program cost $400 and the examination fee is $500. There’s a significant discount on training and the exam if you join the association.

What you’ll learn in training:

• Operating equipment and vehicles safely
• Local vehicle operational laws, including speed limits
• Being aware of surroundings at all times to avoid accidents
• Avoiding obstructions (utility poles, parking bumpers, parked vehicles)
• Efficient plowing techniques, including blade angle, to do a thorough job as quickly as possible

Professional Groups to Join

Getting involved in a professional organization shows your customers you are serious about your career. But there are also other benefits like sharing information with other members, learning about job opportunities that only people in the industry would know about, pursuing continuing education and staying on top of trends in the field.

The Snow and Ice Management Association is the premiere group for professionals in the industry. A one-year membership costs $350 and gives you access to the network of members, as well as inside information on job opportunities, ongoing training and more. In addition, if you become certified through the association you’ll get a listing on their searchable directory of accredited members. This can help customers find you.

Employment

General online searches in your area as well as focused searches on sites such as Indeed and ZipRecruiter will turn up job openings. Most job-search services will allow you to set up an alert so the types of jobs that interest you are sent each day in an email. Snow removal companies, like most service-oriented businesses, still use the Yellow Pages to advertise their services, so don’t overlook old-school resources like the phone directory when job hunting.

Finding Clients
When you’re self-employed as a mobile detailer, part of your work will involve finding steady work. This means marketing your business. You’ve got to get your company name out there and build a reputation for yourself.

You’ll need a website. Something basic will do fine, just a page outlining your services and contact information, and a few pages of photos showing off your detailing work. Some “before” and “after” photos of your best vehicle detailing work can illustrate the benefits customers enjoy when hiring you for the job.

Talk to a printing company about making a custom magnet sign you can attach to the side of your vehicle. The sign should include your business name, the fact that you offer snow removal services, and a phone number to call. You can include your website address at the bottom. As your business grows and you become wildly successful, you can eventually have your business information professionally painted on the side of your snow plow truck – or the entire fleet. But in the beginning, a magnetized sign will be sufficient.

While you’re at the printing company, order some business cards with your company name, phone number and website address. If there’s room for a slogan or catchy motto, add that as well.

Customer retention is important, but satisfied customers also refer companies they like to their friends. Keep your customers happy and you’ll enjoy repeat business for years to come. People almost always stick with companies they trust. Your business strategy should be to deliver on what you promise to the customer and get the job done right the first time. Do that consistently, and customers will be lining up for your snow removal services.

As an incentive, offer regular customers a discount for referring new customers, then give new customers a first-time discount.

Good to know

When you’re just starting out as a snow remover, try to secure jobs in a concentrated area, such as a subdivision. You won’t have to travel as far between jobs, which saves money on fuel, as well as wear and tear on vehicles, and affords greater safety while you gain experience because you won’t be travelling as much on the main roads, which may be treacherous and clogged with less experienced motorists.

You’ll also need to be insured and possibly bonded to protect yourself and your business in the event you or any of your employees damage private property. Check with your local business licensing office about specific requirements. The steel blade of a snow plow can grind up asphalt on a driveway and rip landscaping to shreds. One moment you’re clearing the sidewalk, the next instant you’re chopping up the lawn. These areas can be easy to overlook or misjudge when a foot of snow is covering them, but ripping up a driveway or lawn won’t endear your snow removal company to your customers.

Because this is a seasonal business, you’ll need to decide whether to maintain a side gig during the warmer months, or build that down time into your winter pricing for snow removal. No matter what price you charge, it has to be in-line with the prevailing rates for snow removal in your area. Otherwise, the competition is going to undersell and you’ll lose business.

If you enjoyed this article, check out some more great PocketSuite.io content that can help you grow your career as a snow remover. Here’s a great place to start.PocketSuite has thousands of business owners who all started where you are right now. Our community is always happy to help you ramp up, grow your client base, and achieve your income goals, both within the PocketSuite app and as part of our exclusive Facebook Community Group. PocketSuite’s vision is for any professional to be able to work for themselves and make a great living. It starts here. It starts with you. It starts today. Let’s get started, download PocketSuite now! Feel free to reach out with any questions (we’d love to hear from you)! Text us @ (415) 841-2300.