You know what’s hot right now? Pressure washing. Yep, you heard that right. This business is booming, and I’m here to tell you how to get in on the action. Starting a pressure washing biz isn’t as complicated as you might think. With a little elbow grease (pun intended) and some smart strategies, you can be on your way to making some serious cash.
I’ve been there, done that, and I’m ready to spill all my secrets. From choosing the right equipment to marketing your services like a pro, I’ve got you covered. So, if you’re ready to take the plunge and start your own pressure washing empire, keep reading. Trust me, it’s gonna be a blast.
Choose the Right Business Structure for Your Pressure Washing Company
When you’re starting a pressure washing business, one of the first things you need to do is choose the right business structure.
This is a big decision that will impact your personal liability, taxes, and more.
The most common business structures for small businesses are sole proprietorships, partnerships, limited liability companies (LLCs), and corporations.
Register Your Business Name and Get an Employer Identification Number
Once you’ve decided on a business structure, you need to register your business name with your state and get an Employer Identification Number (EIN) from the IRS.
Your EIN is like a Social Security number for your business. You’ll need it to open a bank account, file taxes, and hire employees.
You can apply for an EIN online, by mail, or by fax. The process is pretty simple and only takes a few minutes.
Obtain Necessary Business Licenses and Permits
Depending on where you live and operate your business, you may need to obtain certain business licenses and permits.
For example, most cities and counties require businesses to have a general business license. And if you’re going to be doing any pressure washing on commercial properties, you may need a contractor’s license.
The best way to find out what licenses and permits you need is to contact your local city or county clerk’s office. They can tell you what’s required in your area.
Open a Business Bank Account
Once you have your EIN and business licenses, you’re ready to open a business bank account.
This is an important step in keeping your personal and business finances separate. It will make bookkeeping and tax time much easier.
When you’re ready to open an account, shop around at different banks to find the best deal. Look for an account with low fees and good perks like online banking and mobile deposit.
Invest in Quality Pressure Washing Equipment and Supplies
If you want to start a successful pressure washing business, you need to invest in quality equipment and supplies.
Skimping on quality will only cost you more in the long run. Cheap equipment breaks down more often and doesn’t do as good of a job.
When you’re first starting out, you may be tempted to buy used equipment to save money. But I don’t recommend it.
Used equipment is often more trouble than it’s worth. It may not have been well-maintained, and it could break down when you need it most.
Determine the Type of Pressure Washer You Need
The first piece of equipment you need to invest in is a quality pressure washer.
There are two main types of pressure washers: gas and electric. Gas pressure washers are more powerful and can tackle tougher jobs. But they’re also more expensive and require more maintenance.
Electric pressure washers are less powerful but they’re cheaper and easier to maintain. They’re a good choice for most residential jobs.
When you’re choosing a pressure washer, pay attention to the PSI (pounds per square inch) and GPM (gallons per minute). These numbers will tell you how much power and water flow the machine has.
For most pressure washing jobs, you’ll want a machine with at least 3,000 PSI and 4 GPM.
Consider Additional Accessories and Attachments
In addition to a quality pressure washer, there are some other accessories and attachments you may want to invest in.
A surface cleaner is a must-have for anyone doing driveways or other large flat surfaces. It attaches to your pressure washer and has a rotating bar with nozzles that clean a wide path with each pass.
Extension wands are another helpful accessory. They let you reach high areas without having to use a ladder.
And if you’ll be doing any chemical cleaning, you’ll need a downstream injector. This attaches to your pressure washer and mixes chemicals with the water stream.
Stock Up on Essential Cleaning Solutions
In addition to equipment, you’ll also need to stock up on some essential cleaning solutions.
For general cleaning, you’ll need an all-purpose cleaner and a degreaser. You may also want some specialty cleaners for specific surfaces like concrete, wood, or siding.
Be sure to read the labels carefully and follow the manufacturer’s instructions. Some cleaners need to be diluted while others can be used full strength.
And always wear protective gear when handling chemicals, including gloves, goggles, and a respirator mask.
Set Competitive Pricing for Your Pressure Washing Services
When I first started my pressure washing business, I had no clue what to charge.
I didn’t want to price myself out of the market, but I also didn’t want to leave money on the table.
Here’s what I learned about setting competitive rates that let me earn a solid profit margin while still appealing to customers:
Research Local Competitors’ Pricing
To get a ballpark idea, I secret shopped my competition. I called around posing as a potential customer to get quotes on common pressure washing services.
I found most charged between $0.10 to $0.50 per square foot, with the average around $0.30 per square foot for basic jobs like driveways, decks and siding.
For my area, that meant the going rate was about $250 for a 1000 sq ft driveway or $125 for a 500 sq ft deck.
Factor in Your Overhead Costs
Those competitor prices gave me a starting point, but I had to make sure my rates covered all my costs while still turning a profit.
I added up expenses like:
Equipment costs (pressure washer, surface cleaner, hoses, nozzles)
Cleaning solutions
Vehicle expenses (gas, maintenance, insurance)
Advertising and marketing
Business insurance
I divided my monthly overhead by the number of jobs I could realistically handle to figure out my break-even cost per job.
Then I added a markup for profit – most experts recommend aiming for a 20-30% profit margin.
Offer Discounts and Promotions to Attract Customers
To drum up business when I was a new pressure washing service, I offered introductory specials like 20% off or a free sidewalk wash with a driveway cleaning.
I also:
Gave discounts for referrals and repeat customers
Ran seasonal promotions (spring cleaning, pre-holiday spruce ups)
Donated gift certificates for charity auctions to get my name out there
These promos brought in new business while still letting me hit my target profit margin thanks to the higher volume.
Over time, I was able to raise my rates as I built a reputation for quality, reliable pressure washing services.
But having a solid pricing strategy from the start was key to turning my pressure washing business into a profitable venture.
Develop a Comprehensive Marketing Strategy to Reach Your Target Audience
I quickly learned that having competitive prices alone wouldn’t get me customers – I needed to market my pressure washing business aggressively, especially when starting out.
I had to get the word out to my target audience of homeowners, property managers, and businesses.
A mix of online and offline tactics worked best for me. Here are some of the most effective ways I attracted customers:
Create a Professional Website
My pressure washing business needed a strong online presence, so I built a website that:
Described my pressure washing services
Showcased my expertise with tips and articles
Featured before and after photos of successful jobs
Made it easy to request a quote or book an appointment
I also made sure to optimize my site for local search with my business name, address, phone number and service area on every page.
Within a few months, my website started generating a steady stream of leads from people searching for pressure washing services in my area.
Leverage Social Media Platforms
Social media was another affordable way to connect with potential customers online, build my brand, and show off my work.
I set up business profiles on Facebook and Instagram, then started posting:
Before and after photos
Pressure washing tips and tricks
Special offers and promotions
Behind the scenes content of me on the job
I also joined local Facebook groups where I could answer questions and recommend my services when people asked for pressure washer recommendations.
Encouraging satisfied customers to post reviews on my Facebook page and Google Business listing helped build trust and credibility with new leads too.
Distribute Flyers and Door Hangers
While digital marketing was great for reaching target homeowners and businesses online, I also wanted to connect with prospects in my immediate service area.
So I designed eye-catching flyers and door hangers with:
My pressure washing services and specialties
Glowing customer reviews and testimonials
A special introductory offer or discount
My contact info and website
Then I spent a few hours each week distributing them to homes and businesses that looked like they could use a good pressure wash.
It was a bit old school, but it worked – I’d usually get at least 2-3 calls within a day or two of canvassing a neighborhood.
Partner with Local Businesses
I also found that partnering with other home service businesses that served my target customers was a great way to expand my reach.
Some cross-promotional ideas that worked well:
Leaving my business cards or flyers in their offices
Offering discounts to their customers and employees
Co-sponsoring local events or youth sports teams
Trading referrals and recommendations
For example, I teamed up with a window washing company and we offered a bundle discount for customers who booked both our services.
We also agreed to recommend each other to our respective customers, which led to a bunch of new business for both of us.
The key to marketing my pressure washing business was to consistently take action and try new tactics.
It took some trial and error to find the right mix, but once I did, I had a reliable system for attracting a steady stream of new customers.
Prioritize Customer Service and Satisfaction to Grow Your Business
You want to know how to start a pressure washing business that’s successful?
It’s not just about the pressure washing equipment or the pressure washing services you offer.
It’s about the customer experience. The way you treat your potential customers and clients.
When I first started my pressure washing company, I made the mistake of thinking it was all about the pressure washing service itself.
I quickly learned that to have a successful pressure washing business, customer satisfaction had to be my #1 priority.
Think about it – if a potential customer has a bad experience with your pressure washing business, they’re not going to recommend you to their friends and family.
They’re not going to leave you a positive review online. They’re not going to become a repeat customer.
On the other hand, if you provide prompt and reliable service, offer guarantees and warranties, and actively seek and respond to customer feedback, you’ll be well on your way to building a successful pressure washing business.
Provide Prompt and Reliable Service
When a potential customer reaches out to your pressure washing company, they want to know that you’re going to show up on time and get the job done right.
They don’t want to be left waiting around, wondering if you’re going to show up at all.
That’s why it’s so important to provide prompt and reliable service. If you say you’re going to be there at 9am, be there at 9am.
If you tell a customer their pressure washing service will take 2 hours, make sure it takes 2 hours.
It’s the little things that make a big difference when it comes to customer satisfaction.
Offer Guarantees and Warranties
Another way to show your potential customers that you stand behind your pressure washing services is to offer guarantees and warranties.
This could be something as simple as a satisfaction guarantee – if the customer isn’t happy with the pressure washing job, you’ll come back and redo it for free.
Or, you could offer a warranty on your pressure washing work. If the customer notices any issues with the pressure washing job within a certain timeframe, you’ll come back and fix it at no extra charge.
Offering guarantees and warranties shows your potential customers that you’re confident in your pressure washing abilities and that you’re willing to go the extra mile to make sure they’re happy with the final result.
“I’ve been using ABC Pressure Washing for years now, and I’ve never been disappointed. They always show up on time, do a great job, and stand behind their work. I wouldn’t trust anyone else with my pressure washing needs.”
– John Smith, Happy Customer
Seek and Respond to Customer Feedback
Finally, one of the best ways to continuously improve your pressure washing business and keep your customers happy is to actively seek and respond to customer feedback.
After each pressure washing job, follow up with the customer and ask them how everything went. Find out what they liked, what they didn’t like, and what you could do better next time.
If a customer leaves you a review online – whether it’s positive or negative – take the time to respond to it. Thank them for their feedback and address any concerns they may have.
By showing your customers that you value their opinions and are always looking for ways to improve, you’ll build a loyal customer base that will help your pressure washing business thrive for years to come.
Expand Your Pressure Washing Business Gradually
You’ve learned how to start a pressure washing business. You’ve got your pressure washing equipment, you’ve got your first few customers, and you’re starting to get the hang of this whole pressure washing thing.
So, what’s next? How do you take your pressure washing company to the next level?
The key is to expand gradually. Don’t try to do too much too soon, or you’ll risk burning out and losing the quality of your pressure washing services.
Instead, focus on slow and steady growth. Reinvest your profits back into the business, consider offering additional services, and maybe even explore franchise opportunities down the line.
Reinvest Profits into Your Business
When you’re first starting out, it can be tempting to pocket all of your profits and call it a day.
But if you want your pressure washing business to grow, you need to reinvest some of that money back into the company.
This could mean upgrading your pressure washing equipment to newer, more efficient models. It could mean investing in marketing and advertising to attract new customers. Or, it could mean hiring employees to help you take on more pressure washing jobs.
By reinvesting your profits, you’ll be setting your pressure washing business up for long-term success.
Consider Offering Additional Services
Another way to expand your pressure washing company is to consider offering additional services that complement your pressure washing work.
For example, you could offer gutter cleaning, window washing, or even deck staining services. By diversifying your offerings, you’ll be able to attract a wider range of customers and increase your revenue streams.
Plus, by offering multiple services, you’ll be able to upsell your existing customers and encourage them to use your pressure washing business for all of their exterior cleaning needs.
Explore Franchise Opportunities
If you’re really looking to take your pressure washing business to the next level, you might want to consider exploring franchise opportunities.
By franchising your pressure washing company, you’ll be able to expand your brand and your reach without having to do all of the work yourself.
You’ll provide the business model, the branding, and the support, and your franchisees will handle the day-to-day operations of their individual pressure washing businesses.
Of course, franchising isn’t for everyone, and it’s not a decision to be made lightly. But if you’re looking for a way to grow your pressure washing business quickly and efficiently, it’s definitely an option worth considering.
Looking to take your pressure washing business to the next level? Consider offering additional services like gutter cleaning and window washing to attract more customers and increase your revenue streams. #PressureWashing #BusinessGrowth
— ABC Pressure Washing (@ABCPressureWash) March 1, 2023
At the end of the day, the key to expanding your pressure washing business is to take things slow and steady.
Don’t try to do too much too soon, or you’ll risk burning out and losing the quality of your pressure washing services.
Instead, focus on reinvesting your profits, offering additional services, and maybe even exploring franchise opportunities down the line.
By expanding gradually and strategically, you’ll be able to build a successful pressure washing company that stands the test of time.
Conclusion
There you have it, folks. The ultimate guide on how to start a pressure washing business. We’ve covered all the bases, from choosing the right equipment to marketing your services like a boss. It’s not always going to be easy, but with hard work and determination, you can make your pressure washing dreams a reality.
Remember, success doesn’t happen overnight. It takes time, effort, and a whole lot of hustle. But if you stay focused and keep pushing forward, you’ll be amazed at what you can achieve. So, what are you waiting for? Get out there and start making your mark in the world of pressure washing. I believe in you, and I know you’ve got what it takes to crush it. Let’s do this!