Do you know how to transform your janitorial business for the digital age? Big corporations have been using digital platforms for years. Now, it is time to take your small business to the next level. We live in a digital age world, and everything is moving fast.
Previously, if your janitorial business had digital platforms, that was considered a luxury. But now, it has become a necessity to remain competitive and succeed.
What Does it Mean to Go Digital?
Generally, going digital for your business means the integration of digital technology into all areas of the business. This will result in vital changes to how businesses operate and how they deliver value to their customers.
It is easier said than done, however, because many people like doing tasks the old way. This is why it can become uncomfortable to take risks on systems to help your business run smoother.
The Importance and Benefits of Going Digital for Your Janitorial Business
Why would you go digital with your janitorial business? Here are some reasons:
Increasing Productivity
Do you keep customers’ names on a list on your phone or computer? Does it have all their information? Or just their name, address, and phone number?
Now there are systems you can purchase for your business that has all the important information on your clients. For example, if you are cleaning someone’s home, do you know the name of their dog? Do you remember all the details the client gave you when you went on the walkthrough?
What is most frustrating for clients is they have to repeat the same information over and over. If your client asked that doorknobs be cleaned each time and they aren’t, where are you keeping that record that they want all the doorknobs cleaned? As your business grows and you have to hire more people, is the information passed to all your workers? Is it on a cleaning checklist?
Purchasing great systems for your business will optimize productivity. They will help you transform your janitorial business for the digital age.
Need an Affordable Mobile Time Tracking App for Your Employees?
Increasing Clients and Profits
According to Forbes, small businesses going digital helps to transform their business. Now more than ever, customers are looking online to find information.
Can your janitorial clients book an appointment online? Can they offer special requests, add services, or reschedule an appointment? Because people are so busy, they don’t always want to make a phone call, they may want to go quickly online. Do you offer Zoom meetings in case they aren’t able to meet you at their business or home?
When you can market to every need and every potential client, you will increase your profits.
Competitiveness
If other janitorial companies aren’t transforming their business to the digital age, it can be a competitive advantage for you.
When developing your marketing materials to show your strengths, highlight your achievements. Also, show your changes and trends that have helped increase the customer experience. Show how you are better than others.
Employee Morale
Employees like when repetitive tasks go digital. At first, change may be hard, but after they see the convenience, they will embrace the digital platforms. They will have to adapt to the change to take your business to the next level.
How to Run a Successful Janitorial Business in the Digital Age?
Here are some ideas of how you can transform your janitorial business in the digital age:
Payroll and Accounting Software
A good payroll and accounting software can help you pay your employees and manage your financial records. It can also help secure loans. Most accounting systems also send invoices and assist customers with online payments.
An Interactive Website
Your janitorial website should allow for clients to create an account. Can your clients view their invoices, pay online, make changes to their cleaning schedule, add services, and make special requests?
Social media
According to Yoast, your social media efforts need to be a part of your SEO strategy. Younger generations (Gen Z) are using platforms like TikTok and Instagram instead of Google. This means your site’s popularity on social media ties into your SEO.
If you aren’t social media savvy, consider your workers. Do any of them have a passion for social media? TikTok and Instagram are the biggest trends. Show specialized cleaning methods on videos. Also, make videos about how your business can help clients. Furthermore, encourage your employees to make videos to show that working can be fun. Join Facebook groups in your field to establish yourself as an expert.
Marketing Campaigns
If you have set up your janitorial business digitally, then now is the time to market your new features. You can create email marketing campaigns, direct mail campaigns, and other marketing materials. If you want more customers, now is the time to show off your business and how you differ from others.
Marketing can be free (with social media) and referrals. Email and direct mail marketing campaigns for new clients don’t have to be expensive. They can also be automated.
Hiring
Once you start growing your business, you may need to hire more workers. There are software systems for small businesses that help you hire. You can post jobs, take applications, reject applicants, and even do performance reviews through these systems. Obviously, this may be for businesses that have huge growth, but it can save you time and money when you need to do a lot of hiring.
Timekeeping
When investing in a timekeeping software, your workers won’t have to go to the office to clock in. For instance, if your team is using manual timesheets, they may forget to write in the time or they may put in extra time. This could cause overtime as well.
For example, with ezClocker, your employees can clock in and out with their phone or computer. It will also let you make changes to schedules. They can even request time off easily through the app.
According to Allan Dalangin, of Gecko Solutions, Allan’s janitorial staff completed manual timesheets at first. They were often filling out several days’ worth of entries in one sitting. Once he started with ezClocker, he felt like it was so simple and easy to use and understand. One feature that has been helpful, is the job code feature. He could assign a unique code to each building.
Another client of ezClocker is Jule Kuhlmann. She owns Polished to Perfection. She found timekeeping was time-consuming for her janitorial business. The data was prone to error and some of it was intentional. Some of her employees weren’t showing up when they said they were there. Once they implemented the timekeeping app, they could use the GPS function that pinned the location each time.
Furthermore, Kourtnee Howard, who owns Group K&D LLC Janitorial Services, uses ezClocker as well. She was new to owning her own business so having employees was new to her. She wasn’t sure how she was going to keep track of employees and timesheets. A business mentor and friend suggested she try ezClocker. She says it is so simple to use. Also, her workers love it too. They can use the notes section to tell her when they missed a clock in or communicate other timekeeping needs.
Streamline Your Operations
There are several paid, low-cost, and free online tools that can help your janitorial business transform into the digital age. You can even develop online cleaning checklists and procedures to ensure your company exceeds client expectations. Going digital with your janitorial business can ensure no areas are missed.
Final Thoughts
Going digital can be overwhelming, but once you do, you will find your business will run more efficiently. Make a list of areas where you need help. Research online for the best tools and software.
When you are considering going digital with your janitorial business, research your initial costs. Consider how much your investment will save you in the future. You may save on employee costs, decrease repetitive tasks, and gain future clients. Surveying your clients occasionally will help you make necessary changes.
By going digital with your janitorial business, you should see customer growth and your reputation boosted.
