[Liam Abbott]

Hello all,


I've been reading the forum for a few days and decided to sign up having read some good advice on the many threads already on here. Therefore I am looking for your opinions and advice as a new starter.

In February I bought a Prochem Steempro 2000 carpet soil extractor and the following chemicals;

Prochem Ultrapac Renovate Pre Spray
Prochem Extraclean/Extraction Plus
Prochem Powdered Defoamer
Prochem Stain Pro
Prochem Citrus Gel
Crafted Kill Odour Deoderiser

Following this, I bought a van and started a Facebook page (Lancashire Carpet & Upholstery Cleaning). I then secured a few jobs from Facebook, including single room jobs up to full houses. About 4 or 5 jobs in total within the first few weeks. This was from sharing my page on to buy swap sell pages etc. Obviously 4 or 5 jobs over 3 weeks or so isn't a great amount of money, however I was happy with it as I was just starting out. Due to COVID 19 I am currently not working and I have put the machine away for now. Therefore I decided to use this time to research and learn marketing techniques from experienced people on here. Just prior to lockdown I got 5,000 leaflets however I only managed to post 100 before the lockdown so I am waiting to post them when able to do so.

From reading posts on here, it appears Facebook isn't the best for getting work and I can confirm that most enquiries lead to nothing once you give a price which is what most people have said in the threads I have read on here.

I also, possibly wrongly, assumed that the less affluent areas would provide most custom, however that appears to be incorrect having read posts on here and I am looking forward to targeting more affluent areas post lockdown. (The 100 leaflets I did post was to mainly terraced houses worth about 90k).

I also spoke to Yell on the phone recently but during the call they seemed very keen to get a sale. This made me suspicious as to why they were so keen to get my custom if they were so successful... surely losing my custom wouldn't mean much in that case. I then read reviews online and I am now of the opinion that Yell probably isn't worth it.


That leads me on to following questions. Firstly, what would you all suggest is the best marketing model for securing jobs. As a new starter I initially assumed facebook, but having read posts on here it appears that targeted leaflet drops in affluent areas is probably better.

This brings me on to the question of a website. A good point was raised by a member on here, stating that most customers would look online at the company after receiving the leaflet prior to making the call, and if you have no website you are potentially getting work for the other companies when they do the Google search. Therefor is it worth getting a website?

Finally, who do you use for leaflets and do they also do designs as I could do with a proper design as I made mine on a flyer maker app. Also, any suggestions on where to start in getting a website would be appreciated.

Is the machine I got a good one in your opinion?

Going forward, from reading posts on here, my plan would be to get a website up and running, get leaflets printed with the website on it and target larger properties (200k+). What are your views?

I am open to all suggestions and willing to to advice from anyone. Thanks in advance.

[dustee]

Have you considered any sort of training before you actually go any further as you make no mention of doing any

[Liam Abbott]

Have you considered any sort of training before you actually go any further as you make no mention of doing any

Hi mate,

I'm waiting for a training course with Prochem currently. Prior to starting I worked with a mate of mine who has been established a few years to get an understanding of the industry. Just waiting for the proper training once things hopefully go back to normal.

[Mike Halliday]

You need a website, and start researching & learning how to use Google Adwords.

You need to target ‘quality’ customers these don’t always live in high value homes  they can live in terraced houses and if you are leafleting then you can pick the better areas. Have a high minimum charge  and only give in home quotes don’t give prices over the phone or on  messenger ( so keep your work very local)

I hate Facebook it’s full of idiots, if I had to use Facebook to find work I would pack it in.

[Liam Abbott]

You need a website, and start researching & learning how to use Google Adwords.

You need to target ‘quality’ customers these don’t always live in high value homes  they can live in terraced houses and if you are leafleting then you can pick the better areas. Have a high minimum charge  and only give in home quotes don’t give prices over the phone or on  messenger ( so keep your work very local)

I hate Facebook it’s full of idiots, if I had to use Facebook to find work I would pack it in.

Mike - Cheers for the reply. I've read a lot of your content on other threads and you provide great advice to new starters which is nice to see. I am definitely going to get a website started and I'll look into Google Adwords.

So would you say the best method is old fashioned leaflet drops in quality areas?

Just out of interest why do you only quote in person? What is the downside of getting them to send you photos of the job?

Thanks again
Liam

[mjm]

Why are you going to prochem for training  there only round the corner from me  in london your from Lancashire   theres companies closer and all the courses cover the same content 

[Liam Abbott]

Why are you going to prochem for training  there only round the corner from me  in london your from Lancashire   theres companies closer and all the courses cover the same content

They do them up here also. It was included with my machine. 👍

[mjm]

Why are you going to prochem for training  there only round the corner from me  in london your from Lancashire   theres companies closer and all the courses cover the same content

They do them up here also. It was included with my machine. 👍

Ah   got it  mate good luck

[Mike Halliday]

You need a website, and start researching & learning how to use Google Adwords.

You need to target ‘quality’ customers these don’t always live in high value homes  they can live in terraced houses and if you are leafleting then you can pick the better areas. Have a high minimum charge  and only give in home quotes don’t give prices over the phone or on  messenger ( so keep your work very local)

I hate Facebook it’s full of idiots, if I had to use Facebook to find work I would pack it in.

Mike - Cheers for the reply. I've read a lot of your content on other threads and you provide great advice to new starters which is nice to see. I am definitely going to get a website started and I'll look into Google Adwords.

So would you say the best method is old fashioned leaflet drops in quality areas?

Just out of interest why do you only quote in person? What is the downside of getting them to send you photos of the job?

Thanks again
Liam

You can’t quote from a photo, maybe a suite if they send 2-3 photos  but I like to see the job in person to work out how long the job will take so I can give an exact price.  Sounds corny but I’m selling me not carpet cleaning unless I’m stood in front of them they can’t see what I’m offering. I’m an incredibly likeable person who exudes  Professionalism.  Once the customer has spoken to me they feel confident they will get the best job possible...... this cannot be done over the phone.

[Liam Abbott]

You need a website, and start researching & learning how to use Google Adwords.

You need to target ‘quality’ customers these don’t always live in high value homes  they can live in terraced houses and if you are leafleting then you can pick the better areas. Have a high minimum charge  and only give in home quotes don’t give prices over the phone or on  messenger ( so keep your work very local)

I hate Facebook it’s full of idiots, if I had to use Facebook to find work I would pack it in.

Mike - Cheers for the reply. I've read a lot of your content on other threads and you provide great advice to new starters which is nice to see. I am definitely going to get a website started and I'll look into Google Adwords.

So would you say the best method is old fashioned leaflet drops in quality areas?

Just out of interest why do you only quote in person? What is the downside of getting them to send you photos of the job?

Thanks again
Liam

You can’t quote from a photo, maybe a suite if they send 2-3 photos  but I like to see the job in person to work out how long the job will take so I can give an exact price.  Sounds corny but I’m selling me not carpet cleaning unless I’m stood in front of them they can’t see what I’m offering. I’m an incredibly likeable person who exudes  Professionalism.  Once the customer has spoken to me they feel confident they will get the best job possible...... this cannot be done over the phone.

That is a good point. Thanks.

[Martin OBrien]

Hello all,


I've been reading the forum for a few days and decided to sign up having read some good advice on the many threads already on here. Therefore I am looking for your opinions and advice as a new starter.

In February I bought a Prochem Steempro 2000 carpet soil extractor and the following chemicals;

Prochem Ultrapac Renovate Pre Spray
Prochem Extraclean/Extraction Plus
Prochem Powdered Defoamer
Prochem Stain Pro
Prochem Citrus Gel
Crafted Kill Odour Deoderiser

Following this, I bought a van and started a Facebook page (Lancashire Carpet & Upholstery Cleaning). I then secured a few jobs from Facebook, including single room jobs up to full houses. About 4 or 5 jobs in total within the first few weeks. This was from sharing my page on to buy swap sell pages etc. Obviously 4 or 5 jobs over 3 weeks or so isn't a great amount of money, however I was happy with it as I was just starting out. Due to COVID 19 I am currently not working and I have put the machine away for now. Therefore I decided to use this time to research and learn marketing techniques from experienced people on here. Just prior to lockdown I got 5,000 leaflets however I only managed to post 100 before the lockdown so I am waiting to post them when able to do so.

From reading posts on here, it appears Facebook isn't the best for getting work and I can confirm that most enquiries lead to nothing once you give a price which is what most people have said in the threads I have read on here.

I also, possibly wrongly, assumed that the less affluent areas would provide most custom, however that appears to be incorrect having read posts on here and I am looking forward to targeting more affluent areas post lockdown. (The 100 leaflets I did post was to mainly terraced houses worth about 90k).

I also spoke to Yell on the phone recently but during the call they seemed very keen to get a sale. This made me suspicious as to why they were so keen to get my custom if they were so successful... surely losing my custom wouldn't mean much in that case. I then read reviews online and I am now of the opinion that Yell probably isn't worth it.


That leads me on to following questions. Firstly, what would you all suggest is the best marketing model for securing jobs. As a new starter I initially assumed facebook, but having read posts on here it appears that targeted leaflet drops in affluent areas is probably better.

This brings me on to the question of a website. A good point was raised by a member on here, stating that most customers would look online at the company after receiving the leaflet prior to making the call, and if you have no website you are potentially getting work for the other companies when they do the Google search. Therefor is it worth getting a website?

Finally, who do you use for leaflets and do they also do designs as I could do with a proper design as I made mine on a flyer maker app. Also, any suggestions on where to start in getting a website would be appreciated.

Is the machine I got a good one in your opinion?

Going forward, from reading posts on here, my plan would be to get a website up and running, get leaflets printed with the website on it and target larger properties (200k+). What are your views?

I am open to all suggestions and willing to to advice from anyone. Thanks in advance.

Hi Liam, I've got the same machine as you.. and I find it very good.. although on times I would like a bit more water pressure and heated water.. but it's a bloody good work horse... 👍

As for advertising I'm planning a flyer drop myself , of 10,000 flyers per month.. I've got a professional designer to put them together, and a professional company to deliver them.. I find Facebook ok.. but not the best... it's ok for little silly jobs to top your day up here and there... but good quality jobs are few and far between.. I also advertise in my local paper... and I find that fantastic.. it costs me £18.00 a week... and I can see me bringing in £2000.00 a month from it... not every month but it does really well.. I've also got a door canvasser working.. she only does about 5-10 hours a week.. but I can cherry pick the areas she works... and  this can be a good source of leads...

I also agree with Mike on the going to the home to sit a lead... in my opinion you have a far better chance of closing the sale in person than you have over the phone... plus the client gets the chance to meet you also... I'll try and sit every lead that I get... yes it does take a little bit of time.. but it's certainly worth it... you can also answer any questions that the client has too...  as Mike said... you are selling yourself too... if they like you.. you'll get the job... it also shows a level of professionalism that many of your competitors don't have... 👍

Hope this helps..😊

Best wishes
Martin..

[Cleanevangelist]

Liam

Use Facebook to talk to past clients. upload your database.

Ian Harper

[madeads]

Hi Liam,

Props to you for being proactive and trying out different things, rather than sitting on your backside and waiting for money to fall from the trees.

As Mike suggested, one of the most effective things you can do to attract new customers is Google Adwords, which is actually now called Google Ads.

I've recently joined the forum myself and I actually have extensive experience using Google Ads, as I've been using it on and off since 2007.

I'll be happy to help you get started and do a test campaign for you, if you are willing to cover the ad cost. I'm not too sure what the demand is like in Lancashire for carpet cleaning, but we can always give it a try and see what happens.

Feel free to send me a PM, if this sounds interesting.

Thanks

Stephan

[RPCCS]

I advertise on fb, but as alot of the others have said, most just want a price and when you say you need to see the carpets in person to quote as it depends on size, level of soiling and type of carpet, they just lose interest and move on to someone else who will give them what they want. I am starting to get mote enquiries, but not going out flyering yet.

[Robroy]

I only bought my equipment last October, it has been very slow,  I have a guy who is going to sort the Google Ads for me  this week,
I have to pay him a fee each month but he specialises in Carpet cleaners, his job is to make sure I get the best traffic.
Hopefully its going to work !!
And I agree about facebook, as soon as you give them the price via message it all goes quiet, I know some people do well with it but has been abysmal for me.
I will be doing more quotes on site when possible from now on 

[madeads]

I only bought my equipment last October, it has been very slow,  I have a guy who is going to sort the Google Ads for me  this week,
I have to pay him a fee each month but he specialises in Carpet cleaners, his job is to make sure I get the best traffic.
Hopefully its going to work !!
And I agree about facebook, as soon as you give them the price via message it all goes quiet, I know some people do well with it but has been abysmal for me.
I will be doing more quotes on site when possible from now on 

Let me know how Google Ads works out for you. There are plenty of "specialists" who charge crazy money, but get gibberish traffic that doesn't convert.

From my experience, it's an excellent tool for getting very targeted leads for reasonable money and you can customise it to suit your budget.

[Robroy]

paid the guy.today the setup fee , so hopefully i will be up and running next week , it will be interesting to see if the phone starts ringing , it needs too because its not cheap advertsing .
Will post up on how its going 

[madeads]

paid the guy.today the setup fee , so hopefully i will be up and running next week , it will be interesting to see if the phone starts ringing , it needs too because its not cheap advertsing .
Will post up on how its going 

Thanks, keep me updated, would like to know how this works out for you, because if not, then I'm willing to do this for you and see what I can make of it on my end.

[Cleanevangelist]

Liam Abbott, Hi

your skill set need to be well rounded apart from the tech stuff, i hope you did prochem courses they are the best around.

you sucess will come from these other skills. they are things like photography, design, marketing, customer service, and many more. you should always be expanding these other skills as needed. paying others is expensive and will affect your profit.  good news is Microsoft is making some courses free until next year.

https://eu.usatoday.com/story/tech/2020/06/30/jobs-microsoft-linkedin-online-courses-address-covid-19-work-crisis/3280608001/

I think the online marketing will be a great start. but there are a few on the list that will help you. I would also seek out any od seth godin books and read them all.

Learning is about making mistakes. its always amazing when I create anything its always the best thing I have ever done then days, weeks, months later I can see all the mistakes. so the lesson is make mistakes but dont spend loads of money on any one thing until you know it works.

One massive tip read

Profit First: Transform Your Business from a Cash-Eating Monster to a Money-Making Machine  By Mike Michalowicz

Good luck

Ian Harper

[RPCCS]

The problem O find is trying to get the fb enquiry to a home visit. I explain why a home visit is essential to quote and promise no hard sell, but 90% of the time it leads to nothing.