Starting your own pressure washing company can be an enriching experience. However, a common obstacle can stop budding entrepreneurs from turning a profit.
Knowing how to get commercial pressure washing jobs is one of the most vital things you must learn to succeed. You can have the best equipment and know how to blast away stains in minutes, but your business will quickly falter if you don’t have clients.
We’ve compiled this guide exploring how to get commercial pressure washing contracts to help you get over the hump. You’ll learn the pros and cons of all of the standard marketing methods, giving you an action plan that will help you finally get some wins.
Don’t hesitate to talk to our team at RJP Hotsy if you want more advice on pressure washing. We’re New Jersey’s top pressure washing retailer, featuring an industry expert team with all the tips and recommendations you need to begin.
How to Get Commercial Pressure Washing Contracts
Whether you’re just beginning to learn how to start a pressure washing business or your company has been a prominent local provider for decades, generating new leads and clients is essential.
The good news is that learning how to get commercial pressure washing contracts doesn’t have a one-size-fits-all solution. You can choose several options depending on your ideal client, available equipment, and reputation.
So expect to learn how to get commercial pressure washing jobs by trying different methods before landing on a few that work best.
Start By Identifying Your Ideal Client
When you’re a hungry new entrepreneur trying to figure out how to get commercial pressure washing contracts, you might think that any client is your ideal client.
But this is a huge mistake for several reasons.
Firstly, there’s your peace of mind. Do you want to perform week-long jobs for pennies on the dollar for clients who demand the world of you? That’s a one-way ticket to burnout.
You also don’t want to be working on job sites you aren’t comfortable with. For example, if you hate the smell of saltwater and biofilm, you don’t want to market yourself exclusively to marinas and docks.
When narrowing down your client base, consider practical business reasons. For example, learning how to get commercial pressure washing jobs in a specific niche can help you quickly build your portfolio.
Think about it–who will a restaurant manager choose, the “we-do-it-all” company that doesn’t have any testimonials from the food and beverage industry or your specialized outfit that has already helped their competitors achieve jaw-dropping results?
To find your ideal client, we recommend starting with two lists: a list of your “favorite” jobs, or at least those you have the most experience doing, plus a second list of jobs that fit the equipment and staff you currently have.
For example, you may have previously cleaned food processing plants as a hired employee, but if your brand-new company doesn’t have the right equipment, you might need to stick with more straightforward tasks like sidewalks or wood decks.
Once you find that perfect intersection of the two lists, you’ll focus most of your marketing strategy on clients in those industries.
Offer Competitive Pricing and Service Packages
One mistake new entrepreneurs make when learning how to get commercial pressure washing jobs is trying to compete on price alone.
Pricing your services lower than every competitor might attract interest, but only from nightmare clients who don’t pay on time or nitpick everything about how you clean.
Often, these clients will abandon you when another company lowers its prices or offers a discount, creating a race to the bottom in which no one is happy.
Instead, we recommend using “package” pricing. This allows you to offer a lower-budget option to get your foot in the door while adding “premium” services. Potential clients appreciate this level of professionalism, and you can upsell them later.
Scaled pricing is widespread in cafes and fast-food restaurants. These businesses offer small, medium, and extensive options to appeal to different segments of their market. You can adopt the same strategy for your business.
As your packages become more detailed and expensive, try to solve new problems for the consumer. Your basic package may only include standard pressure washing, but you may add another with sanitization, emergency cleaning services, rust removal, etc.
You can even combine your pressure washing services with other tasks, such as recycling or trash removal, machine maintenance, painting, or landscaping.
Knocking on Doors
A standard recommendation you’ll hear when first learning how to get commercial pressure washing jobs is to knock on as many doors as possible.
But cold knocking like this isn’t always the best method.
Many businesses simply don’t have a problem your company can solve. Small companies may not need pressure washing; they just need to dust their shelves occasionally.
Conversely, giant corporations may already have in-house cleaning departments that eliminate the need for your services.
While you can still find clients this way, it may be a waste of time. Instead, we recommend doing your research before stepping foot on any property. Ask yourself these questions:
- Who makes cleaning decisions at this company?
- What problems (stains) can you help with?
- Why is your company best equipped to help?
Then, show up to their property with a concise, one—or two-page report. Give it to them for free (as a mini ‘consultation’), and get it in the right hands. Your odds of signing a new client will be far higher.
Cold Calling or Emailing
Cold calls or emails are a numbers game, like knocking on random doors. You must identify who you need to contact at the company to increase your odds. Social media sites like LinkedIn can help you in this process, and it helps if you also have a presence on these websites.
You aim to make your “cold” call or email as warm as possible. That way, you can get past the initial spam filter (or skeptical receptionist) and make your pitch.
Remember, your business solves a significant problem for these brands, so don’t be afraid to promote yourself.
Traditional Advertising Strategies
Direct mail, which involves sending leaflets or postcards to bulk addresses, is a nice way to find new clients, especially for businesses not on social media.
Wrapping your work truck with your logo and contact information can also create a moving billboard.
Local commercials, magazine ads, and referral programs are reliable ways to find new customers.
Digital Advertising Techniques
In the modern digital age, if your business isn’t on social media, you’re missing out on an untold amount of potential revenue.
The scope of social media can be intimidating at first glance, but you don’t need to go viral to find success. Start with one or two platforms and post content at a comfortable rate.
You need enough so companies don’t feel you’re a complete unknown. Post before-and-after images, client testimonials, or short videos highlighting why your services are so essential.
A helpful analogy is that your businesses’ social media pages are like virtual business cards. If a potential client has a great first impression, you’re more likely to work with them.
Ensure your business has a profile on Google, Yelp, and other review aggregator websites. This further increases the security and authenticity of your brand, helping potential clients feel more confident in choosing you.
Seasonal Promotions
Great marketers know that there is always a good reason for a sale. Promotions centered around seasons and holidays will let potential clients feel they are getting a great deal of your services.
Try to highlight the various stains that are unique to each season. For example, you could offer de-wintering services in the spring, clear leaves in the fall, or blast away mildew in the summer.
By highlighting a company’s pain point stains, you’ll be the first person they think of when they decide to have their premises cleaned.
Partner With Industry Professionals
Some of your best pressure washing clients can come from other professionals.
Your goal is to act as an extension of their businesses. You could work with a local cleaning company to subcontract work in exchange for a testimonial.
Another option is to partner with entrepreneurs in an adjacent field. For example, you could become the go-to pressure washing company for a local commercial real estate agent, painter, or general contractor.
You can even package your services together, providing value to your clients and allowing you to consolidate some of your marketing budget with another company.
Network With Local Businesses
Sometimes, there is no replacement for a simple networking conversation. Attending chamber of commerce meetings and network events or being active on LinkedIn can help you effectively get your brand’s name out there.
Consider Free Trials to Get Your Foot in the Door
Free work isn’t for everyone, but if you’re still struggling to find new clients, some “sample work” can be profitable in the long term.
We recommend offering straightforward services, such as a free cleaning assessment or one-time spot cleaning in a small area. If businesses can visually see the contrast between your cleaning and their standard procedures, they’re more likely to call you back for more work.
Incentivize Referrals From Existing Clients
Referral programs are beneficial for both your existing clients and your own company.
Offer them enticing incentives for bringing in new customers. For example, you can offer a complimentary cleaning for everyone they bring in or 50% off services for them and the new client.
This may seem like a loss of value initially, but think of it this way. Rather than spending time and money on advertising, door-knocking, or content, you’re letting your clients market for you.
One helpful way is to include referral programs in surveys you hand out to existing clients. Ask them if referrals would incentivize them so that you’re planting the idea in their minds. This is also a great time to gather information on your services to ensure you do the best possible job.
How to Bid on Government Projects
Government contracts are the golden goose for many pressure washing companies, but they require an established reputation and track record.
Schools, courthouses, streets, parking lots, and parks all fall under this umbrella. Once you’ve built your reputation, we recommend starting with local and municipal contracts.
Each jurisdiction has specific job boards, but most will be online. You must do your homework, develop detailed work plans, and comply with local environmental, safety, and insurance regulations.
Make Sure You’re Providing World-Class Service Every Time
Marketing is vital to finding new clients–but it isn’t the only part of the equation. If you aren’t providing the best possible service for your existing customers, you’ll never get the referrals to build the necessary reputation you need.
Quality service starts with the best commercial pressure washer equipment. If you’re in the Garden State, you can find that right here at RJP Hotsy New Jersey.
We’ve supplied commercial cleaning equipment to thousands of local businesses, from the Phillies to local mom-and-pop shops.
We sell commercial pressure washer trailers in NJ for large-scale jobs, commercial pressure washer leasing in NJ if you’re just getting started, and rentals for temporary fixes.
We’re proud to be the state’s only authorized Hotsy dealer. Hotsy is an industry titan with a track record spanning 5 decades. We have a large inventory of commercial hot water pressure washers in New Jersey and commercial cold water pressure washers in New Jersey, depending on the stains you typically work with.
Our knowledgeable team will help you choose the equipment to please your ideal clients. We’ll also help you decide which side of the electric vs gas pressure washer debate to choose, select detergent, and recommend accessories.
You can also visit us for repairs or maintenance issues. We’re the state’s #1 pressure washer service shop thanks to our speedy service and knowledgeable technicians.
Final Words on How to Get Commercial Pressure Washing Jobs
Commercial pressure washing is lucrative if you know how to market. By focusing on your ideal clients and specializing, you’ll become a reliable provider for your loyal customers and keep money flowing into your business.
But loyalty only goes so far if you don’t also provide stellar work. For that, we recommend investing in top-quality pressure washing equipment. RJP Hotsy is the #1 retailer of commercial pressure washers in New Jersey.
Our team will assess your current equipment setup and help you ensure the best possible results for your clients. Stop by our New Egypt store or call us today to learn more!
