Getting the hang of it (I think)

[K in Kent]

I will look into using a web site. I did see last night you can build a free one on Google, trouble is I’m not particularly tec savvy so I might get someone else to sort this for me. I’m sure I could work out the free one though but I did see an advert on FB in one of the window cleaning groups saying they can build a website and take care of it for £25 a month.. I’ll have to chew this one over… at least with a free site I would have some kind of online presence even if it’s not as fancy looking to start with as having a pro build for me - I’ll see how this one pans out, but I’m more tempted by the free one though if I’m honest?????? I have a FB page I guess that’s a start…



Learning as I go……

You don't need anything flash just clean, simple and to the point. As long as customers (and Google) can easily understand what the site is about, what you do and where you do it.
I'd recommend using WordPress and they have loads of free templates. WordPress is very easy to use and easier to optimise for better search rankings. £25/month is cheap to manage the site but what are they going to do? Does that include hosting? Gav who runs this site specialises in WordPress website maintenance that includes hosting, backups and everything you need r.e. security. He does my site and a few of my mates who I sent his way and knows his stuff. He designs sites too but if you build your own on WordPress he can take it from there. Buy yourself a domain name that ideally includes a keyword e.g. w/cleaning and / or a specific location.
I agree with ched about Wix. Stick with WordPress - they are so much better for SEO and good optimisation.
Claim a Google Business Profile (the new name for GMB) and Bing Places once you've decided on a business name and link to your website. There's loads of other stuff but one step at a time

 

[WombatPool]

Be careful with websites as there are lots of people out there claiming all sorts about getting you to page 1 on google etc.... If you go for a site I would say take some time and learn how to do it your self - don't use the likes of Wix as they lock you into their own system.

One thing you really should do asap is sign up to Google My Business and link it to your facebook page.

I sighed up for this a couple days ago I’m just waiting for Google to verify…it seems to be taking a while. I’ll get my FB page linked to it asap….

 

[WombatPool]

You don't need anything flash just clean, simple and to the point. As long as customers (and Google) can easily understand what the site is about, what you do and where you do it.
I'd recommend using WordPress and they have loads of free templates. WordPress is very easy to use and easier to optimise for better search rankings. £25/month is cheap to manage the site but what are they going to do? Does that include hosting? Gav who runs this site specialises in WordPress website maintenance that includes hosting, backups and everything you need r.e. security. He does my site and a few of my mates who I sent his way and knows his stuff. He designs sites too but if you build your own on WordPress he can take it from there. Buy yourself a domain name that ideally includes a keyword e.g. w/cleaning and / or a specific location.
I agree with ched about Wix. Stick with WordPress - they are so much better for SEO and good optimisation.
Claim a Google Business Profile (the new name for GMB) and Bing Places once you've decided on a business name and link to your website. There's loads of other stuff but one step at a time

I will check those links out thanks for the information!!

 

[WombatPool]

Whilst doing a bungalow yesterday the neighbour poked his head over the fence and asked me to pop round and give him a quote for cleaning his gutters, no clearing just cleaning… I finished the job then popped round and he accepted the price, plus I got him signed up for once a month window cleaning too! He said his window cleaner no longer turns up. He also said he is good friends with a couple of the neighbours who was also using the same window cleaner and he’ll put in a good world for me.. if something comes of that then great, 4 bungalows in a row would be nice!
Plus I had a phone call yesterday from someone I spoke to whilst out canvassing, I gave them a quote for their bungalow plus conservatory a couple days ago, and now I have them booked in for Tuesday 10am, plus they want a regular once month window clean.. dare I say it, the work is coming in.

 

[WombatPool]

Amazing what spending a few hours knocking doors can do

 

[scottish cleaning service]

Amazing what spending a few hours knocking doors can do

Easier to get work when out working, i have always found. At the start it usually takes a downturn and everything goes bad. After a year it seems to pick up but the money coming in is the major thing. I was very lucky with fire service pension, bar that I would have gave up in my first year.

 

[WombatPool]

Easier to get work when out working, i have always found. At the start it usually takes a downturn and everything goes bad. After a year it seems to pick up but the money coming in is the major thing. I was very lucky with fire service pension, bar that I would have gave up in my first year.

There was also quite a posh house opposite and I noticed a couple sat in their car for a while, I had the feeling they was going to come over and chat but they never did???maybe I got that wrong but my instinct was telling me they was interested. I’m sure they was watching me work ! I’ll knock on their door when I pop back to do those gutters on Monday!

 

[WombatPool]

I done a test patch on those gutters to see how they would clean and what the customer could expect…he was very happy but theres still some slight marks left after most of the **** was removed, but I’m thinking if I give a really good scrub with WFP I should get more of that off ??? I would rather clean every last bit of **** off and leave it perfect ideally. I used a drop of ubik…

 

[scottish cleaning service]

I always use ladders and hot water with degreaser in it then I scrub away with a small scrub pad. Use plenty of Screwfix cloths to wipe the dirt and dry the area. Don't bother how many i use (£35 for 50) and when I get home i wash them and pads in my washing machine. I clear out the gutters by hand at the same time. Two ladder limbs and two buckets. I have it down to fine art now. Use 2 or 3 ladders and jump across at the top to clean 3 or 4 metres worth. Come down and set ladders and do the next bit in all a side will take an hour. I clean the gable with my wfp because too high and never usually that dirty. Can do a semi in less than 3 hrs and usually 2hrs if its a nice day. People watching me are amazed at my circus act. ?

 

[ched999uk]

I done a test patch on those gutters to see how they would clean and what the customer could expect…he was very happy but theres still some slight marks left after most of the **** was removed, but I’m thinking if I give a really good scrub with WFP I should get more of that off ??? I would rather clean every last bit of **** off and leave it perfect ideally. I used a drop of ubik…

View attachment 27608

It's always difficult to tell how well you can clean gsf but I tend to use ubik at 1:10 (1 part Ubik 10 parts water) and unless it's hot in the summer (best not to let it dry), spray all the gsf first. Agitate the worst bits first and respray them. I then start at the point I first sprayed as it will have time to work. I use a Gardiners Supreme Taper Tec brush as it has long bristles that can get behind the gutters quite well.

 

[K in Kent]

I done a test patch on those gutters to see how they would clean and what the customer could expect…he was very happy but theres still some slight marks left after most of the **** was removed, but I’m thinking if I give a really good scrub with WFP I should get more of that off ??? I would rather clean every last bit of **** off and leave it perfect ideally. I used a drop of ubik…

View attachment 27608

Virosol is very good - it's an excellent multi purpose cleaner and inexpensive - or even some diluted thin bleach and the dirt will dissolve awat in front of you. Apply either through a backpack or a pump sprayer if using ladders to get a bit closer

 

[K in Kent]

I will check those links out thanks for the information!!

Don't know why there are 3 links cos I only added one and all go to same page.
But while you're thinking about a website you should at least claim a free listing on Google and Bing - then you could show up in the local pack = the box of 3 at the top of page 1 of local search results. You don't need a website to register. This is the link to Google

 

[Pjj]

I done a test patch on those gutters to see how they would clean and what the customer could expect…he was very happy but theres still some slight marks left after most of the **** was removed, but I’m thinking if I give a really good scrub with WFP I should get more of that off ??? I would rather clean every last bit of **** off and leave it perfect ideally. I used a drop of ubik…

View attachment 27608

Dont know if Virosol will sort that or not looks like it could be grey on the surface of the gutters bleach should remove it though

 

[K in Kent]

Dont know if Virosol will sort that or not looks like it could be grey on the surface of the gutters bleach should remove it though

If UBIK worked I'd expect Virosol to do the job, or TFR, but thin bleach would be my first choice. Funny though because customers seem to have a thing about bleach and it's usually "is that bleach you're using?"
I think they like to think we're using some wonder product they've never heard of and that's why it's costing them.
I like to carry a variety of chemicals but people forget how effective normal household bleach is, and thin bleach is easily sprayable. For some reason it's not commonly available though and mostly sold in larger supermarkets / superstores.

 

[ched999uk]

If UBIK worked I'd expect Virosol to do the job, or TFR, but thin bleach would be my first choice. Funny though because customers seem to have a thing about bleach and it's usually "is that bleach you're using?"
I think they like to think we're using some wonder product they've never heard of and that's why it's costing them.
I like to carry a variety of chemicals but people forget how effective normal household bleach is, and thin bleach is easily sprayable. For some reason it's not commonly available though and mostly sold in larger supermarkets / superstores.

Do you not worry about the bleach falling on the brickwork/render and pathways?
Do you not bleach your clothes as well when it falls/drips on you?

 

[Pjj]

Do you not worry about the bleach falling on the brickwork/render and pathways?
Do you not bleach your clothes as well when it falls/drips on you?

If you are worried about clean lines on a building or path just wet it down first before applying the bleach you only need a weak mix on plastic anyway , getting it on yourself dies happen we just put on an old jumper just in case .

 

[K in Kent]

Do you not worry about the bleach falling on the brickwork/render and pathways?
Do you not bleach your clothes as well when it falls/drips on you?

Yes it will ruin clothes so I wear waterproofs, gloves and glasses/goggles. I'm always conscious of overspray and run-off and if I consider it too risky I won't use it, eg plants and lawns. Household bleach is a 5% concentration of sodium hypo and I usually dilute it about 50/50 or maybe a bit stronger than that. But neat or diluted it won't harm bricks or render etc.
Whenever using hypo / bleach I always pre-wet (soak) adjoining areas and vegetation and keep them wet throughout as a precaution. Soak again at the end. But a diluted 5% concentration isn't going to do them any harm. I'm more wary of wood and don't use it too strong or too much on UPVC because of discolouration. It's not permanent but I'd rather avoid it if I can.
And believe me I am rather paranoid at times about damaging customers property so am extra careful with hypo/bleach and brick cleaner. But these things are perfectly safe if used at the lowest effective concentrations and sensibly with care. My aim is always to do the best possible job as safely as possible - safe as in protecting customers property. If there's a likelihood of causing damage I'll do it another way.
I'm happy to pay for products that work but at 42p for 2 litres the price is a bonus and there's often nothing better for the job. Not that I'm a bleach cowboy I hasten to add. I only mention it because it is effective for certain jobs. Other times I'll use Virosol/TFR/Screwfix. I've tried multiple products over the years but always fall back on the same few

 

[WombatPool]

Thanks for all posts and top info!!!!












I’ll let you know how things go

 

[WombatPool]

Well I got the gutters finished today. Pleased to say they came up looking pretty nice after a good scrub. There was some tiny marks left but hardly enough to worry about and you could only see them if you really took a close look. Customer was more than happy with the finish.. I can’t help the perfectionist in me saying I should of got EVERY last mark off though. I had a feeling they was left on after the last clean which was probably years ago…

Bungalow windows and conservatory booked in for tomorrow, and that’s the last of my canvassed work complete..
Had a few enquiries come in from FB yesterday so the work is slowly finding me but for the time being, I’ll need to hit the pavement again knocking doors…

Really enjoying the whole experience so far. The ball is definitely rolling.

 

[adamangler]

Enjoy these early days of building the round and watching the work come in. This was the most enjoyable stage of my business, the weekly and monthly growth of the round and the sense of bloody hell this is actually going to work i can do this!

Once you have been full a few years it loses its shine and it can get boring and relentless and an additional customer becomes a burden to an already week behind round.

 

[ched999uk]

The sense of bloody hell this is actually going to work i can do this!

Exactly, well said!