Disaster cleanup contracting businesses face the challenge of feast or famine – busy times after storms and long stretches of waiting in between. Here are some strategies to keep your disaster cleanup contracting business active during calm periods:
Expand Your Service Offerings:
- Move Beyond Storm Cleanup: While storm cleanup is your core service, consider broadening your offerings to encompass related services in demand year-round. This could include:
- Mold remediation: Flooding can lead to mold growth. Offer mold inspection and remediation services to capitalize on your expertise in water damage restoration.
- Fire damage restoration: Similar to storm cleanup, fire restoration involves property restoration after fire damage. This skillset can be marketed to homeowners and businesses.
- Biohazard cleanup: This specialized service involves cleaning up hazardous materials like bodily fluids or chemical spills. Proper training and licensing are required.
- General junk removal: Offer services for regular household or commercial junk removal, not limited to disaster debris.
- Seasonal Services: Consider seasonal cleaning services like power washing in the spring or gutter cleaning in the fall. These can generate revenue during slower periods.
Marketing and Lead Generation:
- Network and Build Relationships: Network with local realtors, property management companies, and insurance adjusters. These professionals often encounter situations requiring your services.
- Develop a Strong Online Presence: Create a user-friendly website showcasing your services, qualifications, and past work. Optimize your website for search engines to ensure potential clients can find you easily.
- Invest in Local Marketing: Utilize local advertising platforms like newspapers, community websites, or sponsor local events to increase brand awareness. Consider targeted social media campaigns to reach relevant audiences.
- Offer Free Inspections and Estimates: Provide free inspections or estimates for potential clients. This demonstrates your expertise and builds trust, increasing the chance of securing the job.
Maintain Disaster Preparedness:
- Invest in Training and Certifications: Encourage your crew to pursue additional training and certifications in related fields like mold remediation or biohazard cleanup. This expands your service offerings and makes your company more competitive.
- Regular Equipment Maintenance: Ensure your disaster cleanup equipment is properly maintained and readily deployable. This minimizes downtime when a storm strikes.
- Develop Strong Supplier Relationships: Build strong relationships with suppliers of essential equipment and materials. This ensures you have the necessary resources readily available during a disaster.
Additional Strategies:
- Offer Referral Programs: Incentivize existing clients to refer your services to others by offering discounts or rewards.
- Stay Active in Industry Associations: Participating in industry associations allows you to network with other professionals and stay updated on industry trends and potential partnerships.
- Consider Offering Emergency Board-Up Services: Board-up services are often required after storms to secure damaged properties. This can be a valuable add-on service.
By implementing these strategies, disaster cleanup contracting businesses can diversify their income streams, stay visible during calm periods, and be prepared to hit the ground running when the next storm hits.
