When you're running your own window cleaning business, you're responsible for many tasks beyond cleaning, from prospecting and scheduling to managing clients and tracking invoices. Without dedicated software, busy owners often end up using multiple tools to handle these tasks - calendar apps for bookings, spreadsheets (or even carbon paper!) for quotes and invoices, notes on a phone or scratchpad to jot down client preferences - and things can get messy.
ServiceM8, a job management software designed for small businesses like yours, streamlines and automates tasks, making you more efficient and allowing you to focus on delivering excellent window cleaning services.
Here are the top 12 reasons why window cleaning businesses are turning to ServiceM8 software to take the "pane" out of managing their businesses:
1. Visuals in Client and Job Cards
With ServiceM8, you can add photos and videos directly to the Client Card (the client's record in your system). This feature is invaluable for window cleaning businesses, as it helps you recall specific details about repeat clients and their windows, ensuring the most efficient scheduling and service. You can also take photos with the mobile app or upload them from your camera roll and save them to the Job Card, which is a great way to capture before and after pictures to share with your clients!
2. Automated Review Requests
Positive reviews boost your online presence and attract new clients, helping you build your window cleaning business's reputation effortlessly, while negative reviews can be good learning tools. But the follow-up required to seek out those reviews is often neglected by busy businesses - that's why automation is key.
When you turn on the Customer Feedback automation, ServiceM8 automatically sends requests for feedback after you complete a job, either via text or email. If the reviews are 4 or 5 stars, clients are then directed to a special thank you page with a link to make their feedback public on Facebook or Google.
3. On-the-Spot Quotes and Approvals
When you're onsite with the customer, you can generate and send quotes directly from the ServiceM8 mobile app. Even better, clients can then approve quotes right from their mobile devices, increasing your conversion rate and enhancing customer satisfaction through efficient and professional service.
4. Online Booking Forms for Social Media and Website
ServiceM8 offers online booking for your website or social media pages, allowing clients to request quote or service appointments conveniently through an integrated online form. The form can gather as little or as much information as you deem necessary for the booking, and that information goes straight into ServiceM8. You can choose between letting clients schedule an appointment for a quote, or teaching ServiceM8 how to provide an automated quote and let clients schedule a service directly based on their form responses. Suggested booking times will even take staff schedules and travel time between jobs into account!
(As an added bonus, if you don't have a website but want one, ServiceM8 offers a very simple website package that will get your own site up and running in minutes!)
5. Free Software for Solo Window Cleaners
ServiceM8 offers a free software plan for solo operators that contains all essential features, making it perfect for small window cleaning businesses looking for risk-free ways to streamline operations without an initial investment. As your business grows, you can upgrade to a plan that corresponds to your increased volume and needs.
6. Easy-To-Standardize Pricing
If you do a lot of similar jobs in the same region, it may be helpful to set some standardized pricing. For example, in suburban neighborhoods, there are often a handful of home types in each given area, varying by builder. When you have a rough idea of the types and number of windows each model has, you can set up part numbers for that type of home, making quoting quick and accurate. (You can create services with or without options such as deep cleaning tracks, depending on client preference.) This feature standardizes your pricing and ensures consistency across all your quotes, eliminating the need for onsite "napkin math."
7. Automated Invoicing and Card Payments
As soon as you mark a job as complete, the invoice is generated. You have the option to review and approve before sending it to the client, or to have the invoice sent automatically upon completion. Your client can pay online at their convenience, or you can even take mobile payments onsite before you leave. Speedy invoicing leads to speedy payments, which is great for your cash flow and lets you move on to the next client!
And if you use accounting software, note that ServiceM8 integrates with Xero, QuickBooks Online, and MYOB, keeping your clients, materials, timesheets, and payments in sync and up to date.
8. Simplified Scheduling and Route Mapping
Scheduling becomes a lot easier when you let ServiceM8 do the lion's share of the work. Smart scheduling features like dispatch maps and integrated navigation let you organize your appointments efficiently, maximizing your time and minimizing travel between jobs. You can use booking windows for flexible jobs, auto-routing for recurring jobs, and have automated booking confirmations sent as part of your scheduling workflow.
9. Job Notes and Task Management
Add detailed notes and tasks to each job with ServiceM8. This allows you to keep track of specific client requests, such as focusing on certain windows or using particular cleaning products, ensuring tailored services that meet clients’ exact needs. And clients love it when you remember the name of their cat who is intent on attacking your squeegee through the glass!
10. On-The-Way Texts and More
ServiceM8's seamless client communication features make it easy to send appointment reminders, updates, and follow-ups through the platform, building trust and demonstrating your commitment to excellent service.
For example, you can use the mobile app to send an automatic text to your client letting them know when you're on route, and with the Track My Arrival add-on, they can even track your progress and see your estimated time of arrival. (Home owners will appreciate the ability to gauge if they have time to shower before someone's looking in their windows!)
11. Time Tracking
ServiceM8's Automated Time Tracking feature can automatically check you in and out of jobs, letting you monitor how long each job takes. This data helps you refine scheduling and ensure appropriate charging for your services, enhancing overall efficiency. If you have employees, you can also set ServiceM8 to automatically clock them in and out, which is a great way to streamline payroll.
12. Setting Up Recurring Jobs and Reminders
Convincing home owners to get their windows cleaned twice a year is not typically a hard sell, especially when they're delighted with the initial results. Commercial properties are typically cleaned even more often. Tracking and encouraging these repeat jobs should be a key part of your growth strategy.
ServiceM8 makes it easy to set up long-term recurring jobs for regular clients, and send them reminders about upcoming jobs. And if a future booking isn't confirmed, you can set an automatic reminder to follow up at the interval of your choosing, such as six or twelve months. This simple (but powerful!) feature ensures consistent service and helps you maintain a steady stream of income by automating repeat appointments.
In Summary (TL;DR)
ServiceM8 offers a comprehensive suite of features tailored to the needs of small window cleaning businesses. From visual job cards and automated review requests to easy quoting and seamless scheduling, ServiceM8 can help you streamline your operations and grow your business. Start with the free plan if you’re a solo trader, and as your business expands, take advantage of the additional features to continue delivering top-notch service to your clients.
Sign up for a free trial today, then decide which plan is right for you. See how ServiceM8 software (and telescopic poles) can take your window cleaning business to new heights! Click here to begin.
