Starting a carpet cleaning business is one of the most affordable small businesses to start. Here are some great tips to follow when starting your business as well as things to do to increase your client base.

1. Start a Carpet Cleaning Business Brought to you by the business experts at www.demandmart.com

2. Starting a carpet cleaning business of your own is one of the easiest small businesses to set up. The initial costs will likely be within your reach and the profit margin can be astonishing. According to studies, it is one of the most stable businesses, and will grow quickly to bring you monetary rewards over a relatively short period of time.

3. Develop a Solid Business Plan You will need to develop a professional carpet cleaning business plan before you start your carpet cleaning business, in order to ensure that it will run profitably.

4. Investments When you're starting a carpet cleaning business, you will need to make investments in the equipment and supplies. Equipment. There are 2 types of cleaning machines on the market: Truck mounted system. This machine is powerful and expensive; those of good quality are available for about $19,000 to $25,000. If you are using these units, you can charge more for your services. Freestanding portable unit. This is not as expensive as the truck mounted variety, and is available for about $3,000. Note: If you do not have the capital yet, you may opt to rent equipment when starting your business. Supplies. You will save a lot of money if you purchase your cleaning supplies in bulk quantities.

5. Budgeting Determine the number of jobs you will need to start a carpet cleaning business. On the basis of the number of rooms and size of the area, calculate your service costs. Set your target earning for the first year, and prepare your budget accordingly.

6. Obtaining a License Before starting a carpet cleaning business, you will need to apply for a business license. Inquire at the Small Business Administration about the requirements for obtaining a license. Most states do not require the carpet cleaning business owner to get bonded.

7. Obtaining Certifications You may want to enroll in professional training courses that will certify you as a professional carpet cleaner. Select institutes that have been approved by the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification.

8. Building your Company’s Image Socialize in your community. When you're starting a carpet cleaning business, it is important to attend parties, local events, church, etc., are opportunities to draw attention to your business. So be sure to go out once in a while and introduce yourself as the owner of your business. This will get the word out and provide you with free advertising. Dress for success. If your company has a fun, outgoing image and takes a non-traditional approach to business, you will need to keep up appearances by being more colorful and upbeat than most people. Your home, car, and manner of dress must be congruent with your business brand, or people may not perceive you as a quality service provider when starting a carpet cleaning business.

9. Interact with your customers. Many people prefer businesses that offer a more personalized experience, and the opportunity to interact with the owners. This will enable you to get feedback on your services firsthand when you're just starting a carpet cleaning business, and to see things from the customer’s perspective. Become a recognized expert.It is crucial that you, the owner of the company, are perceived as an expert in your industry. Recognition ensures that your company will receive positive public exposure when you're starting a carpet cleaning business, thus, empowering you to build your brand in a number of unique ways. You can discuss industry-related topics and your business on a company blog or offer your services to trade magazines on a consultancy basis.

10. Provide a personalized experience. When you pay attention to small details that matter to the customer, you make them feel valued and at home with your business. It is especially important to stand out in this manner among all the impersonal big businesses when you're starting a carpet cleaning business. It may be something as simple as remembering your customer's preferences or sealing your envelopes with stickers bearing your logo.