First Business - Pool Service (6 months in so far)

[swaptrex]

I started a Pool Service business in September, which can be very lucrative here in FL. Built my own website (first one i've built) with wordpress, happy with the way it turned out. Installed Yoast, optimized that. Currently on page 2-3 for most local keywords, but slowly moving up. My goal is to be at the top of page one within the next 3 months.

I post ad's daily on Craigslist, on average I get about one new pool per week with that. Word of mouth has been good so far, but obviously takes a while.

I am in the process of deciding on a new advertising campaign to take my business to the next level. I've read countless hours of information regarding eddm, door hangers, door knocking, yard signs, etc. One issue is in my area, most neighborhoods are gated or at least don't allow any type of soliciting. I've done some hand-written post cards in the past, which are time consuming (but better than bulk cards imo), but didn't turn out to be a great ROI.

My goal is to build a route of 100 pools per week, as of now I have 1/4 of that.

The reason I am posting this is to get any insight as to what has worked for those in the service industry, as well as opinions in general.

[kpmgesn]

I work for a pool company on the side and thought about starting my own.. around here it seems that most people work for an already prospering company then steal clients..

Besides doing some programming with your local "Parcel Search"; Google Maps, word of mouth, and beating the path are about the only legit ways.

I might be able to help with pool questions though

[Emidoody]

Try working without a shirt on if you lift and bring a video camera. Do you have a PornHub account already set up?

[swaptrex]

Try working without a shirt on if you lift and bring a video camera. Do you have a PornHub account already set up?

Not done cutting yet...

[pbnugget]

I started a Pool Service business in September, which can be very lucrative here in FL. Built my own website (first one i've built) with wordpress, happy with the way it turned out. Installed Yoast, optimized that. Currently on page 2-3 for most local keywords, but slowly moving up. My goal is to be at the top of page one within the next 3 months.

I post ad's daily on Craigslist, on average I get about one new pool per week with that. Word of mouth has been good so far, but obviously takes a while.

I am in the process of deciding on a new advertising campaign to take my business to the next level. I've read countless hours of information regarding eddm, door hangers, door knocking, yard signs, etc. One issue is in my area, most neighborhoods are gated or at least don't allow any type of soliciting. I've done some hand-written post cards in the past, which are time consuming (but better than bulk cards imo), but didn't turn out to be a great ROI.

My goal is to build a route of 100 pools per week, as of now I have 1/4 of that.

The reason I am posting this is to get any insight as to what has worked for those in the service industry, as well as opinions in general.

Try search advertising.

[crazynewzealander]

What are you doing in terms of paid search? e.g. Google/Bing/********.

What about the keyword targeting on your site?

Give me a PM and I'll help you out.

[whosthis]

gjdm
keep grinding cuh

[swaptrex]

gjdm
keep grinding cuh

hehe ty men

[swaptrex]

What are you doing in terms of paid search? e.g. Google/Bing/********.

What about the keyword targeting on your site?

Give me a PM and I'll help you out.

I have to say 'crazynewzealander' has helped me an my business immensely! He has been helping me with seo, etc.

[pura1989]

I work for a poly group store swimming pool organization as an afterthought which gives swimming pool administrations like you. Such a great amount of gratefulness for your activity, Around here it appears that a great many people work for an effectively flourishing organization at that point take customers.

[Destor]

I work for a poly group store swimming pool organization as an afterthought which gives swimming pool administrations like you. Such a great amount of gratefulness for your activity, Around here it appears that a great many people work for an effectively flourishing organization at that point take customers.

Lawl wtf is this? It's kpmgesn's post but re-worded

This some kind of forum reply bot?

[lockdev]

Try search advertising.

Be extremely careful with this.

Google and Bing both have their vampire tactics down to a science. They will literally suck the life out of your business if you let them.

Do NOT allow Bing to do broad searches. Their algorithm is pure chit. You'll end up getting clicks from billiards-related searches.

Clicks will cost dollars each. In the service industry, expect a single click to cost you ~$5-10.

Hard to keep track of conversions with a service like yours.

[Tyler2106]

What are you doing in terms of paid search? e.g. Google/Bing/********.

What about the keyword targeting on your site?

Give me a PM and I'll help you out.

I'd like to know the answer to this.

Also, my guess is since you built your own website, you're missing keywords for web pages to look at to return your site in a web search. I built my own site and had a professional company make me a new one. They showed me all the areas I was missing for my site to be reached easier and more often organically.

My thought is if you're cleaning pools in nicer areas, your website, logo design etc play a big part in choosing you over others. If you look like you're only 6 months into business, people might pass you up for someone more experienced and with a better website / logo etc.

[BigStewTheJew]

Be careful with paid search (Google, Bing). If done well, it can be lucrative. But each click will be costly in your business since companies are willing to pay more to acquire a recurring revenue stream.

Have you considered a referral program? 2 free pool cleans for every client you refer that uses your services at least twice?

Have you tried striking a commission deal with realtors, so when they sell a house they can recommend a pool cleaner (you). Or, consider building a small code program that’ll keep track of houses w pools that sell online and auto alert you, then target said new owners w door-to-door / mail (offer a free cleaning to start).

[cooperman31]

I am a former pool route owner. Just sold my 90 pool route and am taking a few years off to travel. Took me 5 years to build it, but once I got to 50 pools I couldn't keep up with the growth. Here's what works. Forget google search and paying for clicks.

In no particular order:
1. Locate the areas you want to build your route. Use google maps to find houses with pools and direct mail them.
2. ********
3. Website
4. Ask your clients to tell their friends
5. Make some realtor friends and get them to give out your card
6. Get to know the pool builders in your area that do not also clean pools. Tell them you are looking to add to your route and work in tandem with getting their new pools taken care of by a reliable service. This helps them because they know who is taking care of their work.

The area I live in is experiencing rapid housing growth, so it was pretty easy to get new clients. Really, word of mouth is your best bet, since you don't have to convince anyone. It's a great business. I might do it again in a few years if I get bored or start a family. Good luck!

[SaltWaterPools]

Have you tried doing some keyword searches for the best performing contractors in your area? If not, select a big city and search for pool contractors in that area. See what type of words they rank for and emulate those keywords when doing ads on Google. You can also target homeowners via social media with ads on ********, Instagram and YouTube (great value BTW).

We had some luck with saltwaterpoolsmiami.com/ getting ranked on Page 1 by having a proper back link and content creation strategy.

[Stbpope]

Hopefully, by now you are ranking well and dominating your competition. I have two sites in the New Orleans area that are ranking well on google and generating a lot of calls. You are more than welcome to check them out if it helps you. Feel free to hit me up if you have any questions. Here they are and good luck everyone and keeps on lifting. Do You Even Lift? https://www.nolapoolcleaner.com/sche...intenance.html and https://www.metairiepoolcleaner.com

[SwimProWILM]

I'm considering getting into this business as well. I wanted to see if you're still in business and how it has worked out for you. I've been working on my website https://www.sparklingcleanpools.com/ and have bought a truck and supplies but I've been struggling to find work. I wanted to know what methods you found were best for getting customers. I made a ******** page but I really haven't gotten anything from that. Appreciate any advice!

[MetalMiscer]

Hi I'm looking for a job.

Where is the application? I can submit a cover letter soon.

Thanks.

[NormanPoolClean]

Be extremely careful with this.

Google and Bing both have their vampire tactics down to a science. They will literally suck the life out of your business if you let them.

Do NOT allow Bing to do broad searches. Their algorithm is pure chit. You'll end up getting clicks from billiards-related searches.

Clicks will cost dollars each. In the service industry, expect a single click to cost you ~$5-10.

Hard to keep track of conversions with a service like yours.

I'd definitely say be careful with what the Google Gods suggest. Once we learned to effectively run ads for Norman Pool Cleaning, we decided to do the OPPOSITE of whatever G-man said because, sure it gets you more clicks, but who really is buying? We'd love to help out other pool route owners if anyone needs some help. It's been a lifesaver. That, and getting a local lead generation company for leads instead of the ole HA or TT or Ang. person lol.

[Jasonw1178]

My girl owns a business and what seems to help the most is word of mouth advertising. Having a website that makes it so that clients can pay her easily through her website helps. Cashapp, vimeo, paypal, zelle, all of that. Mistake she made was paying for flyers and traditional ads. Also having a ******** page for her business helps too.