With the continuous problem that has to do with the economy, more and more people slash off the budget that they set aside to pay for cleaning services. Since this happens, different cleaning business, need to also cut down their expenses in order for them to be able to adapt to the hard and trying times in their business. However, despite the current economic crisis, it isn’t advisable for cleaning service owners to cut down on their advertising budget. When things get tight, cut back in other ways, look for better routes to save gas, reschedule clients so that you can cut back on mileage, fuel and repairs. Buy cleaning supplies in bulk and look for alternatives. Repair cleaning equipment instead of buying new, etc. Customers are still out there looking for cleaning services, no question about that.

Look for less expensive and more effective types of advertising. The Cleaning Service Directory for example is one of the least expensive directories online, and you will not pay for every lead you receive. Craigslist is also a wonderful resource and it's free (so far). Keep yourself out there, once you pull back, you will obviously get a decrease in new client sign ups. It's just that simple. Think before you make cuts!

The CSD charges only $9.95 month for a Premier Membership with unlimited leads. The Basic members also get unlimited leads, but much less attention to their ads, so the savings of $5 a month is still not worth it. Most of the members that cancel their ads on the CSD are basic members because they have not gotten enough attention to their advertising efforts. You have to be at or very near the top of the list to get that exposure you need. Many people looking for a cleaning service will go from the top to the bottom of the list. The higher you are, the more leads you will get.

If you advertise for a year and you get only 1 lead that turns into a weekly or biweekly account, it will way more than pay for itself!

What is the best way to get a lot of exposure? First, don't ever put all your eggs in one basket, but don't spread your advertising around too much either. It is best to pick a handful of places to advertise and go for better places listings.

Anytime you can get your company on the top of the list without spending too much, the investment should be seriously considered. If you have ads on 10, 20 30 or more directories and other media, and you are at the bottom of each one of them, they won't do you much good; best to be at least at the top 5 or 6.

The point is, in times of crisis, try to be more aggressive when it comes to advertising and you will surely see how this tactic will do your business and your profit good.

For more: How to start a cleaning service