Why should a carpet-cleaning company have a web site?  First, it's super cheap.  Many companies find it's one of the best returns on their advertising dollar. But that’s not all. Not by a long shot.

Why should a carpet-cleaning company have a web site?  First, it's super cheap.  Many companies find it's one of the best returns on their advertising dollar. But that’s not all. Not by a long shot.

A well-designed web site with a good sales message and solid strategy will bring in new clients.  And the cost is usually much cheaper than most Yellow Page ads.  The Internet is the new Yellow Pages.

The problem I've found is, many cleaning company owners don't know what to include in their web site.

What Makes a Good Web Site For a Carpet Cleaning Business?
The first thing to keep in mind is that you've got tons of room on a webpage.  It's not like a Yellow Pages or newspaper ad where you're paying for space.  Most websites have space for thousands of pictures, hundreds of videos, and tens of thousands of words.  Take advantage of it.  Make sure your webpage has solid content.

Just like any ad media, keep in mind what your target market is doing when they see your ad. In the case of the Internet, they are searching for a local cleaning company they can trust.  This is the most important key point.  Everything you do on your web site needs to reflect "I'm local" and "You can trust me".

Here some ways to show you are local and can be trusted:

• Plaster your city name at the top of your webpage
• Create a header graphic that includes well-known landmarks in your city
• Have your city name embedded in the title tag and meta-tags
• Include pictures of you, your shop, your trucks, your employees, and your clients
• Include videos of your cleaning system, testimonials, and personal message from the owner

With most carpet cleaning web sites, you can't even tell which city the company is located.  This should be very obvious within the first three seconds.  Including pictures of landmarks and placing your city name at the head of the web site can make a difference in whether or not a web surfer stays on your page or clicks the “back” button.

Your web site needs to have enough text to show Google you have a site of some importance.  If your site is filled with pictures and flash graphics and has very little text, your site won't rank well.  Plus, your prospect won't have very much information to read about your company.  Keep in mind, your prospect is on the Internet to read information about cleaning companies.  Give them something to read and to keep them on your site.

More stuff that really helps your web site sell:

• Information on each of your services
• Testimonials from clients who love you
• Call to action. Make sure you tell your prospect what you want them to do
• A blog, where you can post current specials and happenings about your company
• Your written guarantee with all the details
• Estimate inquiry form. Let them get an estimate while on your site
• ”Opt-in box”  for your e-mail newsletter

I know what you may be thinking.  You don't know where to start.  Some of this stuff may be completely brand-new to you.  But the Internet is really not hard to figure out; you just have to take a little time and do some research.  Or, contact a qualified web professional to help you.

The time and money you invest in the Internet will reward you handsomely.