Congratulations! You’ve made it through the First Seven Steps to Starting a Weekly Pool Care Business. If you haven’t already read part 1, I encourage you to go back and complete those steps before starting on this next journey.
Lets recap what you’ve accomplished thus far. You have defined your concept, conducted market research, chose a business name, registered your business name with your state, received your EIN & LLC paperwork, and you have set up your business operations office. You are ready to move on to Part 2.
Here’s your guide to the next 7 steps to getting your new weekly pool care business up and running… The fun part!
1. Set up Bookkeeping and Accounting Systems: I recommend using QuickBooks to track your business success. QuickBooks online is extremely easy to use, and it offers so many great features to run your business with ease. I hope you have a professional accountant or at the very least, a bookkeeper that can get connected to your QuickBooks account. The most important thing is to get your chart of accounts set up properly from the start. This will help you get the most accurate and actionable data out of QuickBooks so you can track the health of your business. Most importantly you can send invoices and get paid. You can get discounts on QuickBooks by using our link at the top of this page.
2. Set up a QuickBooks Payments Account: During the QuickBooks set up you will be asked about setting up a payment (Merchant) account. This will allow you to send pay-enabled invoices to your customers with a button for your customers to pay online using a credit card, debit card, bank transfer, Apple Pay, PayPal, or Venmo. You can also set up recurring invoices that are emailed every month with an option for your customers to set up AutoPay. AutoPay means you get paid faster and aren’t wasting time chasing down past due invoices.
3. Open up a Business Checking account: Actually, you will want to set up two business checking accounts. My first recommendation is to open up a business checking account with a local bank. You can set up QuickBooks to use this new business checking account for all payments and deposits. Be sure to find a bank with free business checking and make sure the bank is on the list of approved banks that will sync inside of QuickBooks. Also, make sure you will be able to mobile deposit checks.
4. Open a QuickBooks Checking Account: This option will become available not long after using your QuickBooks account. It is not available right away and when you first sign up the mobile deposit feature will not automatically be available. That comes 4-6 months after using the QuickBooks checking account. The major downside to the QuickBooks checking account is that the mobile deposit feature is not available right away and it doesn’t accept every check. This is why I highly recommend having a local business checking account to get those checks deposited in a timely manner. You will be able to transfer those funds quickly and easily between accounts. The major upside to opening a QuickBooks Checking account is envelopes. Envelopes are like savings accounts. I will be writing more about how to use envelopes but for right now they will help you put away money for taxes, profit, sales tax, and more.
5. Set up a Google Business Page: This is where pool owners go first to search for “Pool Service Near Me”. And it is – FREE! As I write this blog, I looked up some performance stats on my google business page. From April 2023 – September 2023 my page received 567 views, 63 interactions, 50 searches 16 phone calls, and 46 website clicks. This might not seem like much, but… I have gained 90% of my business from my google business page.
6. Establish a Professional Website: A website should include detailed information about your services, pricing, and contact information. Your website needs to be engaging. Make it easy for customers to contact you either via email or by phone. If you need help with logo design, website creation, SEO, internet marketing, website support, or print designs I encourage you to reach out to Sumy Designs. You can view other pool business websites in their portfolio of pool & spa companies.
7. Provide Exceptional Customer Service: Deliver exceptional customer service to establish a loyal customer base. Be responsive to inquiries and provide prompt, reliable service. Be knowledgeable, courteous, and professional. Communicate regularly with clients to update them on service schedules, maintenance tips, and any upcoming changes. Building strong relationships with customers will lead to positive word of mouth referrals and long-term success. This business is not about the one big win. It is a long game strategy of success.
Good work! You’ve made it through 14 steps to your business success. Starting a weekly pool care business requires careful planning, market analysis, and a commitment to exceptional customer service. By following the steps I’ve outlined in this two-part series, you can lay a strong foundation for your business and position yourself for success. Remember, consistency, professionalism, and continuous improvement are the keys to thriving in this business.
Don’t hesitate to reach out for more advice by commenting below. I look forward to hearing about your business success or struggles. Remember, we are a team.
And don’t forget to sign up for the best pool service software built for modern pool care professionals. Click the link below to learn more.
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