How to set up a cleaning business profile in the United States

What belongs on your cleaner profile

Your profile page should tell potential customers what you do, where you work, and how to get in touch. Start with a clear description of the types of cleaning you offer - residential, commercial, post-construction, move-out cleaning, or a combination. List the specific services you provide: vacuuming, mopping, dusting, bathroom cleaning, kitchen cleaning, window washing, or anything else you do.

Add photos of your work. These do not have to be professional shots, but they should show clean spaces - bathrooms, kitchens, living rooms, or offices you have cleaned. Before-and-after photos are useful if you have them. Customers want to see the standard of your work.

Include a contact form so customers can reach you with questions. You can also set up online booking through Websta if you want customers to reserve time slots directly, or you can accept quote requests where customers describe a job and you respond with a price. Choose the approach that works for how you operate.

• Service descriptions - types of cleaning and what is included
• Photos of completed work
• Contact form for inquiries
• Online booking or quote request option
• Your service area - which towns or regions you cover
• Your phone number and email address

Languages to use on your profile

Publish your profile in English. If you also speak Spanish and serve customers in areas where Spanish is common, consider adding a Spanish version of your profile so you reach more potential customers. Check what languages your local community uses and whether there is demand for those languages in your area.

Make sure your descriptions are clear and direct. Avoid jargon. Customers need to understand exactly what you offer and how to contact you.

How customers search for cleaners in the United States

People use location-based search. They open Websta, enter their town or zip code, and browse cleaners nearby. They filter by the type of cleaning they need - house cleaning, office cleaning, or specialized services. Websta shows them profiles of cleaners who cover that location.

Customers also use the marketplace to post a task - they describe a job and invite providers to make offers. If you want to respond to these requests, make sure your profile is complete and your response time is quick.

Business registration and what to check with your local authority

The United States does not have one national business license for cleaners. Requirements vary by state and locality. Before you start, contact your local city or county business office and ask what you need to do. Common steps include registering your business name, getting a business license, and applying for an Employer Identification Number (EIN) from the IRS if you plan to hire employees or operate as a business entity other than a sole proprietorship. Some areas require proof of liability insurance for service providers.

Check whether your state and city have specific rules for independent contractors in the cleaning industry. Ask your local authority about tax obligations, zoning restrictions if you work from home, and any certifications or training that may be required or recommended.

Keep records of your income and expenses. You will need these for tax filing. Consider consulting a local accountant or tax professional who knows the rules in your area.

Payment and bank account

When customers pay through Websta, the money goes to your own bank account via Stripe. You set your own prices for each service. Make sure you have a business or personal bank account ready to receive these payments. Stripe handles the payment processing, and you keep the money you earn.

What to write in the first hour

Start simple. You do not need a perfect profile to launch. Write a short description of what you do - for example, 'Residential house cleaning including bathrooms, kitchens, living areas, and bedrooms' or 'Commercial office cleaning and post-construction cleaning.' Add your phone number and email. Upload at least one or two photos of your work.

List the towns or neighborhoods you serve. Be honest about your service area - do not claim to serve places you do not reach.

Set up a contact form or choose whether you want to accept online bookings or quote requests. You can change this later.

Once your profile is live, you can add more photos, refine your descriptions, and adjust your services over time. The goal is to be findable and reachable when a customer searches for a cleaner near them.