If your power washing business has mostly served residential customers, you’re sitting on a huge untapped market: commercial properties. From strip malls and restaurants to apartment complexes and office buildings, commercial clients need exterior cleaning just as much—if not more—than homeowners.
The good news? These clients typically offer larger jobs, steady contracts, and higher revenue per client. But they also have different expectations, decision-making processes, and timelines.
In this article, we’ll break down exactly how to market your power washing services to commercial clients and property managers effectively—and win their long-term business. 💼💦
🧠 Understand the Commercial Mindset
Before you start selling, it’s essential to understand how commercial clients think. Unlike homeowners, they’re focused on:
✅ Appearance and reputation
✅ Liability and safety compliance
✅ Maintaining tenant satisfaction
✅ Operating within budgets
✅ Getting work done with minimal disruption
They don’t just want a clean building—they want a reliable vendor who can deliver professional results without creating problems. 🤝
🎯 Step 1: Define Your Ideal Commercial Clients
You don’t have to go after every type of commercial property. Focus your efforts where you can deliver the most value and build a niche.
🏢 Great targets include:
- Apartment complexes and condos
- HOAs and gated communities
- Shopping centers and plazas
- Office parks
- Hotels and motels
- Gas stations and convenience stores
- Restaurants with outdoor seating
- Churches, schools, and community centers
- Warehouses and loading docks
Pick 2–3 of these to focus on so you can tailor your messaging and build case studies specific to those industries. 🎯
🧾 Step 2: Build a Commercial Sales Package
To win commercial clients, you’ll need more than a Facebook page. Create a professional sales kit that includes:
✅ A printed or digital brochure with services listed
✅ Before-and-after commercial job photos
✅ A copy of your business license and insurance
✅ References from other commercial clients
✅ A list of equipment and safety protocols
✅ A sample commercial contract or service agreement
✅ Proof of worker’s comp and liability coverage
This builds trust and positions you as a legitimate, professional operation. 📄🔒
📧 Step 3: Cold Outreach with a Personal Touch
Reach out to local property managers via:
“Hi [Name], I noticed you manage [Property Name]. We specialize in helping property managers keep common areas, walkways, and building exteriors clean, safe, and tenant-friendly. Can we schedule a 10-minute call to see if we’re a good fit?”
📞 Phone
“Hi, this is James with EcoShine Exterior Services. We work with several commercial properties nearby and wanted to see if you’re currently working with a pressure washing vendor?”
📦 Drop-off Packet
Deliver a branded folder or envelope with your materials, a personal note, and a few pieces of candy or a coffee gift card. It leaves an impression.
🔍 Tip: LinkedIn is a great platform to find local property managers and facility directors. Use it to connect and message professionally. 💼
📍 Step 4: Highlight the Right Benefits
When talking to commercial prospects, don’t just say “we clean surfaces.” Speak their language and focus on what they care about.
🎯 Key selling points:
- Curb appeal attracts tenants and customers
- Slip-resistant surfaces reduce liability
- Scheduled cleanings minimize tenant disruption
- Flexible service hours (early mornings or evenings)
- Detailed reporting for maintenance records
Let them know you’re a low-risk, high-value partner. 🧼📉
📸 Step 5: Leverage Before-and-After Proof
Make sure your website and marketing materials feature commercial before-and-after images.
📷 Great photo ops:
- Gum removal from sidewalks
- Dumpster pad cleanings
- Grease-stained restaurant walkways
- Oil removal in parking lots
- Algae-covered community fencing
Visuals build credibility fast. Add captions that emphasize the problem-solution result.
💼 Step 6: Offer Maintenance Plans
Commercial clients don’t want to think about scheduling every few months. Offer them ongoing maintenance packages:
📆 Quarterly, bi-annual, or monthly cleanings
💰 Bundle pricing for long-term savings
📑 One contract = multiple visits
📞 Priority service for emergency jobs
This keeps their property consistently clean—and you with predictable revenue. Win-win. 💵🔁
📝 Step 7: Get on Vendor Lists
Many property managers use vendor management platforms or keep internal approved lists. Ask:
“Are you accepting new vendor applications?”
“Can I be added to your preferred vendor list for pressure washing?”
Be ready to provide:
✅ Insurance documents
✅ Business license
✅ EIN or W-9
✅ Safety protocols or certifications
Once you’re on the list, you’re in a position to be called first when work comes up. 📲🧾
🗣️ Step 8: Ask for Referrals and Testimonials
Once you complete a few successful commercial jobs:
✅ Ask for a review or quote you can use in your sales materials
✅ Ask if they manage other properties that need service
✅ Offer a referral bonus for introductions to colleagues
Property managers often manage multiple buildings or have friends in the industry. Word of mouth can be your golden ticket to steady commercial work. 🎟️📣
🔄 Bonus Tip: Follow Up Consistently
If you don’t get a response the first time, follow up 2–3 more times:
📧 “Just following up on my message about exterior cleaning support for [Property Name]—any chance we can chat this week?”
📬 “Dropping off a new flyer—our fall commercial packages are filling fast!”
📞 “Calling to check if you found a vendor for your spring maintenance.”
Persistence (without being pushy) often pays off. 🧍♂️📞
💬 Final Thoughts
Commercial marketing isn’t about casting a wide net—it’s about building relationships, showing up professionally, and proving you can solve specific problems.
With the right approach, a single property manager could become your most valuable client, sending you dozens of contracts a year.
Start small, stay consistent, and position yourself as the go-to expert in your area for commercial pressure washing. 🏢🧼💼
