Welcome back to the Lean & Mean Academy, where we talk about one truck, big profits! Today, I’m coming to you from Southeast Softwash in Roanoke, Alabama, where we’re hosting the Serious Starter Bootcamp. It’s an exciting weekend with many future business owners ready to level up their pressure washing game. But today’s topic is about something fundamental—trust—and how it plays a massive role in your ability to close jobs and make more money.
Starting Strong: Learning the Right Way
Before we jump in, if you're just getting started with your pressure washing business and want to scale from zero to $7K a month, you need the right guidance. Justin and I built a course packed with strategies, including Facebook ad training, marketing content, and website optimization. It has everything a new entrepreneur needs to go from a beginner to a profitable business owner. Click the first link in the description or comments to check it out.
Now, let’s talk about trust.
Why Trust is Everything in Your Business
Trust is the single most important factor in getting a customer to choose you over your competitors. But how do you build trust before you even meet the client?
A football game is a game of inches, and in business, it’s the same. Those small things you do to establish credibility all add up to securing a high-paying job.
How to Build Trust and Close More Jobs
1. Reviews: The Power of Social Proof
One of the most frequent reasons customers say they chose my company is reviews. When we ask, “Why did you call us?” nearly 60% of clients mention Google reviews or say we were ranked first on Google.
This is called social proofing—a psychological trigger that makes people feel safe choosing your service. More reviews mean more credibility, which increases the number of calls you get and the number of jobs you close.
What You Can Do:
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Ask satisfied clients for Google reviews immediately after the job.
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Make it easy by sending them a direct link.
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Remind them that reviews help small businesses grow and stay competitive.
2. Your Appearance Matters
The shirt you wear when you meet a customer makes a difference. If you’re doing on-site estimates, which I highly recommend for jobs over $1,500 to $5,000, your professionalism matters.
Consider this:
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Are you wearing a clean, branded polo or just a random t-shirt?
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Does your uniform reflect a serious business owner?
These details add up. When customers see you looking sharp, they feel more confident giving you their money.
3. Truck Lettering or Wrap: Look Like a Professional
You don’t need a full, expensive wrap for your truck, but you do need some branding. A simple lettering job showing your business name and phone number instantly gives customers confidence that you’re a legitimate business and not some fly-by-night operation.
Why This Works:
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It signals that you’ve made a serious commitment to your business.
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It increases visibility, turning your truck into a rolling billboard.
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It reassures potential clients that you’re not a hobbyist—you’re a professional.
4. Honoring Your Word: Integrity is Key
At the end of the day, your actions on-site will determine whether a customer refers you, hires you again, and leaves a great review.
Follow These Principles:
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Show up when you say you will. Being on time builds trust immediately.
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Do exactly what was agreed upon—no more, no less. If you decide to throw in an extra cleaning for free, make sure the customer knows about it.
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Communicate clearly. If there’s an issue, address it professionally and promptly.
Bonus Tip: Treat Your Business Like a Business
Hobbies cost money. Businesses make money. If you want your pressure washing company to succeed, act like a business owner:
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Hustle for reviews.
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Invest in your appearance and branding.
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Deliver excellent customer service.
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Use social proof and credibility to stand out.
Want to level up your pressure washing business and learn the right techniques? I highly recommend checking out the SESW Softwash 101 Class. It’s an excellent resource for anyone looking to build a profitable, trustworthy pressure washing business.
Final Thoughts
If you focus on building trust, professionalism, and social proof, you’ll close more jobs and make more money—guaranteed. Start implementing these small but powerful changes, and watch your business grow.
If this blog helped you, drop a comment below and let me know how you plan to build trust in your business. Stay lean, stay mean, and I’ll see you in the next one!
