How to choose a window cleaning business name

Why your choice of window cleaning business name is so important

What’s in a name? Quite a lot, actually. Especially when it comes to choosing one for your business.

Your trade business name is your brand. It lets people know who you are, what you do – and even how you do it.

Often, it’s your main opportunity to make a memorable impression on potential customers. So, it pays to spend time thinking of the best name for you.

What to consider for a memorable window cleaning business name

Getting your window cleaning business up and running is the all-important first step.

When thinking through memorable window cleaning business name ideas, ask yourself what it needs to achieve. Here are some key questions to answer:

Does it stand out?

There are plenty of window cleaning trade businesses out there. What will make yours get noticed?

One way to nail this is to decide who you want to appeal to. What is your target audience? Now, you can think about names that will attract them.

Is it simple and memorable?

A good way of getting this right is to follow the ‘does what it says on the tin’ approach. Keep your name short, simple and easy to understand.

A catchy name is one people won’t forget in a hurry.

Will it work well in your marketing activities?

Your window cleaning business name has to work hard. You’ll probably be using it in lots of places and it will have to work well in all of them.

These can include:

• Online

One of the first things you’ll probably want to do is create a business website. The website name wants to be as close as possible to your business name.

That way, people can find you online more easily. You can boost ways to do this through search engine optimisation (SEO) on sites like Google.

Don’t forget your social media. It’s a great way to market your business. A name that works well online is a huge plus for winning work.

• On stationery

Your window cleaning business name has got to look great on your invoices, business cards and wherever else it appears.

• On vehicles

One of the best marketing tools for small businesses is the side of your van. Again, your business name will benefit from being short and punchy to work well when you’re driving around.

• In adverts

If you advertise in local newspapers and magazines, you’ll be up against lots of other trade businesses. Readers usually can flick quickly through adverts. A memorable name (perhaps with a stand-out logo) that ‘does what it says on the tin’ can catch the eye.

Do you want a logo as well?

If you see a ‘swoosh’ on a pair of sports shoes, you probably immediately think ‘Nike’. A memorable brand logo can be as powerful as the actual business name.

That’s why logos can be a great complement to a window cleaning business name. People often react to images more quickly and positively than they do to words.

Again, the principle with a logo is to keep it simple so it works wherever you use it.

Will it work as your business grows?

One of the biggest hurdles trade businesses can create is having a name that is no longer ‘fit for purpose’. You can outgrow certain types of names.

For example, if it includes a location or geographic reference. A growing business looking to move into new markets can be restricted by the limitations of its name.

The only option might be to create a new name, which can confuse people. If you’ve spent time building up a loyal customer base that knows your name, you don’t want to lose them by suddenly dropping that name.

Does anyone else use a similar name?

Before you get too attached to the fantastic name you’ve come up with, check it’s not already in use.

The best way to protect your window cleaning business name is to register it as a trademark. That should give you legal ownership of the name. That means you can legally prevent others from using your trade-marked name.

Window cleaning business name ideas

Now we’re on to the challenging and creative part. Here are some ideas to get you thinking.

Professional names

By choosing a professional-sounding name you set out your stall very clearly. The name tells customers that you are a reliable, trustworthy and professional trade business.

• Quality Window Cleaning
• Reliable Window Cleaning Services
• Cleaner Windows
• Sparkling Window Cleaning
• Spotless Window Cleaning Company
• Complete Window Cleaning Solutions
• Outstandingly Clean Window
• Professional Window Cleaning Services
• Number One Window Cleaning Solutions

If you are a limited company rather than a sole trader, think about including ‘Ltd’ when using your business name. It’s another way of showing people you’re professional.

Using your name

Using your name or a family name is a great way to personalise your service. It tells people exactly who is providing the service.

Using your name helps you build your business reputation. If you or your family run a long-established business, the name will be valued and respected.

Here are some family-oriented name styles:

• [Full name] Window Cleaning
• [Surname] Window Cleaning Services
• [Initials] Window Cleaning
• [Surname & Sons/Daughters] Window Cleaning
• Window Cleaning by [Surname & Co]

Location-specific names

Another good way to attract local customers is to create a name that says where you work. You could include a town, city, area or region.

When people look for window cleaners, it helps to know you are local. It tells customers you should be easy to contact and book.

Here are some ideas:

• [Location] Window Cleaning
• Window Cleaners for the [Area]
• [Region]’s Best Window Cleaning
• Window Cleaning Warriors of [location]
• Window Cleaning Wonders of [Region]

Creative and fun name

While it’s important you sound professional, humour in a name can also be a business winner. A sense of humour, if done right, can reflect your personality.

After all, window cleaning is a personal service where you often know your customers well. Also, a cheeky name or clever pun should be easier to remember.

And if you can bring a smile to people’s faces, they’re probably more likely to contact you.

Here are some examples of creative and catchy names:

• Sparkling Outlook
• Window of Opportunity
• Clean as a Window
• Spotless Reputation
• Sheen to Clean
• Sponge Plunge Cleaners
• Water Way to Go
• Diamond Sparkles
• Shine On
• Shimmer Chamois
• Pane in the Glass
• Wipe Out
• Ladder of Success

Top tips for your window cleaning business name

Don’t be surprised if you find it tough coming up with window cleaning business name ideas. It’s not always as easy as it sounds.

You want to be sure you pick the best name that you’ll want to keep for a long time. Here are some ways to come up with a name that works for you:

• Draw up a shortlist of names – start with a long list of keywords specific to window cleaning and play around with the ones that inspire you
• Combine words and phrases – see what catches your attention and sounds strongest
• Think about special names – these could be personal to you or the area where you operate
• Bounce ideas around – ask your colleagues, friends or family for their ideas and test yours out on them. Hearing other ideas and collaborating on them is often a fantastic way to achieve a positive result

Next steps for your window cleaning business

Having a window cleaning business name gives you an identity. It makes your trade business feel very real.

Of course, that’s only the beginning. When you’re starting out it’s always helpful to know where to learn tips from other tradespeople.

That’s where our ‘Become the Boss’ comes in handy. It’s a set of emails with case studies, sent direct to your inbox.

Take your window cleaning business to the next level with Checkatrade

With your business name attracting attention, you’ll want to grow and prosper. Finding help identifying sales leads can give your trade business a real boost. Checkatrade members receive our help with new enquiries. There are lots of other benefits of Checkatrade membership too.

They include:

• Dedicated membership advice team
• Work guarantee up to £1,000 (T&Cs apply)
• Access to dedicated Checkatrade trades app (for jobs, offers, quotations and more)
• Exclusive offers and discounts
• Up to 20% off Public Liability Insurance
• Reduced cost of workwear and branding
• Savings on other business essentials such as vans, fuel and materials

Key takeaways

• A window cleaning business name needs to stand out and be memorable as well as work well in your marketing activities
• When considering window cleaning business name ideas remember to check that they aren’t already in use
• A window cleaning business name could be professional-sounding, a family name, use a location in the title or be fun and catchy
• A shortlist of window cleaning business name ideas might include keywords specific to the trade or combine words and phrases
• Bouncing ideas off colleagues, friends and family can help you find the right name