There is no doubt that 2020 changed how many of us do business. While working from home and Zoom meetings have become the new work-day normal, franchises that specialize in business-to-business services have had to adapt and pivot to stay in business.
The good news is business services franchises have been up to the challenge, introducing new products and services to help support their clients. “Necessity,” as the saying goes, “is the mother of invention.” And for B2B franchise operators that has certainly been the case—think heightened Covid-safe cleaning practices, innovative mobile apps for food catering, and teleconferences and webinars for franchising events and expos.
Businesses have always relied on other businesses to do business—and the urgency of the pandemic has only intensified that relationship. These are a few of the industries that provide essential business services that will always be in demand.
Digital Marketing
As many of our regular franchising expert advice writers will tell you, an online presence is no longer a ‘nice to have’ – it’s a necessity. A mobile responsive website, an SEO plan and at least two or three social media accounts should be standard business practice in this day and age. However, many small business owners struggle to build and maintain their digital real estate.
Some may have purchased build-your-own website software believing online marketing is a “set it and forget it” proposition. But the reality is, an online presence needs regular attention. Web design, search marketing and social media management are no longer side jobs that can be taken care of in-house by the office admin—they require detailed knowledge and a dedicated person (or team of people) to manage.
Business services franchises that include digital marketing, social media and website design offer a much-needed service and allow business operators to get on with the day-to-day of running and growing their business.
TopFire Media is an integrated digital marketing and public relations agency specializing in the franchise industry. Their clients benefit from years of experience in franchise SEO service, public relations, media relations, content writing and management, social media marketing, and web design.
Directory listing: https://franchisingusamagazine.com/franchise-directory/top-fire-media
Primero Systems leverage the power of the internet to improve efficiencies and help your prospects successfully navigate their journey. Their Webtreepro franchise marketing platform offers a simple-to-use solution for franchise marketers seeking to manage their digital assets, create responsive sites and automate promotions.
Directory listing: https://franchisingusamagazine.com/franchise-directory/primero-systems
Nexus Online Media provides a Software as a Service (SaaS) online marketing platform that integrates website, social media, and email marketing into one platform. Clients can track specific topics about their products and services on social media.
Directory listing: https://franchisingusamagazine.com/franchise-directory/nexus-online-media
Cleaning Services
Businesses of all sizes have long relied on cleaning services to keep their physical spaces spick-and-span—whether they be customer-facing outlets like shops or restaurants or employee work spaces and offices. From vacuuming and window cleaning to disinfecting and polishing services, cleaning is a physically demanding and time-consuming task. So, outsourcing this responsibility is a no-brainer for most business owners.
In 2020 the need for cleaning services grew even stronger as we faced the most stringent hygiene controls we have ever experienced. In addition to regular maintenance cleaning, businesses now also require regular deep clean services using approved Covid-safe practices.
Franchises that develop a trusted relationship with business owners, ensuring their hygiene needs are up to standard and the work environment is both clean and comfortable, can reliably predict a long-lasting relationship.
Office Pride Commercial Cleaning Services is a full-service commercial cleaning franchise company with 137 franchises around the country. A member of Franchise Business Review’s Hall of Fame, Office Pride’s services include carpet cleaning, floor stripping and waxing, and routine janitorial services.
Directory listing: https://franchisingusamagazine.com/find-franchise/office-pride-commercial-cleaning-services
Oxi Fresh Carpet Cleaning offers an environmentally-friendly carpet cleaning system that uses safe, green cleaning solutions and provides fast drying times. Oxi Fresh also provides services for rugs, upholstery, hardwood floors, and tile and grout. The company was recognized as one of “America’s Best Franchises,” according to Forbes magazine.
Directory listing: https://franchisingusamagazine.com/franchise-directory/oxi-fresh
Coffee delivery and catering
Coffee and catering franchises are a staple of the business world. From staff celebrations and team meetings to networking events and conferences, no gathering is complete without a smorgasbord of tasty treats and hot beverages.
It’s true that Covid-19 has impacted businesses in terms of the ability to gather in large numbers. Many office employees are conducting business from home and large-scale conferences and networking events are now either being held online or on-hold completely. But while food and drink service companies have taken a hit, resourceful franchises have found ways to survive. Successful catering companies have developed online ordering apps and introduced contactless delivery, allowing clients to continue a somewhat business-as-usual approach to their day-to-day operations.
When the dangers of the pandemic lift, businesses will be keen to meet with clients face-to-face once again and catering franchises who have maintained their clients through these difficult times will be well placed to keep them happily caterered to for years to come.
Fresh To Order pioneered the innovative “fast-fine” restaurant niche, combining the quality fine casual dining with the operating platform and price point of fast casual. Fresh To Order’s industry recognitions include Top 100 Movers & Shakers, Hot Concept!, Top 50 Breakout Brand and Best Franchise Deals.
Directory listing: https://franchisingusamagazine.com/franchise-directory/fresh-order-f2o
Xpresso Delight is a simple business concept that simply transplants a cafe experience into the workplace. The franchisee owns a number of fully automated gourmet espresso coffee systems and simply charges their clients a per-cup rate in a “pay for what you use” policy.
Directory listing: https://franchisingusamagazine.com/franchise-directory/xpresso-delight
If you are contemplating becoming a business service franchise owner, now is a great time to consider your options, learn about how the industry has changed and adapted to Covid-19, and what franchises are doing to navigate their franchisees through turbulent times.
While the future is unpredictable, the beauty of franchise models is that they have well-oiled systems, protocols and tools in place to support their franchisees. Rather than going it on your own as an independent small business owner, joining an established franchise network will give you the foundation from which to grow your business.
Want to learn more?
In addition to supplying a directory listing of available franchises, the Franchising USA website also offers a range of resources and expert advice that we invite you to explore. From tips on getting started in franchising to a collection of expert franchising advice articles to informative franchising videos—we are here to guide you on your journey into franchising.