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How Carolyn Arellano Used ZenMaid to Increase Cleaning Service Bookings by 20%

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Last updated on March 7 2025
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  • 20% increase in cleaning service bookings within 3 months of implementing ZenMaid
  • Cut administrative time almost in half by automating scheduling and client communication
  • 24/7 online booking capability allowed clients to book cleanings even while Carolyn slept
  • Eliminated phone tag with clients through automated booking forms and reminders
  • Enabled team mobility with mobile app access to schedules and client details
  • Better work-life balance by reducing manual administrative tasks

As a first-generation American with roots in Ecuador and Chile, Carolyn Arellano has built something she’s truly proud of – a successful cleaning company that supports her family and helps others build better lives too.

Like many cleaning business owners, Carolyn started with a simple dream: create a stable income for her family while having time to spend with her children.

“I needed a way to make money that let me build something meaningful while still being there for my family,” Carolyn says. “I wanted to create a life I’d be proud and happy to live.”

When Manual Booking Almost Broke Her Business

Spotless Cleaning Service, Carolyn’s company, quickly became known for its detailed work. They specialize in deep cleanings, move-in/move-out services, and post-construction cleanups – the kind of precise, thorough work that keeps clients coming back.

But as her business grew, Carolyn faced a common problem: managing it all was becoming overwhelming.

Her days were packed with:

  • Answering phones while trying to clean houses
  • Writing down appointments in multiple places
  • Manually sending reminder messages
  • Chasing down payments
  • Coordinating with her cleaning team

“I knew I needed better systems,” Carolyn explains. “Especially a way for clients to book online and pay securely. Without that, I was stuck doing everything myself, and it was holding us back from growing.”

Enter: A Booking System That Works While You Sleep (Made *For* Cleaning Businesses)

Carolyn spent six years trying out different scheduling software options. But nothing quite fit until she found ZenMaid.

“From the start, it was clear ZenMaid understood cleaning businesses,” she remembers. “Other platforms felt generic, like they were trying to serve every kind of service business. But ZenMaid was different. They knew exactly what cleaning companies need.”

The Secret to 20% More Bookings? Let Clients Book Online

What really sold Carolyn on ZenMaid was the booking forms. Unlike clunky contact forms that just collected email addresses, these forms were built specifically for cleaning businesses.

“The forms ask all the right questions,” Carolyn explains. “How many bedrooms, how many bathrooms, what type of cleaning they need. When a new booking comes in, I have all the information I need right away.”

And bonus points: the booking forms are all fully customizable.

But the real magic happened when she added the booking form to her website. Within 3 months, her business saw a 20% increase in cleaning service bookings. Why? Because now clients could book cleanings anytime – even at midnight when Carolyn was fast asleep.

Here’s what made the biggest difference:

  • Clients could book and get invoices without playing phone tag
  • Each booking automatically went into her email
  • Everyone got reminder messages without Carolyn having to send them
  • Her team could see all their job details right on their phones
  • It was easy to re-arrange and assign new jobs for the team

More Than Just Better Cleaning Business Booking

The impact went far beyond just getting more clients. For the first time since starting her business, Carolyn could actually take time off.

“That was huge for me,” she says. “Before, I felt tied to my phone. If I missed a call, I might miss a booking. Now, automations handle all that. I can focus on growing the business and spending time with my kids.”

The changes were just as big for her team. As one of her cleaners puts it: “Using ZenMaid has been a game changer. I can see my schedule for up to a week, clock in and out of jobs, and see all the job details.”

Some of the biggest improvements:

  • ZenMaid cut administrative time almost in half
  • No more confusion about schedules
  • Easier communication with clients and team members
  • Professional look that helped win more clients

What’s Possible With an Automated Booking System like ZenMaid

If you’re picturing a complicated tech setup that takes weeks to figure out, you’re in for a pleasant surprise. For Carolyn, getting started with ZenMaid was extremely simple.

“ZenMaid’s team provided excellent support. They guided me through the entire process, making the transition smooth and hassle-free.”

The support team even helped her:

  • Move all her client information into the system
  • Get the first forms working right
  • Connect everything to her website
  • Give training tips to teach her team

A Day in Carolyn’s Life Using ZenMaid Booking Forms

To really understand how things changed, let’s look at a typical day for Carolyn:

❌ Before ZenMaid:

  • Wake up to missed calls from potential clients
  • Spend mornings returning calls while trying to clean
  • Manually text everyone about their upcoming cleanings
  • Chase down payments after cleanings
  • Stay up late updating schedules and sending reminders

✅ After ZenMaid:

  • Wake up to new booking requests that came in overnight
  • Check the dashboard to see the day’s schedule
  • Let automated messages handle all the reminders
  • Watch payments roll in
  • Spend evenings with family instead of paperwork

“It’s not just about having more time,” Carolyn explains. “It’s about having the right systems so your business can grow without everything falling on your shoulders.”

Carolyn’s Advice: Start with the Right Online Booking System (aka, ZenMaid)

Today, Carolyn’s vision has grown beyond just running a successful cleaning business. She’s focused on helping other people, especially other first-generation Americans, build their own cleaning businesses.

“I want to show others they can do this too,” she says. “With the right tools and systems, you can build something amazing – even if you’re starting from scratch like I did.”

Her advice for other cleaning business owners?

  • Don’t wait to get good systems in place
  • Make it easy for clients to book with you
  • Use technology that’s made for cleaning businesses
  • Focus on growth instead of just keeping up

Ready to Watch Those Cleaning Bookings Roll In?

Carolyn’s story shows what’s possible when you have the right tools. With ZenMaid, you can:

  • Let clients book cleanings 24/7
  • Get paid automatically
  • Send reminders without lifting a finger
  • Give your team easy access to their schedules
  • Look professional to potential clients
  • And so much more

Want to see how it works? Try ZenMaid free for 14 days and discover why thousands of cleaning business owners trust us to help them grow.

QUICK TIP FROM THE AUTHOR

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