Security and safety are fundamental requirements of human life that are essential for individuals and societies to grow. These are achieved through collective efforts. The community and everyone have a role to play. When safety remains the focus, people can lead secure lives and unlock their potential. Here comes the role of a security guard in our lives.
Security guards are useful in different sectors. They ensure that people and property feel secure. In their capacity, they do not only monitor and watch but they go further to ensure there are no threats to valuable assets and people.
Have you ever thought of this profession as an entrepreneur? Or do you want to venture into the field as a business person? If so, you’re going to learn about all the aspects and business opportunities in this industry. This blog will elaborate on how to start a security guard business and succeed.
Why to Start a Security Guard Agency?
Starting a security guard agency business can be rewarding for several reasons:
- Great Demand: Today’s society requires constant security services for both residential and commercial spaces for various reasons. This growing demand for the profession makes it the best choice for a business. This enables entrepreneurs to charge high fees for their services and make significant amounts of profits.
- Job Opportunities: You will not only earn money alone but also be able to help many unemployed people by creating a security guard business. In this way, you help the growth of the nation’s economy since you offer working opportunities to manpower. By doing so, you help create a stable society and brighter future for many who could have faced financial instability.
- Revenue Generation and Business Expansion: By signing security contracts with private and government bodies, you can generate continuous revenue in this business. The government opens auctions for security services where you can bid and earn a stable income. Moreover, there are great possibilities to expand your business to other locations nationally and internationally. For example, you can also venture into additional services related to security such as technology-based surveillance.
- Contribution to Society and Self-Satisfaction: By ensuring the safety and security of society, you attain a sense of satisfaction for yourself. This makes you feel that you’re doing something to make a difference in society and bring peace to the people.
Steps to Start a Security Guard Business
Opening a business requires drawing up a comprehensive plan and strategic execution. Here’s the complete guide on how to start a security guard business.
Step 1: Market Research and Selecting a Target Audience
The global security guard business market was worth about 125 billion dollars in 2022. Analysts expect it to grow at a growth rate of 6.5%, compounded annually, between 2023 and 2030.
Apart from market size, analyze the market for your competition in terms of service quality, price, and technological integration. This would help you draw an effective outline before venturing into the business. Look out for new trends such as cloud-based security and cybersecurity for flexibility and expansion of your company in the future.
A security guard business has a vast target audience. You must select your forte and decide to whom you want to provide your services. These could be:
- Commercial properties such as industrial buildings, shops, or offices.
- Residential areas like private villas, apartments, or multistorey buildings.
- Government agencies of state or national level.
- Healthcare, educational institutions, and hotels.
- Individuals such as celebrities, politicians, business tycoons, or any other famous person.
Step 2: Draft a Plan for Security Guard Business
Defining your goals and target market in your roadmap is a crucial step in mapping out a plan for any successful project or business. Writing your goal in the plan explains the primary objectives to achieve out of your business. For this, answer the questions like
- Why do we exist?
- What do we want to accomplish?
Select your target market which will be the specific group of people or organizations you want to sell your services to. Understand their needs and focus your efforts on allocating resources efficiently to resonate with your target audience.
Write detailed financial requirements including initial investments, rents, licensing costs, and other variable costs in your plan. With this, you will be sure whether you can carry the costs with your savings only or if you need to apply for other sources such as loans.
Step 3: Apply for Licenses and Permits
Registering your business and getting the required permits is an essential step if you want to set up a successful business. For a security guard business, some of the necessary licenses are:
- Private Patrol Operator (PPO) License: This certification is required for any security agency to provide security services.
- Security Industry Authority Certification: The SIA permit is required for all the staff members such as guards, managers, and operators working under a security guard agency.
- Occupational Safety and Health Administration Certification: This certification is provided to businesses that ensure safety in their workspace.
- CPR/First Aid Certification: Security guards are required to train themselves for emergencies and get this certificate.
- Business License: To operate your security guard business, you require this permit from the state or local government.
- Certified Security Company Certification: The International Association of Professional Security Consultants offers this certification when your security guard agency is committed to the industry’s norms and standards.
Note: To know which permits are necessary in your state or country, consult your local licensing authority for the specific requirements.
Step 4: Hire Trained Staff
To recruit qualified security guards, you must explain job descriptions and qualifications so that relevant people can apply to your security guard business. Promote available job vacancies in your security guard agency through social networks. The candidates can be interviewed one-on-one for various considerations that may include communication, physical and mental health, and the experience that the candidates may have in the field.
Don’t forget to perform background checks to know about any criminal activity, education, and reference checks.
Arrange professional training for staff to enhance the professional image and reputation of your security guard business.
Step 5: Set Up Operational Procedures
Install automated tracking systems for improved efficiency and reduced administrative burden. For example, track guard hours with timekeeping software and set up an automatic payroll system that integrates with timekeeping software.
Establish clear guidelines for the employees to run your security guard business smoothly. Set Up protocols for communication, uniform, and grooming standards.
Step 6: Connect with Clients and Suppliers
It is possible to reach out to your target clients through social media, conferences, and face-to-face meetings. Explain your security guard business’s abilities and expertise to the clients. Arrange personalized communication meetings to provide advice on security measures.
By networking with industry professionals and security equipment suppliers, you can increase your credibility and access to new clients. Stay updated with the new trends in the industry and ask your partners to supply you with the latest technology and equipment. By doing so, you can easily Build a reputation for your security guard business and grow faster in the industry.
Step 7: Launch and Market Your Security Guard Business
Once you have gone through all legal and operating requirements of starting the business you are set to begin. Before the launch, develop an excellent marketing strategy to get a hold of your target market and achieve your objectives. For this
- Create a website for your security guard business and use search engine optimization techniques to make it easily findable on the search pages. Consistently post blogs about safety techniques and measures on your security guard agency’s online portal. Make use of email marketing and content marketing to enlarge your public reach.
- Create accounts on social media platforms to post engaging images and videos using relevant hashtags. You can partner with influences to enhance your security guard business. Also, running targeted social media ads is an effective method to grow your security guard agency in a short time.
- List your business on Google so that people find you first when they search relevant keywords on the Google search engine.
For online marketing of your security guard business, try collaborating with reliable digital marketing companies that align with your budget and goals.
- Using traditional ways in the form of flyers and brochures can also help market your security guard agency.
- Additionally, you can run referral programs, offer free consultations, and partner with other businesses to advertise your security guard business.
Estimated Costs Required to Start a Security Guard Business
The cost of opening a security guard business depends on several factors, such as location and services offered. Some of these estimated expenses may vary depending on the circumstances of the business.
Here are some estimated costs involved in a security guard business.
- Licensing and Certifications- $1,500-$5,000
- Insurance- $2,500-$10,000
- Marketing and Advertising-
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- Website development- $1,000-$5,000
- Offline marketing- $1,000-$3,000
- Online marketing- $1,000-$5,000 per month
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- Uniforms and equipment- $2,000-$5,000
- Office space- $1,000-$5,000 per month
- Office Staff salaries- $2,000-$5,000 per month
- Guards’ salaries- $5,000-$20,000 per month
To start a security guard agency, apart from rents, salaries, and other variables, you are likely to spend between $20,000 and $50,000.
Also Read How to Start a Billboard Advertising Business (8-Step Guide)
Final Words
It requires careful planning and execution to establish a successful security guard agency which further is an ongoing effort. You must remain updated and include new techniques to expand your business.
For advertising purposes, you can get the help of a trustworthy digital marketing company like New Traffic Tail, which would enhance your online presence and help your business reach a larger audience.
We’re sure that the above outline on how to start a security guard business would help you set up a flourishing business in the industry. If you have any unresolved questions, please tell us in the comments. We’ll happily answer your queries—best of luck with your venture into the security services.
FAQs
Q1: Which insurance is required to start a security guard business?
Liability insurance and worker’s compensation insurance will be necessary for the operation of your business. There are many other insurance that depend on the services you provide.
Q2: How can I choose the marketing agency for my business?
Collect information about the previous projects done by the marketing agency on their official website. Openly discuss your objectives and requirements for advertising.
Q3: What type of technology and equipment are required to start a security guard business?
Security guard uniforms with your company’s name and logo, walkie-talkies, and vehicles are needed as equipment. For technology-driven security, you’ll require surveillance cameras and software.
