How to Start a Security Guard Business

Strong security is absolutely crucial to the success of countless businesses and the safety of family homes. The US security services industry expanded more than 40% in the past decade and that growth is expected to continue, which means now is a great time to get in on the action with your own security guard business. 

You’d be protecting property — and potentially people’s lives — while making a good living. But before you start, there’s much to learn about starting a business. Luckily, this step-by-step guide has you covered with all the information you need to launch a successful security guard business.

Step 1: Decide if the Business Is Right for You

Pros and cons

Starting a security guard business has pros and cons to consider before deciding if it’s right for you.

Security guard industry trends

Industry size and growth

• Industry size and past growth – The US security services industry is worth $49.9 billion in 2022 after expanding 42% in the last decade.((https://www.ibisworld.com/industry-statistics/market-size/security-services-united-states/)) 
• Growth forecast – The US security services industry is projected to grow by 3.6% in 2022. 
• Number of businesses – In 2022, 11,213 security services businesses are operating in the US.((https://www.ibisworld.com/industry-statistics/number-of-businesses/security-services-united-states/)) 
• Number of people employed – In 2022, the US security services industry employs 927,449 people.((https://www.ibisworld.com/industry-statistics/employment/security-services-united-states))

Trends and challenges

Trends in the security guard industry include:

• Advancing technology is allowing security guards to monitor premises more fully, without having to constantly check every room, corridor and corner. These include the ability to monitor spaces on their smart phones through the use of digital cameras, and drones that monitor spaces and send alerts to the guards.
• More security companies are providing pre-assessment services, meaning they check the premises for possible threats before implementing security.

Challenges in the security guard industry include:

• Labor shortages in the security industry have businesses turning to off-duty police officers to act as security guards.
• Security technologies may soon advance to the point that a physical security guard is no longer needed. 

Demand hotspots

• Most popular states – The most popular states for security guards are Hawaii, Minnesota, and Washington.((https://www.zippia.com/security-guard-jobs/best-states/#louisiana)) 
• Least popular states – The least popular states for security guards are West Virginia, Louisiana, and Arkansas. 

What kind of people work in security guard businesses?

• Gender – 28% of security guards are female, while 72% are male.((https://www.zippia.com/security-guard-jobs/demographics/))
• Average level of education – The average security guard is high school educated.
• Average age -The average security guard in the US is 44 years old.

How much does it cost to start a security guard business?

Startup costs for a security guard business range from $13,000 to $25,000. Costs include a website, uniforms and firearms if necessary, and a labor and operating budget. The higher-end also includes office space, as some states require security guard companies to have offices. 

If you need security guard training or firearms training, you should be able to find a training school near you. Licensing is required for security guard companies per each state’s private security services act and each state has its own education and experience requirements. Check with your state to see what is needed. 

You’ll need a handful of items to successfully launch your security guard business, including: 

• Uniforms
• Firearms if you’re going to have armed guards

How much can you earn from a security guard business?

The average rate for a security guard company is $40 per hour per guard. You’ll pay your employees about $15 to $20 per hour, and you’ll also have the costs of rent, overhead, and insurance, so your profit margin should be about 20%. 

In your first year or two, you might get 100 guard hours of work per week, bringing in $208,000 in annual revenue. This would mean $42,000 in profit, assuming that 20% margin. As your business gains traction you might triple those numbers. With annual revenue of $624,000, you’d make an outstanding profit of $125,000.

What barriers to entry are there?

There are a few barriers to entry for a security guard business. Your biggest challenges will be:

• The startup costs of the business, particularly the labor and operating budget
• Meeting the strict security guard licensing requirements of your state

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Step 2: Hone Your Idea

Now that you know what’s involved in starting a security guard business, it’s a good idea to hone your concept in preparation to enter a competitive market. 

Market research will give you the upper hand, even if you’re already positive that you have a perfect product or service. Conducting market research is important, because it can help you understand your customers better, who your competitors are, and your business landscape.

Why? Identify an opportunity

Research security guard businesses in your area and online to examine their services, price points, and customer reviews. You’re looking for a market gap to fill. For instance, maybe the local market is missing a security agency that offers personal security guard services, aka bodyguards, or armed security guards. 

You might consider targeting a niche market by specializing in a certain aspect of your industry, such as public protection security services or private patrol officers for office buildings.

This could jumpstart your word-of-mouth marketing and attract clients right away. 

What? Determine your products or services

You can decide whether you want to have armed or unarmed security services, and if you want to specialize in business security or personal security. Many security guard businesses also have private investigators to offer additional services.

Instead of charging hourly, you might instead want to enter into security contracts with your clients and have them pay a set monthly fee. 

How much should you charge for security guard services?

The average rate charged by security guard companies is $40 per hour. Your profit margin after labor, rent, and overhead should be about 20%. 

Once you know your costs, you can use this Step By Step profit margin calculator to determine your mark-up and final price points. Remember, the prices you use at launch should be subject to change if warranted by the market.

Who? Identify your target market

Your target market will most likely be businesses. You can connect with business owners on LinkedIn or find them on Google or Yelp and call them directly. 

Where? Choose your business premises

In the early stages, you may want to run your business from home to keep costs low. But as your business grows, you’ll likely need to hire workers for various roles and may need to rent out an office, or you may be required by your state to have one. You can find commercial space to rent in your area on sites such as Craigslist, Crexi, and Instant Offices.

When choosing a commercial space, you may want to follow these rules of thumb:

• Central location accessible via public transport
• Ventilated and spacious, with good natural light
• Flexible lease that can be extended as your business grows
• Ready-to-use space with no major renovations or repairs needed

Step 3: Brainstorm a Security Company Name

Your business name is your business identity, so choose one that encapsulates your objectives, services, and mission in just a few words. You probably want a name that’s short and easy to remember, since much of your business, and your initial business in particular, will come from word-of-mouth referrals.

Here are some ideas for brainstorming your business name:

• Short, unique, and catchy names tend to stand out
• Names that are easy to say and spell tend to do better 
• Name should be relevant to your product or service offerings
• Ask around — family, friends, colleagues, social media — for suggestions
• Including keywords, such as “security guards” or “security services”, boosts SEO
• Name should allow for expansion, for ex: “Guardian Shield Security” over “Campus Security Services” or “School Safety Patrol”
• Avoid location-based names that might hinder future expansion
• Use online tools like the Step by Step Business Name Generator. Just type in a few keywords and hit “generate” and you’ll have dozens of suggestions at your fingertips.

Once you’ve got a list of potential names, visit the website of the US Patent and Trademark Office to make sure they are available for registration and check the availability of related domain names using our Domain Name Search tool. Using “.com” or “.org” sharply increases credibility, so it’s best to focus on these. 

Finally, make your choice among the names that pass this screening and go ahead with domain registration and social media account creation. Your business name is one of the key differentiators that sets your business apart. Once you pick your company name, and start with the branding, it is hard to change the business name. Therefore, it’s important to carefully consider your choice before you start a business entity.

Step 4: Create a Security Company Business Plan

Every business needs a plan. This will function as a guidebook to take your startup through the launch process and maintain focus on your key goals. A business plan also enables potential partners and investors to better understand your company and its vision:

• Executive Summary: Highlight the scope and objectives of your security company, emphasizing the protection services offered to clients and the strategic approach to market penetration.
• Business Overview: Describe the security services your company will provide, including residential, commercial, and event security solutions.
• Product and Services: List the specific services such as armed and unarmed guards, surveillance systems installation, and security audits.
• Market Analysis: Examine the demand for security services in your target area and the sectors you aim to serve, like businesses or gated communities.
• Competitive Analysis: Identify and assess the strengths and weaknesses of other security firms in the area to position your company competitively.
• Sales and Marketing: Detail your plan for attracting clients, which could involve direct marketing, partnerships with businesses, and online campaigns.
• Management Team: Present the expertise and background of your management team, especially their experience in law enforcement or military service.
• Operations Plan: Outline how your security services will be delivered, staffed, and managed on a day-to-day basis.
• Financial Plan: Provide a financial strategy, including pricing, cost management, funding, and revenue projections.
• Appendix: Include supplementary documents like licenses, insurance policies, and contracts that underpin the legitimacy and preparedness of your security company.

If you’ve never created a business plan, it can be an intimidating task. You might consider hiring a business plan specialist to create a top-notch business plan for you.

Step 5: Register Your Business

Plus, registration is exciting because it makes the entire process official. Once it’s complete, you’ll have your own business! 

Choose where to register your company

Your business location is important because it can affect taxes, legal requirements, and revenue. Most people will register their business in the state where they live, but if you’re planning to expand, you might consider looking elsewhere, as some states could offer real advantages when it comes to security guard businesses. 

If you’re willing to move, you could really maximize your business! Keep in mind, it’s relatively easy to transfer your business to another state. 

Choose your business structure

Business entities come in several varieties, each with its pros and cons. The legal structure you choose for your security guard business will shape your taxes, personal liability, and business registration requirements, so choose wisely. 

Here are the main options:

• Sole Proprietorship – The most common structure for small businesses makes no legal distinction between company and owner. All income goes to the owner, who’s also liable for any debts, losses, or liabilities incurred by the business. The owner pays taxes on business income on his or her personal tax return.
• General Partnership – Similar to a sole proprietorship, but for two or more people. Again, owners keep the profits and are liable for losses. The partners pay taxes on their share of business income on their personal tax returns.
• Limited Liability Company (LLC) – Combines the characteristics of corporations with those of sole proprietorships or partnerships. Again, the owners are not personally liable for debts.
• C Corp – Under this structure, the business is a distinct legal entity and the owner or owners are not personally liable for its debts. Owners take profits through shareholder dividends, rather than directly. The corporation pays taxes, and owners pay taxes on their dividends, which is sometimes referred to as double taxation.
• S Corp – An S-Corporation refers to the tax classification of the business but is not a business entity. An S-Corp can be either a corporation or an LLC, which just need to elect to be an S-Corp for tax status. In an S-Corp, income is passed through directly to shareholders, who pay taxes on their share of business income on their personal tax returns.

We recommend that new business owners choose LLC as it offers liability protection and pass-through taxation while being simpler to form than a corporation. You can form an LLC in as little as five minutes using an online LLC formation service. They will check that your business name is available before filing, submit your articles of organization, and answer any questions you might have. 

Form Your LLC

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Step 6: Register for Taxes

The final step before you’re able to pay taxes is getting an Employer Identification Number, or EIN. You can file for your EIN online or by mail or fax: visit the IRS website to learn more. Keep in mind, if you’ve chosen to be a sole proprietorship you can simply use your social security number as your EIN. 

Once you have your EIN, you’ll need to choose your tax year. Financially speaking, your business will operate in a calendar year (January–December) or a fiscal year, a 12-month period that can start in any month. This will determine your tax cycle, while your business structure will determine which taxes you’ll pay.

The IRS website also offers a tax-payers checklist, and taxes can be filed online.

It is important to consult an accountant or other professional to help you with your taxes to ensure you’re completing them correctly.

Step 7: Fund your Business

Securing financing is your next step and there are plenty of ways to raise capital:

• Bank loans: This is the most common method but getting approved requires a rock-solid business plan and strong credit history.
• SBA-guaranteed loans: The Small Business Administration can act as guarantor, helping gain that elusive bank approval via an SBA-guaranteed loan.
• Government grants: A handful of financial assistance programs help fund entrepreneurs. Visit Grants.gov to learn which might work for you.
• Friends and Family: Reach out to friends and family to provide a business loan or investment in your concept. It’s a good idea to have legal advice when doing so because SEC regulations apply.
• Crowdfunding: Websites like Kickstarter and Indiegogo offer an increasingly popular low-risk option, in which donors fund your vision. Entrepreneurial crowdfunding sites like Fundable and WeFunder enable multiple investors to fund your business.
• Personal: Self-fund your business via your savings or the sale of property or other assets.

Bank and SBA loans are probably the best option, other than friends and family, for funding a security guard business. 

Step 8: Apply for Security Guard Business Licenses and Permits

Starting a security guard business requires obtaining a number of licenses and permits from local, state, and federal governments.

Each state has their own private security services act that sets out the licensing rules for both security guards and security guard businesses. Check with your state for requirements. 

Federal regulations, licenses, and permits associated with starting your business include doing business as (DBA), health licenses and permits from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), trademarks, copyrights, patents, and other intellectual properties, as well as industry-specific licenses and permits. 

You may also need state-level and local county or city-based licenses and permits. The license requirements and how to obtain them vary, so check the websites of your state, city, and county governments or contact the appropriate person to learn more. 

You could also check this SBA guide for your state’s requirements, but we recommend using MyCorporation’s Business License Compliance Package. They will research the exact forms you need for your business and state and provide them to ensure you’re fully compliant.

If you feel overwhelmed by this step or don’t know how to begin, it might be a good idea to hire a professional to help you check all the legal boxes.

Step 9: Open a Business Bank Account

Before you start making money, you’ll need a place to keep it, and that requires opening a bank account.

Keeping your business finances separate from your personal account makes it easy to file taxes and track your company’s income, so it’s worth doing even if you’re running your security guard business as a sole proprietorship. Opening a business bank account is quite simple, and similar to opening a personal one. Most major banks offer accounts tailored for businesses — just inquire at your preferred bank to learn about their rates and features.

Banks vary in terms of offerings, so it’s a good idea to examine your options and select the best plan for you. Once you choose your bank, bring in your EIN (or Social Security Number if you decide on a sole proprietorship), articles of incorporation, and other legal documents and open your new account. 

Step 10: Get Business Insurance

Business insurance is an area that often gets overlooked yet it can be vital to your success as an entrepreneur. Insurance protects you from unexpected events that can have a devastating impact on your business.

Here are some types of insurance to consider:

• General liability: The most comprehensive type of insurance, acting as a catch-all for many business elements that require coverage. If you get just one kind of insurance, this is it. It even protects against bodily injury and property damage.
• Business Property: Provides coverage for your equipment and supplies.
• Equipment Breakdown Insurance: Covers the cost of replacing or repairing equipment that has broken due to mechanical issues.
• Worker’s compensation: Provides compensation to employees injured on the job.
• Property: Covers your physical space, whether it is a cart, storefront, or office.
• Commercial auto: Protection for your company-owned vehicle.
• Professional liability: Protects against claims from a client who says they suffered a loss due to an error or omission in your work.
• Business owner’s policy (BOP): This is an insurance plan that acts as an all-in-one insurance policy, a combination of the above insurance types.

Step 11: Prepare to Launch

As opening day nears, prepare for launch by reviewing and improving some key elements of your business. 

Essential software and tools

Being an entrepreneur often means wearing many hats, from marketing to sales to accounting, which can be overwhelming. Fortunately, many websites and digital tools are available to help simplify many business tasks. 

You may want to use industry-specific software, such as Guards Pro, GuardMetrics, or Officer Reports, to manage your reporting, schedule, timesheets, and billing. 

Accounting

• Popular web-based accounting programs for smaller businesses include Quickbooks, Freshbooks, and Xero. 
• If you’re unfamiliar with basic accounting, you may want to hire a professional, especially as you begin. The consequences for filing incorrect tax documents can be harsh, so accuracy is crucial.

Develop your website

Website development is crucial because your site is your online presence and needs to convince prospective clients of your expertise and professionalism.

You can create your own website using services like WordPress, Wix, or Squarespace. This route is very affordable, but figuring out how to build a website can be time-consuming. If you lack tech-savvy, you can hire a web designer or developer to create a custom website for your business.

They are unlikely to find your website, however, unless you follow Search Engine Optimization (SEO) practices. These are steps that help pages rank higher in the results of top search engines like Google. 

Marketing

Starting a security guard business requires more than just a website and networking; it demands strategic marketing to stand out in a competitive industry. Here are practical and effective marketing strategies to help you succeed:

1. Localized Social Media Campaigns: Leverage social media platforms to target specific localities, engaging with community groups and sharing content that highlights the importance of security in the neighborhood.
2. Community Sponsorships and Partnerships: Invest in local events, sponsor community gatherings, or partner with neighborhood associations to build trust and visibility, showcasing your commitment to the safety of the community.
3. Referral Programs: Implement a referral program that incentivizes existing clients, employees, and even community members to refer potential clients, creating a word-of-mouth network that fosters trust.
4. Specialized Training Workshops: Host workshops on safety and security for local businesses or schools, positioning your company as an expert in the field while creating opportunities for direct interactions with potential clients.
5. Targeted Direct Mail Campaigns: Develop targeted direct mail campaigns, sending informative brochures or postcards to businesses and residences in specific areas, emphasizing the unique value your security services bring to their safety.
6. Online Reviews and Testimonials: Encourage satisfied clients to leave positive reviews on online platforms. Showcase these testimonials on your website and in marketing materials to build credibility and establish a track record of success.
7. 24/7 Availability Promotion: Emphasize your company’s round-the-clock availability in marketing materials, underlining the commitment to providing security solutions at any time, which can be a critical differentiator in emergencies.
8. Content Marketing with Safety Tips: Develop a blog or video series on safety tips for businesses and individuals, positioning your brand as an authority in security matters and creating shareable content that extends your reach.
9. Mobile Marketing: Utilize mobile advertising to target specific geographic areas, ensuring your business appears on the screens of potential clients in proximity, reinforcing the idea of local security support.
10. Attend Industry-Specific Trade Shows: Participate in trade shows or conferences related to security and safety, providing an opportunity to network with other businesses and showcase your services to a targeted audience already interested in security solutions.

Focus on USPs

Unique selling propositions, or USPs, are the characteristics of a product or service that sets it apart from the competition. Customers today are inundated with buying options, so you’ll have a real advantage if they are able to quickly grasp how your security guard business  meets their needs or wishes. It’s wise to do all you can to ensure your USPs stand out on your website and in your marketing and promotional materials, stimulating buyer desire. 

Global pizza chain Domino’s is renowned for its USP: “Hot pizza in 30 minutes or less, guaranteed.” Signature USPs for your security guard business could be: 

• Reliable 24-hour security to protect your business and property
• Armed security guards to protect your home and family
• Person security services for high profile people

Networking

You may not like to network or use personal connections for business gain. But your personal and professional networks likely offer considerable untapped business potential. Maybe that Facebook friend you met in college is now running a security guard business, or a LinkedIn contact of yours is connected to dozens of potential clients. Maybe your cousin or neighbor has been working in security guard businesses for years and can offer invaluable insight and industry connections. 

The possibilities are endless, so it’s a good idea to review your personal and professional networks and reach out to those with possible links to or interest in security guards. You’ll probably generate new customers or find companies with which you could establish a partnership. 

Step 12: Build Your Team

If you’re starting out small from a home office, you may not need any employees. But as your business grows, you will likely need workers to fill various roles. Potential positions for a security guard business include:

• Security Guards – provide security services
• General Manager – scheduling, accounting
• Marketing Lead – SEO strategies, social media

At some point, you may need to hire all of these positions or simply a few, depending on the size and needs of your business. You might also hire multiple workers for a single role or a single worker for multiple roles, again depending on need. 

Free-of-charge methods to recruit employees include posting ads on popular platforms such as LinkedIn, Facebook, or Jobs.com. You might also consider a premium recruitment option, such as advertising on Indeed, Glassdoor, or ZipRecruiter. Further, if you have the resources, you could consider hiring a recruitment agency to help you find talent. 

Step 13: Run a Security Company – Start Making Money!

Our need for security may be unfortunate, but it’s a fact of modern life — and a legitimate business opportunity. The industry is seeing steady growth, so if you have a passion for protection, you could start a security guard business and make a good living while providing an essential service.

You’ve learned what you need to know about the business now, so it’s time to get out there and start protecting people and businesses — and securing your future.