How to promote a cleaning business

1. Be active on social media

Social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, X (AKA Twitter), and TikTok aren’t just for socializing. They’re also perfect for finding your ideal clients in places where they spend time online.

You don’t need a website when you are first starting out. Creating a business Facebook page is free. Set up your page with your cleaning business logo and be sure to share photos of you as the business owner.

An Instagram account is free and easy to create and can help you generate leads. Create a handle with your company name and get started posting! In the bio be sure to indicate what city you’re located in or what areas you serve.

Here’s how to get started with social media marketing:

Create business profiles. Set up profiles for your business on the platforms where your ideal clients spend time. Make sure to include your contact details so followers can get in touch with you.
Post original content regularly. This can include before-and-after cleaning photos, blog post links, special deals, cleaning tips and tricks, client testimonials, and so on. Use relevant hashtags to help your ideal clients find you.
Participate in local Facebook groups. Join Facebook groups for communities where you’d like to clean. You can promote yourself to ideal clients and answer questions about your services. Just make sure you follow any group rules about self-promotion.

2. Get listed on lead generation sites

Lead generation websites like Business Connect Directory, Yelp, Thumbtack, Angi, and HomeAdvisor make it easy for homeowners to find service providers like you online, learn about your business, and visit your website to book an appointment.

Listing on these online directories is a great way to bring in new business with very little effort.

Another great option for advertising is online directories. There are many different directories out there, from general directories like Google My Business and Yelp, to industry-specific directories like Houzz and Angie’s List.

3. Set up search engine marketing

Search engine marketing allows you to show cleaning ads to ideal clients who are using search engines like Google.
   
    Google Business: Start by creating a Google Business profile. This helps your business show up in Google search results for cleaning-related keywords. Searchers can see your hours, contact details, ratings and reviews, and a website link.

4. Send out flyers and postcards

Advertise to specific neighborhoods with a cleaning service flyer, postcard, or door hanger advertising. You can get your local post office to help with distribution, or even do it yourself.

Make your flyers using a word processor, online template, or design software—whatever you’re comfortable with. Just include your cleaning business name, contact details, and the types of cleaning services you provide.

One of the best ways to get more clients is by networking with other local businesses in your area. Attend local business or community events, and see if there are other business owners you can partner up with to cross promote your services. For example, partnering with a window-washing company. When your clients ask for this service, you can recommend them, and vice versa.

5. Use your vehicle as a billboard

Placing your company details on your vehicle is an easy way to advertise everywhere you go. There are several ways to do this, ranging from a full vehicle wrap to a simple sticker or decal.

To design a vehicle wrap, talk to a local print shop and provide your business’s name, logo, slogan, and contact details. They’ll also need the make, model, and measurements of your vehicle.

You can then apply the decal yourself or get the print shop to wrap the vehicle for you. Then, all you have to do is drive around town to earn yourself plenty of free exposure.
 

6. Network in your community

Want to know how to advertise your cleaning business for free? Start building relationships in your community and you’ll quickly find new opportunities to promote your cleaning business. It also allows others to spread the word about your services.

Try networking activities like these:             Attend trade shows. Rent a booth and talk to potential clients (and other business owners) about your services. You can drum up interest with a draw for a free cleaning package—and collect email addresses so you can contact potential clients afterwards.
         
    Join a community association. Every community has groups, including some that are just for business owners. Joining an association is a great way to meet other business owners, find advertising opportunities, and follow what’s happening in the community.
         
    Take part in community events. Volunteering at a community event can build your reputation and advertise your business while helping out your community. Every event needs cleaners, so throw on your company t-shirt and start pitching in.

         
    Build business partnerships. Team up with businesses who offer different types of home services. For example, a window washing company can refer you to their clients, and you can do the same. This saves clients the trouble of finding a service themselves.

Marketing your cleaning business for free can be a great way to get more leads and attract new customers while increasing your revenue. It’s a budget effective way to test out different platforms and strategies, before committing any marketing budget to a particular platform or strategy.

Be sure to choose the right channels for your target market (remember: you don’t need to be on all the social media platforms!), create attention-grabbing visuals, and partner with other businesses. Don’t skip the branding step! Try different tactics and strategies and use the feedback to see what works for your maid service.