5 ways to get more cleaning clients

Growing a cleaning business requires consistent effort and the right strategies. Here are five proven approaches to fill your schedule.

1. Dominate your neighborhoods

The most profitable growth is concentrated in areas you already serve.

Door-to-door marketing:

• Leave door hangers on homes near your current clients

• Offer "neighbor discounts" (10-15% off first clean)

• Time distribution after completing a nearby job

Why neighborhood marketing works:

• Minimal extra travel time

• Visual proof (your car, your team at work)

• Word-of-mouth spreads in neighborhoods

• Builds route density

Pro tip: Focus on neighborhoods with homes similar to your best clients.

2. Build a referral program

Happy clients are your best marketers.

How to structure it:

• Offer $25-50 credit for successful referrals

• Give the new client a first-clean discount

• Make referring easy (text link, referral code)

When to ask:

• After a great cleaning feedback

• During routine check-in conversations

• In thank-you emails and texts

Track referrals:

• Note referral source for every new client

• Recognize and thank top referrers

• Calculate referral program ROI

3. Optimize for local search

When someone searches "house cleaning near me," be there.

Google Business Profile:

• Claim and complete your profile

• Add photos of your work

• Collect and respond to reviews

• Post updates regularly

Getting reviews:

• Ask satisfied clients directly

• Send follow-up text with review link

• Make it one-click easy

Local SEO basics:

• Include your city in website titles

• Create pages for each service area

• Add testimonials with locations

4. Partner with complementary businesses

Strategic partnerships generate consistent referrals.

Great partners for cleaning services:

• Real estate agents (move-in/out cleans)

• Property managers (tenant turnover)

• Home organizers (cleaning after organizing)

• Interior designers (post-project cleans)

• Moving companies (add-on service)

Partnership approach:

• Offer partner discounts or commissions

• Provide business cards for their clients

• Be reliable and professional

• Return referrals when possible

5. Use social media strategically

Show your work and build trust online.

Best platforms for cleaners:

• Facebook: Local community groups, business page

• Instagram: Before/after photos, tips

• Nextdoor: Neighborhood recommendations

Content ideas:

• Before/after transformations (with permission)

• Cleaning tips and hacks

• Behind-the-scenes of your work

• Team introductions

• Customer testimonials

Posting tips:

• Consistency matters more than frequency

• Engage with comments and messages

• Join local community groups

• Share in neighborhood Facebook groups

Additional growth tactics

Online advertising:

• Facebook ads targeting homeowners

• Google Ads for "cleaning service [city]"

• Nextdoor sponsored posts

Community presence:

• Sponsor local events

• Participate in community groups

• Offer discounts for community members

Unique selling points:

• Eco-friendly cleaning products

• Pet-friendly service

• Satisfaction guarantee

• Same cleaner every visit

Growth metrics to track

• New clients per month

• Customer acquisition cost

• Referral rate

• Customer retention rate

• Average lifetime value

• Revenue per client

Key takeaways

• Focus growth in neighborhoods you serve

• Referrals are your lowest-cost acquisition channel

• Local search brings high-intent leads

• Partnerships generate consistent referrals

• Social media builds trust and visibility