Running a cleaning business means balancing schedules, managing supplies, and delivering top-tier results but none of it matters without a steady flow of new clients. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to expand, the challenge is the same: how do you consistently get more cleaning clients? In this updated guide, we’ll cover 15 proven strategies that cleaning businesses and companies can use to attract house cleaning and office cleaning clients, with both online and offline tactics.
1. Optimize Your Google Business Profile
Most potential clients search 'cleaning services near me' before booking. If your business doesn’t show up, you’re invisible. Update your Google Business Profile with accurate service areas, contact details, hours, and fresh photos. Encourage happy customers to leave 5-star reviews to boost visibility and trust.
2. Build a Professional Website
Your website is your digital storefront. A mobile-friendly site with clear service descriptions, transparent pricing, testimonials, and contact forms positions your cleaning company as trustworthy and professional.
3. Post Before-and-After Photos
Visual proof sells. Share before-and-after images on your website and social media. House cleaning transformations and office deep cleans build confidence and act as shareable marketing assets.
4. Offer Referral Incentives
Your best clients are your best marketers. Encourage referrals by offering discounts or free add-ons when clients recommend your services to friends, family, or neighbors.
"Your best clients are your best marketers. Make it worth their while."
- Growth Tip
5. Partner with Realtors and Property Managers
Realtors need homes cleaned before showings, and property managers need regular turnover cleans. Build relationships with these professionals for recurring contracts.
6. Use Social Media to Showcase Results
Instead of random posts, focus on client transformations, quick cleaning tips, and behind-the-scenes content. Use hashtags like #housecleaning or #[yourcity]cleaning to reach local clients.
7. Offer Specialized Services
Differentiate yourself by offering niche services such as eco-friendly cleaning, post-construction cleanup, or move-in/move-out cleans. These keywords often face less competition and attract high-intent clients.
8. Join Local Networking Events
Attend chamber of commerce meetings, local trade shows, or small business networking events. Face-to-face networking builds trust faster than ads.
9. Invest in Local SEO
Target keywords like 'house cleaning [your city]' or 'office cleaning [your area]'. Create city-specific landing pages to rank locally. Add schema markup to highlight reviews and services in search results.
10. Run Paid Ads Strategically
Google Ads for cleaning services can be competitive (CPCs are often $10+), but well-targeted campaigns drive high-value clients. Start small, track conversions, and scale what works.
11. Create a Cleaning Blog for SEO
Blog posts like 'How much do cleaning services cost?' or 'Best eco-friendly cleaning products' attract search traffic and position your business as an authority. Internal links from these posts strengthen your service pages.
12. Use Flyers and Local Advertising
Traditional methods still work. Well-designed flyers in targeted neighborhoods or ads in community newsletters bring in local homeowners who aren’t searching online.
13. Build Partnerships with Related Businesses
Partner with carpet cleaners, window washers, or landscapers to cross-refer clients. These alliances bring steady referrals.
14. Offer First-Time Discounts
New clients often hesitate to try a new service. A first-time discount or a small free add-on (like fridge cleaning) lowers the barrier to booking.
15. Deliver Exceptional Customer Service
Your reputation is your biggest growth engine. Exceed expectations every time, respond quickly to messages, and show clients they can trust you for repeat and referral business.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How much do cleaning services cost? (Answer: varies by size, frequency, and location - $100–$300 for most homes).
- How do I get my first 10 cleaning clients? (Answer: referrals, local Facebook groups, flyers, and optimizing your Google Business Profile).
- How do cleaning companies find commercial contracts? (Answer: networking with property managers, bidding on contracts, and local business events).
- What’s the best way to market a cleaning business online? (Answer: a mix of local SEO, social proof, and paid ads).
Growing a cleaning business takes consistent effort. By combining online visibility, offline networking, and exceptional service, you can steadily build a pipeline of house cleaning and office cleaning clients. Pick two or three strategies to start with, measure results, and expand from there.