So, how DO you advertise cleaning services?
The short answer is – Yelp, Thumbtack and Google Local Services.
But we would suggest you stick around till the end of the article to know what works, why it works, and how my own cleaning business, Maid to Glow, gets most of its cleaning clients.
In this article, you’ll learn –
- The #1 mistake most people make when advertising cleaning services
- How to advertise your cleaning services for free
- Paid channels for advertising your cleaning services.
- The best way to advertise your cleaning services (+ Examples)
#1 Mistake People Make When Advertising Cleaning Services
Most people in this industry have no idea what they are doing when it comes to advertising or marketing their cleaning business. They are probably doing something they once heard someone talk about or read somewhere in an article.
The problem with that, as discussed before, is we’re programmed to think that advertising on the internet is only limited to Facebook ads and Google Adwords.
Firstly, that’s not true. Secondly, Facebook and Google ads are almost useless if you’re trying to grow your cleaning business and get more clients. We’ll explain why later in this article, but if this is you, stop right now.
There are better ways to advertise cleaning services that require much less or no money at all but will give you 10x the results.
Advertise Cleaning Services for Free
Yelp and Thumbtack
Let’s talk about the FREE methods to advertise cleaning services first. Yelp and Thumbtack are the only two platforms that don’t charge you anything to create a profile and list your business.
As for how effective are they?
Let’s just say Yelp and Thumbtack can bring you more house cleaning clients than Facebook ads or Google Adwords ever can.
So, make sure you fill out all the relevant information, add relevant pictures and use the right keywords in your business listings.
If done right, you can rank for popular keywords like “cleaning services”, “house cleaning services”, “office cleaning services”, etc., on Google without paying a single dollar.
As you can see in this picture, Maid to Glow is ranking second because, over the years, I’ve figured out how to best optimize my profile to rank on these platforms. And by ranking on these platforms, my business is automatically ranking on Google.
Also, getting reviews on these platforms is critical for your success. The more positive reviews you have, the easier it is for you to rank for these keywords.
Of course, if you just started out and haven’t had any clients yet, you’ll struggle for reviews. But to be honest, getting your first client is not that hard. Here’s a guide on getting your first cleaning client.
Referral Programs
Referral programs are great for when you have a good rotation of clients.
The idea is you create a program that allows your customers to get discounts or free service if they successfully refer a new client.
Sure, in a way, you’re spending money to get new clients. But remember that you’re not paying anything upfront and will make your money back instantly with a new client. So, it’s worth it.
Groups and Local Events
There are online communities and groups, plus local offline events where you can advertise your cleaning business for free, but we don’t recommend doing it at all. It’s a waste of time.
Why?
The best way to get clients fast is to let them come to you. Not the other way around. I’ve discussed this concept in detail in my article on finding cleaning clients without trying.
Nonetheless, the bottom line is we don’t recommend advertising cleaning services on online groups and local events.
Paid Channels to Advertise Cleaning Services
Google Local Services for Cleaning Business
Advertising cleaning services on Google Local Services is by far the best way to get in front of your customers when they search for cleaning services.
If you’re willing to spend money to grow your cleaning business and get more clients, this is where you would want to put it. It places you at the top of Google search results with a Google guaranteed checkmark.
Personally, this is where we get most of our clients for our cleaning business, Maid to Glow.
Google Ads for Cleaning Business
We’ve been saying how Google Adwords ads are pretty much useless when advertising cleaning services throughout this article. But why?
Let’s look at a picture to understand why.
What is the first thing you see in this search result for “cleaning business near me” (or any variation)? It’s the results from Google Local Services. Below that, you have the Adwords results.
People are more likely to click on the Google Local Services results than the Adword results.
Do you know why? Because the Google Local Services provides –
- A Google Guaranteed Checkmark, creating trustability and credibility.
- Readily available reviews, creating further trust and credibility and building social proof.
- Variety and multiple options to choose from.
On the other hand, the businesses listed on Google Adwords have no social proof. People have little to no information about these businesses. It would work if these cleaning businesses were as famous as brands like Apple and Nike.
But since they are not, it’s highly unlikely people will convert from these ads, let alone click on them.
Facebook Ads for Cleaning Business
The only time Facebook ads are worth investing in is when you’re retargeting potential customers.
If you don’t know how retargeting ads work, here’s a quick rundown –
Retargeting means you show your ads to only the people that have visited your website at least once.
The idea is if they have visited your website once, they’re probably somewhat interested in your service. So, getting in front of them again with retargeting ads can help you close the deal. Otherwise, they might forget about your business or lose interest.
Other than this, Facebook ads are pretty much the same as Google ads – useless.
Best Way to Advertise Cleaning Services
So, we’ve talked about a lot of different advertising methods. But what is the best way to advertise cleaning services?
In my opinion and experience, the best way to advertise your cleaning services is a combination of these three – Yelp, Thumbtack and Google Local Services.
These platforms help you cut through the buyer’s journey and get in front of them right away. All you need to do is – set up your profile the right way.
Here’s another picture that shows how effective Yelp and Thumbtack really are –
What do you see right after the Google My Business results? Yes, it’s Yelp.
People may not know or trust your business, but they do know and trust Yelp, Thumbtack and Google. And that’s why they will click on it.
This is not only the best strategy to advertise your cleaning services, but you would be losing out on potential customers if you don’t utilize these platforms.
FAQ
How to advertise a cleaning business?
Answer: Find platforms and channels that require minimum investment but provide maximum returns. Also, to advertise your cleaning services better, have pictures and reviews. It’ll help build social proof and trust.
Where can I advertise my cleaning business for free?
Answer: There are many platforms and ways to advertise for free, but these are the best – Yelp, Thumbtack and Google Local Services.
How to advertise cleaning services on Facebook?
Answer: Set up Facebook pixel on your website and retarget potential clients through Facebook ads.
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