Apr 23, 2025 | 6 min read

How to get leads for your cleaning business fast

Your cleaning company relies on a consistent stream of customers to book jobs and turn a profit. A steady customer base starts with loads of leads to work with—but how can you quickly get more leads?

If you’re wondering how to get leads for cleaning businesses, Nextdoor has answers. From leveraging the right online platforms to using offline techniques like local networking, we’ll help you sweep up more leads—and more profits.

Why lead generation is essential for cleaning businesses

Some people use cleaning services regularly. But oftentimes, people will hire cleaners once for singular, large jobs instead of booking them on a recurring basis. This means you need a constant stream of new clientele to stay busy and profitable.

The importance of consistent lead flow

The more leads you generate, the more neighbors you’ll likely convert into customers. This enhances your ability to grow your cleaning business and keeps you stable as you sweep forward into the future.

Challenges in generating quality leads

A few of the main issues facing cleaning companies as they try to generate leads include:

  • Reach – It can be difficult to pinpoint who needs cleaning services and how to get in contact with them.
  • Visibility – There are over one million businesses offering cleaning and janitorial services in the USA alone. Distinguishing your brand from your competitors is necessary to stand out to potential clients.
  • Trust – People place a lot of confidence in cleaners. After all, you’re operating in their personal space. Building a trustworthy local reputation helps new clients feel at ease when using your services.

Home security company Verisure had issues with lead generation until it turned to Nextdoor. By leveraging Nextdoor’s Sponsored Posts, it generated more leads for 33% less than its initially anticipated cost.

Leveraging digital platforms for rapid lead generation

The internet is perhaps the best place to market your cleaning services, reach more potential customers, and expand your base. To generate more leads for your local business online, consider the following tactics:

Optimize your Google business profile

Be sure to claim your business on Google and update all the contact information so new leads can reach out to you. Then, improve your local Google ranking to appear higher on Search Engine Results Pages (SERPs) by:

  • Managing and responding to reviews
  • Posting photos of your work
  • Adding a list of your available services

Use social media for local engagement

Create social media profiles on the platforms your target audience is likely using. Then, stir up buzz around your local business by:

  • Posting before and after pictures of the spotless spaces you’ve cleaned
  • Replying to comments, questions, and concerns from your followers
  • Linking to your own website to make it easy for browsers to book your services

Paid strategies: Ads and social media campaigns

Nearly all social media sites let you pay to advertise to other users, but none are nearly as effective as promoting your local business on Nextdoor. To get started, claim your business page and explore Nextdoor Ads Manager to craft targeted, effective campaigns that resonate in your local community.

Real estate agent Joe Kennedy relies on Nextdoor to connect with local community members and, not only has it increased his reach, but he now does business for up to 75% less than he previously thought possible.

Offline strategies that still work

As effective as advertising a cleaning business online is, there are still several real-world promotional techniques that can generate viable leads and build your brand’s reputation.

Power down the computer for a moment to try:

Referral programs to boost word-of-mouth

More Americans discover new businesses through word-of-mouth recommendations than any other single source. People trust their friend's and family’s recommendations—and they should be rewarded for sending customers your way.

If you’re wondering how to improve customer experience, incentivize your clients to refer their friends with rewards like:

  • Discounts on future bookings
  • Service upgrades
  • Free cleanings

Creating irresistible offers

One way to stand out from the competition is by crafting irresistible offers. By offering something extra, you can encourage potential leads to take action faster. Consider offering:

  • Bundle deals, such as a discount for multiple cleanings
  • Limited-time promotions (e.g., “Book a cleaning today and get 15% off your next one”)
  • Special services for first-time clients, like a free deep clean with the first service

These types of offers create urgency and make it easy for potential clients to decide on your services.

Networking with local businesses

It’s not only your residential neighbors who need cleaning services but also local businesses. To that end, make sure to search for other nearby companies that may need intermittent cleanings, such as:

  • Real estate agents
  • Property managers
  • Event planners

Offer your reliable services in exchange for a steady stream of jobs.

Community involvement and branding

Your local business operates in your local area—the same place where your neighbors live, work, and play. Sponsoring community events can help get your brand’s name out there and establish a positive reputation with your future clients.

Even if you can't sponsor an event, offering your services in exchange for a little publicity can still build your brand within your community.

Achieve fast and sustainable growth with Nextdoor

Wondering how to get leads for cleaning businesses?

Start by leveraging digital platforms. Then, get involved in your community by joining local events and partnering with other businesses. Most importantly of all, claim your Nextdoor business page and set up Nextdoor Ads Manager to expand your reach.

Over 90% of Nextdoor users make the buying decisions for their household—meaning they’re the ones who decide which cleaning service to hire. Reach these future clients directly (plus the other third of US households on the platform) by engaging on the social space neighbors trust the most: Nextdoor.

 

Sources:

  1. IBISWorld. Janitorial Services in the US - Number of Businesses (2005–2030). https://www.ibisworld.com/united-states/number-of-businesses/janitorial-services/1496/
  2. Google. How to improve your local ranking on Google. https://support.google.com/business/answer/7091?hl=en.
  3. Statista. Word-of-mouth (WOM) marketing and advertising – statistics & facts. https://www.statista.com/topics/12485/word-of-mouth-wom-marketing-and-advertising/.
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Author image Sam O'Brien Sam O'Brien is the Director of Digital and Growth for EMEA at RingCentral, a Global VoIP, video conferencing and Cloud PBX provider. Sam has a passion for innovation and loves exploring ways to collaborate more with dispersed teams. He has written for websites such as Hubspot and SmallBizDaily.