Nextdoor for Business Blog

Junk Removal Advertising Tips & Ideas | Nextdoor

Written by Sam O'Brien | Apr 23, 2025 2:38:27 PM

Running a junk removal business comes with its fair share of challenges. Maybe you're struggling to get a steady stream of customers, or maybe competitors in your area are making it hard to stand out.

You know your service is valuable, but without the right marketing strategy, potential customers may not even know you exist. So, let's find out the right junk removal advertising approach for your business and build trust in your community.

Why junk removal businesses need a strong advertising strategy

Your junk removal business isn't just about hauling away unwanted items—through this business, you can help homeowners, landlords, and even other businesses declutter or clear out their properties and upgrade their spaces. The demand for junk removal services is on the rise, and it’s now turning out to be a billion-dollar industry. It's crucial to leverage junk removal marketing to tap into this expanding market. But with growing competition, standing out requires more than just a truck and a phone number.

Well-crafted marketing strategies can help boost your visibility and attract more junk removal leads. The right approach can position your business as a trusted local solution, increasing customer inquiries and ultimately driving revenue. Whether you're just starting or looking to expand, investing in effective advertising is essential to staying ahead.

Best strategies for junk removal advertising

If you’re ready to be one of the best known junk removal businesses in town, check out these tried and tested advertising strategies and see which ones will work for you.

Optimize your business profiles

If potential customers are searching for "junk removal near me," your Google Business Profile (GBP) is one of the first things they'll see. That's why optimizing it is a must.

A complete, accurate profile filled with updated contact details, business hours, and good-quality photos makes a strong first impression. But the real game-changer is the reviews. The more positive reviews you have, the higher your business ranks in local searches. Encourage happy customers to leave feedback by making it easy for them. Send a follow-up message with a direct link they can click after a job well done.

In addition to Google, be sure to claim and optimize your Nextdoor Business Page. Nextdoor connects you with verified residents in your area, helping you build a trusted presence in local neighborhoods. A strong profile with updated info, service highlights, and recommendations can drive direct referrals and boost visibility where it matters most.

Use paid advertising to reach more customers

When done right, paid advertising is a reliable customer acquisition strategy. Various online and social media platforms offer powerful online ways to put your junk removal business in front of people who need your services. By targeting the right audience, you can increase sales and make every marketing dollar count. Here's a couple of tips to get you started based on the platform of your choice:

  • Google Ads – Target high-intent searches like "same-day junk removal" or "affordable junk hauling." These keywords signal that someone is ready to book a service. You can also focus on location-based keywords so your ads show up for nearby customers actively searching for businesses like yours.
  • Social media advertising – Promote seasonal specials, share customer testimonials, or offer limited-time discounts to drive engagement. Targeted ads allow you to zero in on specific zip codes or demographics, making your ad spend more efficient.
  • Nextdoor Ads Manager – For hyper-local reach, Nextdoor Ads Manager helps you connect directly with verified neighbors in your service area. Because Nextdoor is built around real communities, your ads appear in neighborhood feeds where homeowners are already looking for trusted local services. It’s an ideal way to build credibility, drive word-of-mouth referrals, and generate more high-quality leads close to home.

Improve website and SEO for organic growth

Your website should work just as hard as you do. A well-optimized website makes it easy for customers to find you and positions you as an authority in your field.

Use local search engine optimization (SEO) strategies to boost your marketing reach and make sure your site ranks well when people search for junk removal services in your area. Incorporate city-specific keywords, create location pages, and ensure your contact details are consistent across all directories.

Showcase customer success stories with before-and-after photos and detailed testimonials. People trust businesses that have proven results, and seeing real examples of your work can be the nudge they need to book your services.

And don't forget about blog content. Answer common questions like "What items can junk removal companies take?" or "How much does junk removal cost?" This can improve your site's ranking in search results while offering helpful resources for your customers.

Utilize email marketing for repeat business

Email marketing is a powerful yet often overlooked tool for junk removal businesses. While getting new customers is great, keeping contact with past clients can also drive repeat business and valuable referrals.

A well-planned email strategy helps keep your brand top of their minds so that when customers need junk removal services again, they'll think of you first. Here are some tips for your email marketing:

  • Segment your email list - Not all customers have the same needs. Segment your email list based on past service history, location, or preferences. For example, someone who booked a garage cleanout might appreciate reminders about seasonal decluttering, while a property manager might be interested in bulk removal deals.
  • Send value-driven content - Avoid overly promotional emails—focus on providing helpful content that solves problems. Share organization tips, junk disposal best practices, and DIY home decluttering guides. These value-driven emails increase the trustworthiness of your business and ensure your content stands out among competitors.
  • Offer exclusive deals for repeat customers - Incentivize repeat business by offering special discounts or loyalty rewards to returning customers. This makes them more likely to choose your services again instead of shopping around.
  • Use automated email campaigns - Set up automated email campaigns for customer follow-ups. A simple "Thank You" email after a completed job, followed by a request for a review and, later, a reminder about seasonal junk removal needs, keeps engagement high with little extra effort on your end.

Leverage video content for greater engagement

These days, marketing through reels, shorts, or even long-form videos is one of the most effective ways to engage potential customers and showcase the value of your services. In your industry, results speak louder than words, so video content is the way to go to let potential clients witness the efficiency, professionalism, and impact of your junk removal services. 

Try out these ideas when creating video marketing content for your business:

  • Showcase the junk removal process - Create step-by-step videos showing how your team handles different types of junk removal jobs. Break down the process from booking to completion so customers know exactly what to expect. This reduces uncertainty and encourages them to reach out.
  • Highlight customer testimonials - Capture satisfied customers on video sharing their positive experiences. Genuine, unscripted testimonials build trust and show potential clients the real benefits of hiring your team.
  • Before-and-after transformations - Time-lapse or side-by-side comparison videos can be very compelling. Show cluttered spaces transformed into clean, usable areas to create a visual impact that resonates with viewers.
  • Go behind-the-scenes - People love to see the human side of a business. Introduce your team members, share a day-in-the-life experience, or highlight your company's commitment to eco-friendly junk disposal and donations.
  • Create live videos and stories - Platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok offer live streaming options that allow you to engage with your audience in real-time. Host Q&A sessions about junk removal, share quick cleanout tips, or broadcast a live junk pickup to demo your efficiency.
  • Optimize for SEO and engagement - Once you upload videos to YouTube, embed them on your website and share them across social media to enhance your online visibility and connections with potential customers. Use relevant keywords in video titles and descriptions to improve search rankings and attract organic traffic.

Build a strong referral and review system

Word-of-mouth is still one of the most powerful forms of marketing. When someone raves about your junk removal service, their friends and family are far more likely to trust and hire you.

Encourage customers to leave reviews by offering small incentives, like a discount on their next service or a chance to win a gift card. For an even bigger impact, create a referral program by offering past customers a reward for every new client they send your way. Rewards can come in the form of discounts, cashback, or service perks.

And don't just collect these reviews—respond to them, too! Thank satisfied customers, and address any negative feedback in a professional way. A well-handled response shows potential customers that you genuinely care about their experience, which increases your credibility.

Partner with local businesses and community groups

Building strong relationships with other local businesses opens the door to more referrals and collaborations. Think about who often needs junk removal services: real estate agents, property managers, contractors, and home organizers. Establish partnerships where they can refer clients to you in exchange for discounts or commissions.

Community involvement also works wonders for brand awareness while providing opportunities for you to learn from community needs. Sponsoring local events or neighborhood cleanup projects puts your name in front of potential customers while showing that your business cares about giving back to the community. Volunteering for charity removals or offering free services to local organizations can also generate goodwill and positive word-of-mouth. Offering free or discounted services during community events also works as a great promotional strategy.

Final tips for effective junk removal advertising

At this point, you’re no longer wondering how to start a junk removal business. Your business is up and running, and you want to find more customers. Here are some of our final tips and reminders to help you reach your goal.

Track what works and adjust your strategies

Not all advertising methods will yield the same results, so tracking performance is key to the success of your marketing strategy. Use analytics tools to see which types of content are actually driving inquiries and bookings. Once you’ve identified what's working, you can scale those efforts and tweak the ones that aren't performing well. Understanding digital marketing trends can also help you pivot strategies as needed.

Stay consistent with advertising

Advertising isn't a one-and-done effort—it requires consistency. Keep your social media pages active, regularly update your business profiles, and run promos throughout the year. Even during slower seasons, maintain your visibility to make sure that you're the clients' first choice when demand picks up again. Continual online engagement can also help ensure that your potential sales don't dip during quiet periods.

Utilize vehicle branding for passive advertising

Think of your junk removal truck as if it's a moving billboard. Add eye-catching decals, your business name, and contact details to your vehicle so that wherever you go, potential customers will notice your brand. Parking in high-traffic areas or near job sites can also generate inquiries from people who may not have otherwise come across your business. It might just provide your business with valuable junk removal leads.

Offer seasonal promotions to drive more business

Different times of the year bring different junk removal needs. Offer spring-cleaning specials, back-to-school decluttering discounts, or holiday cleanup deals to attract customers when they're already thinking about tidying up. You can also promote limited-time offers to create urgency and boost bookings during slower periods. 

Engage your community and get more customers with Nextdoor Ads Manager

A well-rounded junk removal advertising strategy doesn't just drive business—it helps you build a reputation, have loyal customers, and grow sustainably. Getting involved in your neighborhood builds strong, long-lasting customer relationships. Whether it's engaging with neighbors on Nextdoor, attending town events, or partnering with local businesses, staying connected makes your brand feel like a trusted, integral part of your local community.

Ready to get started? Get started with Nextdoor Ads Manager to boost your junk removal marketing and start connecting with your community to attract more customers today.

 

Sources:

  1. IBIS World. Waste Collection Services in the US - Market Research Report (2014-2029). https://www.ibisworld.com/united-states/industry/waste-collection-services/1506/