🧭 76+ Marketing Ideas to Get More Cleaning Clients
Struggling to get consistent leads for your cleaning business? You’re not alone. Whether you're just starting out or growing a team, keeping a steady stream of new clients can feel like an uphill battle.
That’s why successful companies use a blend of boots-on-the-ground tactics 🧼 and automated follow-up systems 🤖. Yard signs and van lettering may grab attention—but without smart CRM and email sequences, those leads often disappear.
This post delivers 76+ proven marketing ideas for cleaning services, broken down into categories like digital marketing, local networking, referral strategies, and government contracting—each with examples and how-to context.
👉 Need a ready-to-use marketing plan?
Check out our Example of a Winning Marketing Plan for Cleaning Services – includes goals, pricing, niches, and templates!
Let’s break down exactly what’s working in 2025 so you can grow smarter—not just harder.
🗂️ Explore All 76+ Marketing Ideas
Click below to jump directly to any strategy section:
- 1. Branding & Visual Identity
- 2. Direct Outreach Templates & Tools
- 3. Community & Guerrilla Marketing
- 4. Referral & Networking Strategies
- 5. Digital & Social Media Marketing
- 6. Paid Ads & Retargeting
- 7. Email, Text & CRM Automation
- 8. Public Relations & Influencer Outreach
- 9. Strategic Partnerships & Co-Marketing
- 10. Recurring Visibility & Branding
- 11. Government, Investors & Commercial Contracts
- 12. Advanced Digital Marketing & Automation
🎨 Branding & Visual Identity for Cleaning Businesses
Strong visual branding makes your cleaning business instantly recognizable. It builds trust with prospects and increases lead conversions before you ever say a word. Here’s how to ensure your brand leaves a professional impression in every space you show up.
📊 Visibility vs. Effort Matrix
Use this matrix to gauge which branding tools deliver fast visibility with manageable effort:
- ⬆️ High Impact, Low Effort: 1. Van Lettering, 3. Yard Signs, 6. Business Cards
- ⬆️ High Impact, Moderate Effort: 2. Uniforms, 8. Website, 7. Proposals
- ⬇️ Lower Impact, Local Boost: 4. Door Hangers, 5. Job Site Signs
1. 🚐 Van Lettering
Your van is free advertising on wheels. Custom wraps or vinyl lettering grab attention at every stoplight, job site, and grocery store. Learn how this upgrade stacks up in ROI with our guide: Are Vehicle Wraps Worth It for Cleaning Businesses?
2. 👕 Uniforms
Matching uniforms communicate reliability. A clean, branded polo or tee boosts your team’s image and helps customers feel confident about who’s entering their office or home.
3. 📢 Yard Signs
Simple yard signs can generate neighborhood leads after every job. Include your logo, phone number, and a short phrase like “Professional Office Cleaning” or “Move-Out Specialists.”
4. 🚪 Door Hangers
Door hangers are ideal for saturating areas around completed jobs. Include a strong call-to-action, a special offer, and a QR code linking to your quote request page.
5. 🏗️ Job Site Signs
For commercial or large-scale cleanups, branded signs posted outside the job site build trust and raise awareness among nearby businesses or property managers.
6. 💼 Business Cards
Hand out crisp, easy-to-read business cards at every estimate, event, or introduction. Bonus tip: Add a handwritten note or offer on the back for a personal touch.
7. 📄 Proposals
A branded, well-structured proposal speaks volumes. Include a summary of services, pricing tiers, and social proof like reviews or logos of past clients.
8. 🌐 Website
Your website should do more than list services—it should convert. Use client-focused messaging, before-and-after images, and simple quote forms. Bonus points for chatbots or live chat tools.
📬 Direct Outreach Templates & Tools
Direct outreach is still one of the fastest ways to book appointments and generate interest—when done right. The key is consistency, clarity, and using tools that do the heavy lifting for you. These outreach assets should be personalized, repeatable, and easy to launch for new prospects.
9. 📧 Email Templates
Keep a library of reusable email templates for outreach, follow-ups, and quote reminders. Segment by industry (e.g., dental offices, daycares) to increase relevance. Tools like Mailchimp or ConvertKit can automate delivery and track opens and clicks.
10. 💬 Text Templates
Texting is a powerful low-friction follow-up tool. Have 2–3 standard messages ready for appointment reminders, review requests, and “just quoted” check-ins. Platforms like Twilio or Podium make this seamless.
11. 📞 Phone Scripts
A clear, friendly script helps reduce cold-call anxiety and improves consistency. Keep it short, with an opening question, a one-line pitch, and a clear next step. Train your team to personalize while staying on message.
12. ✉️ Sales Letters
A well-written letter can still land big commercial accounts. Use company letterhead, focus on pain points you solve, and include a personal signature. Pair it with a strong offer or leave-behind for better ROI.
13. 🏷️ Postcards
Mail simple, eye-catching postcards to neighborhoods or specific businesses. Include a service list, your logo, and a call-to-action like “10% off for new clients.” Services like Every Door Direct Mail (EDDM) make distribution easy.
14. 📌 Leave-Behinds (Checklists, Magnets, Etc.)
After every in-person quote or job, leave behind something useful—a branded cleaning checklist, fridge magnet, or thank-you card. These items stay visible and serve as passive reminders to book again or refer a friend.
🌍 Community & Guerrilla Marketing Strategies
Community-based and guerrilla marketing tactics help you make a strong local impact without big ad budgets. These methods work best when combined with consistent branding and targeted follow-up. Whether you’re attending events, leaving flyers, or knocking on doors, these grassroots tactics can yield immediate visibility and trust.
15. 🧼 10-Arounds After Every Job
After each job or estimate, drop off a flyer, magnet, or postcard at 10 nearby homes or offices. Mention that you just serviced a neighbor or nearby company. This method builds momentum around areas where people already see your van or crew.
16. 🚪 Door-to-Door Introductions
Go door to door in commercial strips or targeted neighborhoods with a friendly script and leave-behind. Focus on introducing yourself, not hard selling—build awareness and collect decision-maker info for follow-up.
17. 🎈 Community Cleanups & Volunteering
Join or host local park cleanups, school projects, or charity drives. Wear uniforms and bring branded signs or a booth. These build goodwill and give your brand credibility with attendees, media, and local leaders.
18. 👟 Sponsor Walk-a-Thons and Fundraisers
Many local events offer low-cost sponsorship opportunities. Get your logo on banners, t-shirts, or online listings. Often, you can include a flyer in participant bags or set up a table on-site.
19. 🧲 Guerrilla Placements in Local Hotspots
Place small branded items—like cleaning tips cards or mirror decals—at laundromats, bulletin boards, coffee shops, or pet stores (with permission). These get attention from your target audience in a low-competition setting.
20. 🪧 DIY Lawn Signs on Local Routes
Place weatherproof lawn signs at intersections, near office parks, or in busy neighborhoods (check local ordinances). Keep messaging bold, minimal, and readable in 3 seconds: business name, core service, and phone number.
🤝 Referral & Networking Strategies
Some of the best clients come through word-of-mouth and trusted partnerships. These strategies help you connect with referral sources, leverage local networks, and build long-term relationships with those who can send you repeat business.
21. 🧱 Partner with Real Estate Agents
Realtors need move-in/move-out cleaning for every transaction. Offer discounted rates or flat-fee packages and drop off flyers or postcards at local agencies. Build relationships through consistent outreach or co-hosting events.
22. 🏢 Property Managers & Building Supervisors
These pros often manage dozens of units or tenants. Introduce your services, share a sample proposal, and offer an incentive for recurring work. Be the easy solution they refer every time they need fast, reliable help.
23. 🛠️ Semi-Related Contractors
Painters, HVAC techs, junk removal companies, and pest control providers all serve the same client base. Create referral alliances where you send leads to each other, co-brand flyers, or share booth space at events.
24. 🛋️ Interior Designers & Home Stagers
Designers want clean canvases. Offer pre-project cleaning or post-installation touch-ups. Leave behind branded wipes or checklists and add them to your CRM for seasonal follow-ups.
25. 🧺 Drop-Off Sites (Dry Cleaners, Pet Groomers)
Display your business cards or flyers at local service counters that attract your ideal customer. Offer to do the same in return. You’ll build recognition by being where your audience already shops.
26. 🧠 Join Local Networking Groups
Attend BNI chapters, chamber mixers, or community breakfasts to meet business owners. The more you show up, the more trust you build. Focus on giving referrals before asking for them.
27. 🏛️ Chamber of Commerce
Becoming a member gives you exposure to a local business audience. Get listed in their online directory, attend monthly meetings, and sponsor events or newsletters for visibility.
28. 🏘️ Affinity & Industry Associations
Target associations relevant to your niche—like medical office managers, daycare owners, or apartment owners. These groups are full of prospects who share your ideal client profile and often host supplier showcases or mailing lists.
💰 Paid Ads & Retargeting Strategies
Paid advertising can bring in high-quality leads when it’s targeted and tracked correctly. Whether you’re using display ads, retargeting past website visitors, or running hyper-local campaigns, the right setup can bring a strong return on investment—especially when combined with a great landing page and follow-up system.
35. 🖼️ Google Display Ads
Google Display Ads allow you to reach local business owners while they browse the web. You can target by interest, zip code, or topic. Want to get started the right way? Check out our guide on How to Advertise a Cleaning Business with Display Ads.
36. 📍 Geo-Targeted Ads for Office Parks
Use geofencing or radius-based ads to target users in specific office complexes or commercial buildings. Perfect for office cleaning and recurring service promos.
37. 🛒 Retargeting Ads for Website Visitors
Add a pixel (Facebook or Google) to your website so visitors see your ads later on Facebook, YouTube, or other sites. This keeps your brand top-of-mind and improves your conversion rate.
38. 🎞️ YouTube Video Ads
Short, local video ads placed before YouTube content can be surprisingly cost-effective. Create a 15–30 second intro explaining your service, service area, and how to get a quote.
39. 📱 Facebook & Instagram Local Ads
Promote reviews, before-and-after results, or video content to zip-code-level audiences. Run ads to lead forms, quote pages, or even Messenger to start conversations.
40. 🔁 Boosted Posts for Social Proof
Take a strong testimonial post or client video and “boost” it to a local audience. This form of paid exposure is simple, affordable, and great for reinforcing your reputation.
📩 Email, Text & CRM Automation
The best marketing doesn’t stop when a lead clicks your ad or visits your site. Automated follow-up is key to turning interest into appointments. By using CRM tools, email sequences, and personalized messaging, you can nurture leads and win more repeat business—without having to manually follow up every time.
41. 📧 Automated Email Sequences
Set up welcome emails, estimate follow-ups, and service reminders that run automatically once a lead opts in. Email tools like Mailchimp, ActiveCampaign, or HighLevel make this easy to manage and scale.
42. 📲 Text Message Follow-Ups
Send fast, personalized texts to remind prospects about quotes, ask for reviews, or confirm services. Texts have high open rates and can often feel more personal than email—especially when sent through platforms like Podium or Twilio.
43. 🧠 Smart CRM Tagging
Use tags in your CRM to group leads by property type (e.g., offices, clinics), stage (e.g., estimate requested), or source (e.g., Facebook, Google). This allows you to send more relevant offers and improve conversion rates.
44. 🧩 Behavior-Based Segmentation
Track who opens, clicks, or responds to your messages, and tailor future communication based on those actions. For example, send a different follow-up to people who clicked your quote link but didn’t schedule.
45. 🧭 Lead Source Segmentation
Know where every lead came from—whether Facebook, Google, your website, or a referral. This helps prioritize your follow-ups, track ROI, and scale the best-performing channels.
46. 🤖 AI Receptionist or Chatbot
Use automated tools on your website or Facebook page to answer common questions, collect lead info, and guide prospects to booking or calling. These tools work 24/7—even when you're cleaning.
📣 Public Relations, Media & Influencer Outreach
Getting featured in media or promoted by local influencers adds credibility and reach to your brand. These strategies can create instant authority and visibility in your community—often with minimal cost. A single media placement or local blog feature can do more than dozens of cold calls or ads.
47. 📰 Local Press Releases
Send press releases to local newspapers, news sites, and magazines when you launch a new service, win an award, or support a local event. This helps you appear as an active, trustworthy community business.
48. 📺 Local TV & Radio Spots
Reach out to local talk shows, morning programs, or radio hosts with unique cleaning stories, seasonal tips, or giveaway ideas. These spots build trust quickly—especially if you appear on programs that target homeowners or business audiences.
49. 🗣️ Local Bloggers & Community Influencers
Partner with local influencers—especially moms, lifestyle bloggers, or real estate experts—to feature your service in a blog or post. Offer a free cleaning in exchange for exposure to their audience and authentic reviews.
50. 🎙️ Local Podcasts
Offer to speak on community podcasts about small business success, cleaning industry tips, or how you started your company. Podcasts are great for building personal brand trust and backlinking to your site.
51. 📬 Guest Posts on Local Blogs
Write helpful articles—like “How to Keep an Office Clean Between Visits”—for local business or lifestyle blogs. Add a short author bio linking to your site for referral traffic and SEO authority.
🤝 Strategic Partnerships & Co-Marketing
Aligning with other businesses that serve your ideal client opens up opportunities for referrals, co-promotions, and bundled services. Strategic partnerships allow you to access pre-qualified leads, share marketing costs, and tap into new customer bases without cold outreach.
52. 🏢 Partner with Apartment Complexes
Offer recurring cleaning for move-outs, common areas, or model units. Property managers love vendors who are dependable, affordable, and fast. Add branded materials to leasing offices to stay top-of-mind.
53. 🧘 Collaborate with Fitness Studios
Yoga studios, gyms, and boutique fitness spaces need frequent cleaning. You can cross-promote services, offer special packages to members, or leave branded flyers at the front desk with their permission.
54. 🧽 Partner with Floor or Carpet Retailers
Retailers that sell flooring or carpets often don’t offer cleaning services themselves. Reach out and suggest being their go-to partner for post-installation or maintenance services with co-branded flyers or shared referrals.
55. 🧼 Co-Market with Pest Control or Handyman Services
Many home and office service providers are open to referral partnerships. Create bundled offers, joint promotions, or shared client welcome packets that help both businesses get more visibility.
56. 🧸 Build Referral Plans for Daycares & Schools
Educational facilities need strict hygiene—and consistent vendors. Offer niche-specific packages for after-hours or weekend cleaning. Here’s a guide on how to get cleaning contracts with daycares and position yourself as the safe, reliable option.
📆 Recurring Visibility & Branding Tactics
Consistent visibility builds brand recognition and long-term trust. These tactics help your cleaning business stay top-of-mind all year—not just when someone happens to search for a cleaner. Use these recurring strategies to subtly reinforce your presence and authority.
57. 🏀 Sponsor Local Youth Sports Teams
Sponsor a Little League team or local soccer league. Your business name gets printed on jerseys, schedules, and game-day signage. Parents see your brand week after week—right when they need home or office help.
58. 📬 Neighborhood Newsletters (Print or Digital)
Get listed as the go-to cleaner in HOA newsletters, neighborhood bulletins, or local online community boards. Offer a small seasonal discount for readers to encourage action.
59. 🗓️ Branded Cleaning Tips Calendars
Create a custom calendar with monthly cleaning tips, reminders, or seasonal prep tasks. Add your logo and contact info to keep your brand on walls and desks all year long.
60. 🧴 Branded Air Fresheners or Supplies
Leave behind branded air fresheners, hand sanitizer bottles, or mini supply packs after jobs. These practical items keep your logo visible and appreciated.
61. 🍽️ Host Lunch & Learn Workshops
Bring lunch to a property management firm, dentist office, or coworking space. Give a short cleaning demo or hygiene tip session while offering exclusive packages or giveaways.
🏛️ Government, Investor & Commercial Contracts
Securing high-value cleaning contracts often requires knowing where to look—and who to talk to. Whether it's a government office, real estate fund, or investor-backed development, these prospects can deliver consistent, long-term business if approached strategically.
62. 🏢 Local Government Contracts
City offices, libraries, and public facilities often hire local vendors for under-the-threshold contracts. Register on municipal procurement portals and build relationships with office managers and clerks to stay in the loop on upcoming needs.
63. 🏛️ State Vendor Registration
Most states have a formal vendor registry. Once approved, you can bid on janitorial and facilities RFPs. Start by identifying departments that manage building services, then request introductions and compliance requirements.
64. 🇺🇸 Federal Cleaning Opportunities
Register with SAM.gov to access federal contract opportunities. Many smaller awards fall under simplified acquisition thresholds, meaning less red tape and faster decision cycles.
65. 🏦 Investor-Owned Property Portfolios
Reach out to investment firms that manage apartment complexes, shopping centers, or office parks. Offer bundled or multi-location service pricing. These accounts often prefer consistent vendors over rotating cleaners.
66. 💼 Private Equity & Asset Managers
These firms frequently invest in businesses or buildings that require ongoing cleaning services. Network through real estate meetups, LinkedIn, or referrals from brokers and attorneys to access decision-makers.
67. 📑 How to Win Commercial Contracts
Breaking into the commercial cleaning space starts with a professional proposal, defined service levels, and strong follow-up. Here’s a detailed guide on how to get commercial cleaning contracts and build repeatable systems that scale.
🧠 Advanced Digital Marketing & Lead Automation
These next-level digital tools and tactics help you automate lead generation, improve local visibility, and create a better customer experience. From AI bots to CRM triggers, these strategies make your marketing work for you—24/7.
68. 📍 Optimize Google Business Profile
Fill out every field, add service areas, upload images weekly, and post reviews consistently. This is your most powerful free local SEO asset for generating organic traffic and Google Maps leads.
69. 💬 Google Reviews Automation
Set up review request automations via text or email immediately after service. Use tools like NiceJob, HighLevel, or Jobber to streamline requests and boost your local credibility.
70. 🧾 Lead Capture with Instant Incentives
Offer downloadable checklists, coupons, or cleaning schedules in exchange for emails. Use popups, forms, or quiz funnels to convert more website traffic into leads.
71. 🔄 Automated Missed-Call Text Back
When a prospect calls and you miss it, an automatic text response can go out instantly: “Sorry we missed you! Need a quote or info?” This simple automation saves dozens of leads per month.
72. 👥 Facebook Lead Ads with Zapier Connection
Run Facebook Lead Ads and use Zapier to automatically add contacts to your CRM or email list. This creates a seamless system where every lead is nurtured without manual entry.
73. 🗺️ Local Directory Listings (Citations)
Get listed on Yelp, Angi, HomeAdvisor, Thumbtack, Bing, and Nextdoor. Consistent NAP (name, address, phone) data improves your SEO and gives leads more options to find and trust you.
74. 🤝 Referral and Loyalty Rewards System
Incentivize word-of-mouth referrals with discounts, gift cards, or account credits. Promote the program on your invoices, emails, and service reminders to keep it top-of-mind.
75. 📞 B2B Appointment Setter Service
Hire an appointment-setting service or virtual assistant to cold-call property managers, offices, or clinics. They schedule walkthroughs for you while you focus on jobs and operations.
76. 🤖 Website Chatbot with CRM Integration
Add a chatbot that collects leads, answers FAQs, and pushes info to your CRM. Works 24/7 and turns your website into a full-time lead assistant.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the most cost-effective marketing method for local cleaners?
Yard signs, van lettering, and Google Business Profile updates offer some of the highest returns with low costs. They're great for ongoing passive lead generation in your service area.
Should I use Facebook or Google Ads?
Facebook is ideal for visual, low-cost awareness and retargeting. Google is better for high-intent leads. Ideally, use both together for layered reach and follow-up.
How can I stand out from other cleaning companies?
Niche services, bold guarantees, branded uniforms, and well-packaged proposals make a huge difference. Also, building authority with Google reviews and local content helps set you apart.
Do I need a CRM to track leads?
Yes. A basic CRM helps you follow up consistently, send reminders, and close more jobs. Even simple tools like Google Sheets, Jobber, or HighLevel can help you grow smarter.
Where can I find a full cleaning business marketing plan?
You can view a complete marketing plan with examples here: Winning Marketing Plan for Cleaning Services.
🎯 Final Thoughts: Turn Ideas into Clients
With over 76 marketing ideas to choose from, you now have the tools to boost visibility, generate leads, and grow your cleaning business confidently. Whether you're focused on community outreach, automations, or paid ads, these strategies work even better when they’re combined into a consistent plan.
If you're ready to take action, we can help you implement the systems behind the strategies. Schedule a free consultation or explore our lead generation services to get started.