Start with people who already know you, then work outward street by street. ProfitDrawer's cleaning business guide notes that the first 5 clients almost always come from friends, family, coworkers and neighbors, so ask each one for a referral. Add a free map listing with photos, local community groups, and door hangers near home, and ask happy customers for a review after the second or third visit.
Where first customers usually come from (from ProfitDrawer's trade guides):
- People you know. Tell friends, family, coworkers and neighbors what you offer and your service area.
- A free business profile on map and search listings, with photos and prices or packages.
- Local community groups and neighborhood apps, with a short intro and before and after photos.
- Door hangers and flyers close to home. The lawn care guide suggests leaving hangers on the houses on either side and across the street after every job, because dense routes cut drive time.
- Businesses that refer work: realtors and property managers for move out cleans, apartment complexes and workplaces for on site detailing.
- Gift certificates for holidays and birthdays, which bring in new customers through the person who gives them.
Keep them coming back: ask for a review while the result is fresh, book the next visit before you leave, and keep a record of who referred whom so you can thank them.
Track which source each new customer came from. After a month you will know which efforts are worth your time.
Source: How to Start a Cleaning Business (ProfitDrawer guide) · Updated
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