5 Proven Ways To Grow Your Cleaning Business Without Paid Ads

Starting a house cleaning business can be an incredible way to earn great money while having flexibility and control over your schedule. But the biggest challenge most new cleaning business owners face is getting clients—especially without spending money on ads.

The good news?

You don’t need to spend a dime on advertising to get quality clients for your house cleaning business. In fact, some of the best clients come through free, organic methods that build trust and credibility. Here’s how to attract new clients without breaking the bank.

1. Leverage Facebook to Connect with Potential Clients

Facebook is a goldmine for finding local clients, and you don’t need paid ads to make it work for your business. Here’s how to use it effectively:

• Create a Professional Facebook Business Page: Even if you don’t have a website, a well-optimized Facebook page can act as your online storefront. Make sure to include:

  • A clear business name and professional profile/cover photos

  • A detailed "About" section that includes what areas you serve

  • A list of your services and contact information

• Optimize Your Personal Facebook Profile: Many potential clients will check your profile before hiring you. Make sure your bio mentions your cleaning business and includes a link to your business page.

• Join Local Facebook Groups: Search for community groups, local business networking groups, and neighborhood forums. Many people post asking for cleaning recommendations—jump in and introduce yourself when appropriate (without being overly salesy).

2. Tap Into Word-of-Mouth and Referral Marketing

Word-of-mouth is one of the most powerful (and free) ways to grow your cleaning business. Here’s how to make the most of it:

• Tell Everyone You Know: Friends, family, neighbors—let them know you’ve started a cleaning business and are taking new clients

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• Ask Happy Clients for Referrals: If you already have a few clients, don’t be afraid to ask them to refer you. A simple, “If you know anyone looking for a great house cleaner, I’d love if you’d pass my name along!” can work wonders.

• Offer a Referral Discount or Bonus: Give current clients an incentive to refer others, like a small discount on their next cleaning or a free add-on service.

3. Network in Your Local Community

Building relationships with people in your area can bring in steady clients without needing paid ads.

• Partner with Local Businesses: Realtors, property managers, Airbnb hosts, and home organizers often need reliable cleaners. Introduce yourself and offer your services.

• Leave Flyers or Business Cards in Local Spots: Community bulletin boards, laundromats, coffee shops, and daycare centers are great places to leave your contact info

• Attend Local Events and Markets: Get involved in your community and meet people face-to-face.

4. Get Listed on Free Online Platforms

Many people look for house cleaners online, and you can get listed for free on several websites:

• Google My Business: Create a free profile so your business appears in local search results.

• Nextdoor: Many homeowners ask for cleaning recommendations here, making it a great place to connect with potential clients.

• Yelp and Angi (formerly Angie’s List): These platforms allow you to list your business at no cost.

5. Showcase Your Work and Reviews

People trust real results and client experiences more than anything. Make it easy for potential clients to see why they should hire you.

• Post Before-and-After Photos: If your clients allow it, share transformation photos on Facebook, Instagram, or Nextdoor.

• Collect and Share Testimonials: Ask satisfied clients for reviews and feature them on your social media and Google My Business profile.

• Create a Simple Website or Portfolio Page: Even a basic one-page site with your services, contact info, and client testimonials can make you look more professional.

BONUS: Have Solid Policies in Place from Day One

One of the biggest mistakes new cleaning business owners make is not having clear, written policies. Having strong policies in place not only protects you and your business but also helps attract better-quality clients—the kind who respect your time and are willing to pay for a professional service.

Here’s why policies are a game-changer for your cleaning business:

• They set clear expectations – Clients will know exactly what services are included, your payment terms, cancellation policies, and more. This eliminates confusion and prevents misunderstandings.

• They prevent last-minute cancellations and non-payment issues – When clients know there’s a policy in place, they’re far less likely to cancel last minute or refuse to pay.

• They help you charge what you're worth – Clear policies make it easier to stand firm on your pricing, rather than negotiating or giving in to discount seekers.

• They make you look more professional – A business with strong policies is seen as more credible and trustworthy, which helps you stand out from hobby cleaners who don’t take their business seriously.

I’ve personally seen how having the right policies in place completely transformed my business. I went from dealing with last-minute cancellations, clients ghosting on payments, and constant stress—to having a business that runs smoothly, attracts high-paying clients, and allows me to work less while earning more.

And here’s the best part: You don’t have to create your policies from scratch. I’ve put together The Ultimate Policies Pack that includes all the essential policies you need to set up your cleaning business for success—Check them out here

These policies have helped me and so many others run a stress-free, profitable cleaning business. If you want to save yourself time, headaches, and lost money, grab The Ultimate Policies Pack today!

Final Thoughts

Getting clients for your house cleaning business without paying for ads is totally doable—you just need the right approach. Focus on building relationships, using social media wisely, networking locally, encouraging word-of-mouth referrals, and most importantly, having solid policies in place to protect your time and income.

Before you know it, you’ll have a steady stream of high-paying, loyal clients who respect your business and keep coming back!

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For over 30 years, Trisha built and ran her own successful cleaning business, handpicking her schedule and consistently earning $5,000+ a month—all while working part-time as a solo cleaner. Now, she’s here to help you do the same! Whether you’re just starting solo or already have a small team, Trisha’s vast experience can help you grow your business and boost profits without adding more hours. She'll teach you how to avoid common mistakes new cleaning business owners make and run your business profitably from day one. With over three decades of experience, learning from Trisha is the fastest, most reliable way to launch or scale your thriving cleaning business!