How to Get More Cleaning Business Clients in 2026

Most cleaning business owners don’t struggle with the cleaning part. It’s the client part… One month your schedule is full, the next month a couple of families move, someone pauses service, and suddenly you’re back to asking yourself the same question every owner wrestles with at some point: How do I get more cleaning clients?

That’s what this guide is for. After working with thousands of maid service owners inside ZenMaid, we’ve seen the same pattern lead to steady growth: get clear on who you want to attract, show up where they’re already looking, make it easy to book you, and keep showing up even when business is good.

You’ll learn how to:

• Show up online in the places that matter
• Use Google and Local Services Ads without wasting money
• Stay visible with simple content
• Turn happy clients into reviews and referrals
• Reach the neighborhoods where your ideal customers live

And because we love you, we’ve added helpful how-to videos throughout the guide if you prefer learning that way.

So let’s start with the foundation for all of this: getting clear on who you actually want to attract.

1. Know Who You Are Trying To Attract

Before you spend time or money on marketing, it helps to get clear on the type of clients you want to reach. Most cleaning businesses skip this step and end up saying yes to everyone, which makes marketing harder and less effective.

When you know exactly who you want to work with, everything else gets simpler. Your brand, your messaging, your offers, and even the way your team shows up will start attracting the right people and filtering out the wrong ones.

Get clear on your ideal client

Think about the customers you enjoy working with and would want more of. For example:

• Young families who want help keeping up with daily messes
• Retirees who value consistency and reliability
• Busy professionals who want a hotel-like clean
• Small apartments or move-in and move-out jobs

Next, ask yourself a few quick questions about your ideal client:

• What do they care about most in a cleaning service
• What frustrates them
• What does a great experience look like to them
• What schedule or price range feels comfortable for them

These answers will shape everything from the words you use in ads to how you greet them at the door.

Make sure your brand reflects what they value

Your brand is every interaction a client has with your company. It is not your logo. It is the way your cleaners present themselves, the tone you use in emails, the products you bring into their home, your consistency from visit to visit, and the feeling clients get after you leave.

When your brand is aligned with the clients you want to attract, you stand out immediately. People notice when a company looks organized, communicates clearly, and delivers the same level of quality each time.

Use the three basics of effective marketing

You don’t need to memorize marketing theory, but these three ideas help you stay focused:

1. Be specific. Market to the clients you want, not everyone in your city.
2. Speak directly to them. Use examples and language that reflect their life and needs.
3. Show up more than once. People rarely hire a cleaner the first time they see your name. Consistent follow-up builds trust.

Once you have a clear picture of the clients you want and the brand experience that speaks to them, your marketing will land with the right people. The rest of this guide will walk you through the practical ways to reach them online, in your community, and through the clients you already have. For more marketing fundamentals 21 Marketing Ideas.

2. Help People Find Your Cleaning Business Online

Over 80% of people hire a cleaner after a quick online search, so one of the fastest ways to get more clients is to make sure your business shows up where they’re already looking. Your website, Google Business Profile, and a handful of directories all work together to help local homeowners find you and trust you enough to reach out.

Start with your Google Business Profile

This is the listing that appears on Google Maps and in local search results. It’s one of the most important tools you have for getting new clients.

Make sure your profile includes:

• Your exact service area
• Accurate hours
• A short description of what you offer
• Before and after photos
• Recent reviews from real customers

Owners who keep this page updated tend to see more calls and website visits because Google rewards active, complete profiles.

Keep your website simple and clear

You don’t need a fancy website, but you do need one that makes it easy for someone to understand what you do and how to book you.

A good cleaning business website includes:

• Your service list
• Your pricing or pricing structure
• Your service area
• Photos or proof of work
• A clear way to request a quote or book a cleaning

Avoid clutter and long explanations. Most people skim, and they want to know within seconds whether you serve their area and how to get in touch.

If possible, add an online booking form or a short contact form. Reducing friction at this stage can double the number of inquiries you get.

Use basic SEO to get in front of local searches

SEO doesn’t need to be complicated. At a basic level, you want your website to use the same words people type into Google. That often includes phrases like:

• house cleaning in [your city]
• maid service near me
• move out cleaning in [your city]

Add these naturally to your homepage, service pages, and page titles. You’re helping Google understand what you do and which homeowners you want to reach. For more SEO tips, check out our guide.

List your business on a few trusted directories

Directories help your business appear in more places online, and they also strengthen your SEO. You don’t need to be everywhere, but you should start with the platforms that matter most in the cleaning industry.

Common places to list your business include:

• Google
• Yelp
• Nextdoor
• Thumbtack
• Angi

Make sure your business name, phone number, and service area match across all listings. Consistency helps search engines trust that your business is legitimate and active.

If you want a full list, ZenMaid’s guide to directories can walk you through the top options and how to track them.

Put it all together

When your Google Business Profile is updated, your website is clear, and your business is listed in a few trusted places, you make it much easier for potential clients to find you without chasing them. These small steps often lead to a steady increase in calls, quote requests, and recurring customers.

For a deep dive into website optimization, read our guide on optimizing your cleaning company website.

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3. Use Google and Local Services Ads to Get Clients Faster

If you’re trying to figure out how to get cleaning clients fast, paid ads can help you show up in front of people who are already searching for a house cleaner. Google Ads and Local Services Ads put your business at the top of the page, which is a big advantage when someone types in “house cleaning near me” or “maid service in [your city].”

For many cleaning business owners, ads are one of the quickest ways to get more cleaning clients, especially when you’re still growing or trying to fill gaps in your schedule.

Start with Local Services Ads

Local Services Ads (LSAs) are the listings that appear above Google Ads and organic results. Homeowners can call you or message you directly from the ad, and you only pay for valid leads.

A few reasons LSAs work well for cleaning businesses:

• People searching here already want to hire a cleaner
• You don’t need to write ad copy or build complex campaigns
• Google shows your reviews front and center
• You can set a weekly budget that fits your business

Use Google Ads to reach people who are ready to book

Google Ads let you target people searching for specific phrases like:

• house cleaning in [your city]
• recurring maid service
• move out cleaning
• deep cleaning service near me

These searches often turn into cleaning business leads because the intent is clear. The person is looking for a cleaner right now. If you’re thinking about how to advertise a cleaning business or how to grow your cleaning business, this is one of the most predictable channels.

A few simple tips:

• Use location-based keywords so your ads appear only in the areas you serve
• Send people to a clean, simple landing page
• Make it easy to request a quote or book a cleaning

You don’t need a big budget, but you do need consistency. Even five to ten dollars a day can help you get clients for your cleaning business if your targeting is set up correctly.

Use retargeting to stay top of mind

Most people don’t hire a cleaner the first time they visit a website. Retargeting helps you stay visible by showing your ads to people who have already interacted with your business.

For example:

• Someone visits your site but doesn’t request a quote
• Someone clicks your ad but gets distracted
• Someone views your reviews but doesn’t book yet

Retargeting brings them back. It reinforces your brand, builds trust, and keeps you in front of people who already know your name. This matters if you’re trying to figure out how to get recurring cleaning clients or how to get more cleaning clients without spending a fortune.

Putting it all together

If you want to know how to find clients for a cleaning service or how to get clients for a maid service quickly, this combo works well:

1. Use Local Services Ads to capture high intent leads
2. Run a simple Google Ads campaign for key searches in your city
3. Add retargeting to bring people back until they book

Paid ads aren’t the only way to get cleaning business clients, but they can speed things up and fill your schedule while your long-term cleaning business marketing ideas start working in the background.

4. Use Social Media and Simple Content To Stay Top of Mind

In addition to a Google search, a lot of potential clients ask around or check who’s active in their local groups when looking for a new cleaner. This is why simple, consistent content can help you get more cleaning clients without feeling like you need to become an influencer. You’re just reminding your community that you exist, you’re reliable, and you know what you’re doing.

This is one of the easiest places to start getting new clients if you don’t have a big marketing budget.

Share content that helps people, not just content that sells

People follow cleaning accounts because they want quick tips or a little motivation to get things done, or they want to get a feel for a company they’re considering to hiring. They aren’t sitting around hoping to read a sales pitch. When you share practical advice, people begin to associate your brand with trust and expertise.

A few simple ideas:

• A short explanation of how to clean something tricky
• A reminder about seasonal tasks, like deep cleaning before hosting
• A quick before and after photo
• A list of your favorite cleaning products (that your team uses)
• A short video showing your team in action
• 21 social media content ideas

This kind of content builds familiarity. When someone finally decides they’re done scrubbing their own bathtub, you’re already top of mind.

Post where your ideal clients already spend time

You don’t need to be on every platform. Pick one or two places where people in your area are already active.

Good options for residential cleaning clients:

• Local Facebook groups
• A Facebook business page
• Instagram, especially for before and afters
• Nextdoor for neighborhood visibility

Posting locally will help new people discover you who are actively looking for a cleaning service in a specific neighborhood. 

Keep your content simple

You don’t need studio lighting or fancy editing. A clean photo, a short caption, and a helpful idea will carry you a long way.

A few tips:

• Shoot near a window for natural light
• Keep videos short and focused on one point
• Talk like you’re explaining something to a friend
• Show your face when you can, because real people build trust

Want to get more clients for your cleaning business? The human side of your company helps you stand out from competitors who never show up online at all.

Use light video content to build trust

Video doesn’t need to be complicated. A quick clip saying what you offer, who you serve, or how you approach cleaning can help someone feel comfortable reaching out. People want to know who’s coming into their home. Video helps them get a feel for you.

A few low-effort ideas:

• A 30-second intro about your business
• A quick walkthrough explaining a cleaning tip
• A time-lapse of a room getting cleaned
• A short client story or win
• Learn more about video marketing for cleaning businesses

Video is also helpful if you’re trying to get recurring cleaning clients, because it shows consistency and professionalism.

Keep showing up, even when it feels slow

Social media isn’t about going viral. It’s about being visible when someone in your community decides they’re ready to hire help. Consistency builds familiarity, and familiarity builds trust. Over time, this becomes one of the simplest ways to get cleaning business clients who already feel connected to your brand before they ever call.

5. Turn Happy Clients Into Referrals, Reviews, and Repeat Business

One of the easiest ways to get more cleaning clients is to take great care of the people already on your schedule. Because happy customers talk. They share your name in neighborhood groups, they pass you along to friends, and they help you build a reputation that does a lot of your marketing for you.

If you need new cleaning clients, fast, this is where to focus first: 

Deliver a great experience every time

First impressions matter, but so do the visits that follow. When clients know what to expect and feel taken care of, they’re much more likely to keep you long term and recommend you to others who are searching for a cleaner.

A great experience usually comes down to:

• Clear communication
• Showing up on time
• Doing consistent work
• Fixing small issues quickly
• Treating their home with respect

This is the foundation for getting recurring cleaning clients and growing your cleaning business sustainably.

Ask for reviews at the right moments

Reviews are one of the biggest drivers of cleaning business leads, especially on Google and Nextdoor. They help new customers feel confident booking someone for the first time.

You don’t need to be pushy. Just ask after you’ve delivered a great clean or solved a small problem for a client.

A simple message works well:
“Thanks so much for having us today. If you’re happy with the cleaning, would you mind leaving a quick review on Google? It helps our small business reach more local families.”

You’ll be surprised how many people say yes when you catch them at the right time.

Offer a simple referral incentive

If you’re trying to figure out how to get clients for your cleaning business, look to your happiest customers. A small referral incentive can go a long way. It doesn’t need to be fancy. A discount on their next cleaning or a small bonus after the referred client books is enough.

The key is to keep it simple so clients actually participate.

Make it easy to share:

• Give them a short blurb they can text to a friend
• Provide a referral card they can hand out
• Add a quick mention of your referral program in your emails

This creates warm introductions, which are often the best type of cleaning business clients.

Use small leave-behinds to stay top of mind

You don’t need to buy expensive gifts. Little touches that show appreciation help clients remember you and recommend you when someone asks how to get residential cleaning clients in the area.

A few ideas:

• A handwritten thank you note
• A small seasonal treat
• A branded notepad or magnet
• A simple welcome card for new clients

These are inexpensive, thoughtful, and memorable.

Speak to what really matters to your clients

At the end of the day, people hire a cleaning service because they want something to feel easier. Less stress. More time. A home that feels taken care of. When your messaging reflects how your work improves their life, clients feel understood and valued.

This connection leads to:

• stronger relationships
• more loyal customers
• more referrals
• more reviews
• more recurring cleaning clients who stick around

If you’re asking how to get clients for a maid service or how to build long-term trust, this is it. People remember how you make their life feel easier. That feeling will always be more powerful than a coupon or a clever ad.

6. Use Direct Mail and Local Touches To Reach the Right Neighborhoods

Online marketing is important, but there’s still something powerful about showing up right where your ideal customers live. Direct mail and other local touches can help you get residential cleaning clients in the neighborhoods you want to focus on, especially if you’re trying to grow your cleaning business in a specific area.

If you’ve been wondering how to get clients for your cleaning business beyond social media and Google, this is a simple way to reach people who might never find you online.

Send targeted postcards or flyers to the right areas

Direct mail still works when it’s done well. The goal isn’t to blanket your entire city. It’s to reach the neighborhoods where your best clients already live or where you’d like to get more recurring cleaning clients.

A strong postcard includes:

• A clear, simple offer
• Your service area
• A short message that speaks to what your clients care about
• A strong call to action
• Easy ways to contact you

Make sure your design looks clean and professional. If it feels cluttered or outdated, people won’t take the offer seriously.

Include a limited-time offer

You don’t need huge discounts. Even a small, time-based incentive can give potential customers a reason to reach out now instead of “someday.”

For example:

• A small discount on a first deep clean
• A free fridge clean with a recurring service
• A seasonal offer before holidays

People appreciate clarity. A clear offer helps them decide faster.

Track what’s working

Add a simple tracking code or ask new leads where they heard about you. This helps you understand how to get cleaning clients fast without wasting money on areas that don’t convert.

Over time, you’ll learn:

• Which streets or neighborhoods respond the most
• Which offers bring in higher quality leads
• When to send mailers for the best results

This supports smarter, more focused cleaning business marketing ideas as you grow.

Use small local touches to build recognition

You don’t have to rely only on mailers. Local touches can help homeowners recognize your brand before they ever search online.

A few ideas:

• Yard signs for move out cleans (with permission)
• Branded car magnets
• Welcome packets for new homeowners through real estate partners
• Small items like magnets or notepads handed out at community events

These touches work best when they’re consistent. You’re building familiarity so that when someone finally searches for a cleaning service, your name stands out.

Keep it simple and consistent

Direct mail and local marketing aren’t about being everywhere. They’re about being visible in the places where your ideal clients already live. When combined with your online presence, this can create a steady stream of cleaning business leads and help you get clients for a maid service long term.

Final Thoughts: Keep Marketing, Even When You’re Busy

If there’s one thing that makes the biggest difference in how to get cleaning clients, it’s this. Keep marketing, even when your schedule feels full. Most cleaning businesses slow their efforts when things pick up, then scramble when the calendar opens again. A steady, simple rhythm works better.

You don’t need to do everything in this guide at once. Focus on the basics that help people find you, show up consistently where your ideal customers spend time, and take great care of the clients you already have. Over time, these small steps build a reputation that brings in more residential cleaning clients, more recurring customers, and more stability for your business.

Growing a cleaning business isn’t about big marketing pushes. It’s about staying visible, staying helpful, and staying consistent. The more you show up, the more your community will see you as the go to choice when they need help keeping their home clean.

FAQ: Common Questions About Getting Cleaning Clients