You can win your first cleaning clients without spending on adverts. It takes time instead of money. These twelve methods are free, and most take under an hour to set up.
1. Google Business Profile
Create a profile, choose your category, list each service and add your areas. This puts you on Google Maps and in "cleaner near me" results at no cost.
2. Reviews
Ask every client for a Google review once they are happy. Send the link by text. A handful of recent reviews does more than any paid advert.
3. Local Facebook groups
Join the groups for your town. Read the rules, as some allow business posts only on certain days. Introduce yourself with what you do, where and how to contact you.
4. Nextdoor
Claim your free business page. Neighbours can recommend you, and recommendations show to people nearby.
5. Facebook and Instagram page
Post before and after photos of ovens, carpets and end of tenancy cleans, with the client's permission. Add your town to each post.
6. Ask for referrals
Tell clients you have space for new ones and ask who they know. Most people are glad to recommend a good cleaner.
7. Free directories
List your business on Yell, Bing Places, Apple Business Connect and local council or community directories. Use the same name, address and phone number on each.
8. Contact letting agents
Call or email local agents and offer end of tenancy cleaning. One agent can send work every month.
9. Team up with other trades
Window cleaners, carpet fitters, decorators, builders and removal firms all meet people who need a clean. Swap recommendations.
10. Community notice boards
Shops, cafes, libraries, gyms and community centres often have a free board. Pin a card with tear-off numbers.
11. WhatsApp status and contacts
Tell friends and family you are taking clients. Post availability on your status. First clients often come from people you know.
12. Answer questions online
When someone in a local group asks how to remove a stain or what an end of tenancy clean includes, give a helpful answer. People remember who helped.
Make the free methods work harder
- Use the same business name and number everywhere
- Reply to every message quickly
- Keep a list of where each client came from
- Ask for a review after every one-off job
When to start paying
Once you are getting steady work and want to grow faster, test a small Google Search campaign for your best-paying service, such as end of tenancy cleaning, in your core area.
Common questions
How long do free methods take? A profile and a few group posts can bring enquiries within days. Reviews and referrals build over months.
Which free method is best? A complete Google Business Profile with reviews, backed by recommendations in local groups.
Related guides
- How to Advertise a Window Cleaning Business
- 10 Pressure Washing Advertising Ideas
- 12 Window Cleaning Advertising Ideas
- How Much Does It Cost to Advertise on Google in the UK?
Next step
AdsFlair runs Google Ads for UK trades and local service businesses. Ask for a free Google Ads audit and we will show you where your budget is going and what to fix first. There is no cost and no obligation. See our page on marketing for window cleaning and pressure washing for how we work.