How to Get More Cleaning Clients in 2026 (11 Strategies That Work)

The hardest part of running a cleaning business isn't the cleaning—it's getting the phone to ring.

If you've tried buying leads from HomeAdvisor or Thumbtack, you know the pain: fighting 5 other pros for a low-quality lead who wants the cheapest price.

There is a better way. We analyzed how top-performing ServiceHub users get clients, and here are the 11 strategies that actually work in 2026.

1. Master Your Google Business Profile

This is the single most important asset you own. It's free, and it drives 60% of calls for local services.

Claim your profile: Ensure you own it.
Get real reviews: Ask every happy client. Reply to every single one.
Add photos: Before/After shots perform best.
List your services clearly: Don't just say "Cleaning". Say "Deep Cleaning", "Move-Out Cleaning", "Carpet Cleaning".

2. The "Neighbor Discount" Door Hanger

Digital is great, but physical marketing still works for local services. When you clean a house, put a door hanger on the 5 houses to the left and right.

"We're cleaning your neighbor [Name]'s house today! Since we're already in the neighborhood, we can offer you $30 off your first clean this week."

3. Enable Online Booking (Stop Playing Phone Tag)

67% of customers prefer to book online rather than call. If your website just says "Call for a Quote", you are losing leads to competitors who let them book instantly.

Want to accept bookings online?

ServiceHub lets you add a professional booking page to your site in minutes. Give instant prices, collect deposits, and stop chasing leads.

See How It Works Try It Free

4. Partner with Real Estate Agents

Realtors always need reliable cleaners for move-out and move-in cleans. Don't just email them—drop by their office with donuts and your business card. Offer them a special "Realtor Priority" rate so they look good to their clients.

5. Re-engage Past Clients

It's 5x cheaper to keep a client than to find a new one. Send a quarterly email or text to clients you haven't seen in 3 months:

"Hi [Name], we noticed it's been a while! The dust bunnies miss us. 🐰
Book a clean this week and get $20 off. Here is the link: [Your Booking Link]"

6. Launch a Referral Program

Your happy customers are your best sales team. But you have to incentivize them.

Offer: "Refer a friend, you both get $30 off."
Make it easy: Give them a card or a link to share.
Thank them: Send a handwritten note when they refer someone.

7. Respond Faster (Speed to Lead)

Data shows that if you respond to a lead within 5 minutes, you are 9x more likely to win the job. Most cleaners take hours to reply. Be the fast one.

Pro Tip: Use tools like ServiceHub to send instant SMS replies automatically when you miss a call or get a form submission.

Conclusion

You don't need to do all of these at once. Pick two strategies (like Google Business Profile + Online Booking) and execute them perfectly this week. Consistency wins.