Using Social Media and Google Ads to Generate Prospects for Your Exterior Cleaning Business

SoftWash UK Notebook LM Learning Podcast

Hi everyone, it’s Mark Cave here from SoftWash UK and Mr. Clever Clean. Today, I’m going to talk about how you can use social media and Google Ads to attract more prospects to your exterior cleaning business. The goal is straightforward—more work, more income, and, importantly, growing your business in a sustainable way. So, grab a brew, and let’s get stuck in.

Let’s start with social media. Platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn are absolute goldmines when it comes to reaching potential customers. What’s even better is that they’re free to get started. But here’s the thing—just having a profile isn’t enough. You need to actively use it to showcase your work and build connections.

The first thing to focus on is creating engaging content. In our industry, we’re lucky because the work speaks for itself. Before-and-after photos and videos of your cleaning jobs are brilliant for showing what you can achieve. People love a good transformation story, and it’s even better when they can see the results with their own eyes. Add captions like, “Look at this patio transformation—done in just one morning!” That kind of post grabs attention, builds trust, and gets people excited about what you offer.

Another great way to connect with your audience is by sharing testimonials and reviews. A happy customer’s feedback can be the best advert for your business. If you can, get video testimonials—there’s something really powerful about seeing and hearing someone genuinely rave about your work. If that’s not possible, screenshots of glowing reviews work just as well. Post these on your feeds or in your stories. When people see others singing your praises, they’re far more likely to get in touch.

Now, don’t underestimate the power of local Facebook groups and community pages. These are often buzzing with people looking for recommendations. Join these groups and be active in them. Share your work, answer questions, and if someone’s looking for a service you provide, don’t hesitate to jump in. Better still, your existing customers might recommend you there too. Just remember, don’t overdo it—you want to be helpful and conversational, not spammy.

If you’ve got a bit of a budget to invest, paid ads on Facebook and Instagram can give you incredible reach. These ads let you target specific areas, age groups, or interests. For example, you might focus on new build estates or older properties—both could be in need of softwashing solutions. The key is to use a striking image or video in your ad with a clear call-to-action, like “Call today for a free quote!” A well-targeted ad can generate leads quickly if done right.

Now, let’s shift gears and talk about Google Ads. This is where things get really exciting because you’re targeting people who are already looking for what you offer. Start with local keywords—things like “roof moss removal near me” or “patio cleaning Birmingham.” These are searches made by people ready to buy, so it’s advertising at its most effective.

To make Google Ads work even better, make sure your Google My Business profile is fully optimized. Add updated images, list all your services, and encourage customers to leave reviews. A well-maintained GMB profile boosts your visibility in local search results and helps potential customers feel confident reaching out to you.

When it comes to budgeting for Google Ads, you don’t need to spend a fortune. A small daily budget—say £10—can go a long way if your campaign is set up correctly. The key is to track your return on investment. Use tools like conversion tracking to see exactly how much business each pound spent is bringing in.

Also, be mindful of where your ads are directing people. Instead of sending them to your generic homepage, create specific landing pages tailored to the ad. For example, if your ad is about driveway cleaning, the landing page should focus on that service. Include a few key benefits, some testimonia