How To Book More Jobs For Your Cleaning Business

At first, it might not seem like getting on the phone would help you book more clients—after all, many people prefer the convenience of texting. But after 30 years of running a profitable cleaning business, I can say with certainty that if you're relying on text messages instead of getting on the phone, having a real conversation, and taking the time to pre-screen potential clients, you're leaving money on the table.

When a potential client reaches out via text, your response sets the tone for your entire business relationship. Many cleaning business owners simply reply with a price, never taking the time to have a real conversation. But this approach attracts price-focused clients who may not be the right fit for your business. Instead, the best way to handle new client inquiries is to get on a phone call as soon as possible.

Why Phone Calls Set You Apart

Most cleaners rely on texting, but calling a potential client immediately positions you as a professional.

It allows you to:
✅ Pre-screen the client to ensure they’re a good fit.
✅ Build rapport and establish trust right away.
✅ Take control of the conversation and avoid price shoppers.
✅ Determine their needs before discussing pricing.

In my own business, I always called potential clients instead of texting. I’d simply say, “It’s easier to talk than text,” and this allowed me to immediately assess whether they were the right fit—before even talking about my services.

Key Pre-Screening Questions to Ask

During the call, I asked a few simple but essential questions to determine if they were a good client for my business:

1️⃣ Where are you located? – I only served a specific area. If they were outside my service zone, I politely let them know.

2️⃣ Tell me about your home. – I asked how many bedrooms/bathrooms they had and their approximate square footage.

3️⃣ When do you need cleaning? – If they needed a next-day or same-week cleaning, I often couldn’t accommodate them. Some people also just want information but aren’t ready to book. In my business, clients needed to be ready to schedule within 2-3 weeks.

4️⃣ How often are you looking for cleaning? – I only accepted weekly and biweekly clients because recurring cleanings were the foundation of my business. These clients provided stable, predictable income.

If a potential client didn’t align with my business model, I politely declined and moved on—saving time and energy.

The Walkthrough: A Non-Negotiable Step

Once I determined a client was a good fit, I immediately scheduled an in-home walkthrough. Many cleaners skip this step, but it’s essential for several reasons:

✔️ See the home’s actual condition – Photos and client descriptions aren’t always accurate.
✔️ Meet the client face-to-face – People do business with those they trust.
✔️ Assess special conditions – Glass shower doors with buildup, delicate furniture, or damaged flooring can impact pricing.
✔️ Demonstrate professionalism – A walkthrough shows that you run a real business, not just a side hustle.

During the walkthrough, I led the conversation, asked key questions, and listened carefully to the client’s needs. By the time we finished, most clients were ready to book their first cleaning on the spot.

Setting Expectations & Booking the First Cleaning

Before starting with any new client, setting clear expectations is critical. Misunderstandings happen when clients assume certain tasks are included when they aren’t.

✅ Review your cleaning checklist and client agreement upfront.
✅ Clearly define what’s included in your service.
✅ Make sure both you and the client are on the same page from the start.

Presenting Yourself as a Professional

How you present yourself matters. Showing up for a walkthrough on time, dressed neatly, and prepared positions you as an expert. You don’t need a fancy uniform, but wearing clean jeans, a polo shirt, and neat sneakers gives off a professional image.

Bottom Line: If you want to build a profitable cleaning business, don’t just text potential clients—call them. Pre-screen them, conduct an in-home walkthrough, set clear expectations, and present yourself as a professional. These simple steps will help you attract better-quality clients, command higher rates, and build a business with stable, recurring income.

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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!