Episode 1288 – Get More Cleaning Clients with Reviews & Referrals
In this episode of the Grow My Cleaning Company Podcast, Mike Campion and Lindsay Bjorklund dive into how to grow your cleaning business with reviews and referrals — the right way. Discover why automated review requests often fall flat and how a personal, heartfelt ask can skyrocket your Google reviews. Learn Mike’s top strategies for handling negative reviews without sounding defensive and how to turn upset customers into silent supporters. Plus, get expert tips on building strong referral partnerships with real estate agents and property managers to bring in more commercial and residential cleaning leads. Whether you’re starting out or scaling up, this episode is packed with cleaning business marketing gold. Perfect for owners who want more clients, better reputation, and long-term growth!
Reviews: Don’t Be Weird, Just Be Real
Mike Campion and Lindsay Bjorklund dig into the power of reviews in building your cleaning biz. Spoiler alert: posting and praying doesn’t work. Want reviews? You’ve got to ask! But here’s the trick — make it about them, not you. When a client is super happy, that’s the perfect time to ask. Be kind, be human, and keep it simple. Bonus points if you send the review link right then and there!
Automation vs. Real Talk
Yes, you can automate review requests. But Mike says, “Just because it’s easy doesn’t mean it works.” A personal touch beats a form email every time. Especially when you’ve only got a handful of clients, you can’t afford to waste the chance for a great review. A simple, sincere call is 10x better than any fancy tech.
Got a Bad Review? Don’t Lose Your Cool
If you get a one-star stink bomb, don’t fire back like it’s a courtroom drama. Mike’s rule: respond kindly, and keep it short. You’re not replying to the mad customer — you’re talking to everyone reading the review. Look professional, stay calm, and if you can, fix the problem offline. Crazy reviews happen. Bury them under a pile of happy ones.
Referrals Work — But Not How You Think
Chris asked about referral programs, and Mike dropped truth bombs. People don’t refer for cash — they refer because they believe in you. Focus on building real relationships. Show love. Give surprise gifts. Want to level up? Form strategic alliances with companies who serve the same customers you do, like real estate agents or property managers.
Build Smart, Scale Smarter
Referrals and reviews are gold — but don’t put all your eggs in one basket. Mike reminds us that while personal connections rock, they don’t always scale. If you’re not getting the growth you want, add in other marketing strategies. The best cleaning companies have more than one way to bring in leads. Diversify, grow, repeat.