If you’re serious about growing your pressure washing business, you’ve got to master the art of generating leads online. The internet has made it easier than ever to connect with customers, but only if you know where to focus your energy. In this post, I’m breaking down five simple, proven methods to start pulling in leads online—whether you're just getting started or want to double down on growth.
These aren’t just theories. These are the actual tactics I’ve used to build multi-six and even seven-figure businesses in the exterior cleaning space. Let’s get into it.
1. Google My Business: Your Digital Storefront
If you don’t have a Google My Business (GMB) profile set up yet, you’re leaving money on the table—a lot of it. This free tool is a must-have for any local service business.
Why It Works:
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It’s free to use.
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It allows customers to easily find you when they search “pressure washing near me.”
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You can drive reviews, photos, and direct calls straight from search results.
Pro Tip:
Only select “Pressure Washing Service” as your business category. Don’t muddy the waters by adding “Gutter Cleaning” or “Window Washing.” Google likes specialists. When it knows what you specialize in, it rewards you with better rankings.
Also, once you get it set up, don’t leave it alone. Post updates. Upload before/after photos. Get regular reviews. And if you need help, I recommend Footbridge Media—they’ve managed my online presence for nearly six years and have helped unsuspend GMB accounts (though, no promises, of course).
2. Yelp: Not Sexy, But Effective
Yeah, I know—Yelp isn’t the fan favorite. Most pressure washing pros say the leads are cheap or come from far-off areas. But here’s the kicker: Google loves Yelp. Why? Probably because of Yelp’s strict review system and credibility signals.
Here’s What to Do:
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Claim your Yelp business listing.
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Add your name, address, and phone number (NAP).
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Upload real job site photos.
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Get 5-10 solid reviews.
Even if the leads aren’t high-ticket, Yelp helps your SEO by building backlinks and boosting your credibility online.
3. Email Newsletters: Old School, Still Gold
If you're not using email marketing, you’re missing a massive opportunity. Email is the most underutilized marketing tool in the game, hands down.
Who to Email:
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Church friends and family
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Real estate agents
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General contractors and builders
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Anyone you’ve done work for in the past
What to Send:
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Seasonal offers
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Before/after shots
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Limited-time deals
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Maintenance tips
And don’t be shy. Email more than you think you should. If no one is unsubscribing or complaining, you're probably not emailing enough.
4. Collaborate With Other Local Washers
It’s time to stop treating your local competition like enemies. There’s power in collaboration—especially when it comes to overflow leads and big jobs.
How to Do It:
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Identify 2-3 legit players in your area.
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Offer them a job or lead first—give before you ask.
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Get lunch. Build rapport.
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Text back and forth. Be helpful.
This simple strategy can open doors to referral partnerships, collaborative projects, and even covering each other’s clients when one of you is on vacation. A strong local network can equal real dollars in your pocket.
5. Your Website: The Ultimate Lead Generator
Your website is the moneymaker—period. A solid, optimized site is like a 24/7 salesman that never sleeps.
But Here’s the Problem:
Most contractors go cheap on their site. A $49/month DIY site isn’t doing you any favors. You need a professional, content-rich, SEO-optimized site that ranks.
That’s why I use and recommend Footbridge Media’s $199/month plan. They write 15–30 pages of content, optimize for local SEO, and continue building on your site month after month.
A legit website is how I’ve landed:
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Mansion clients
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TPO roof jobs
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Multi-unit apartment complexes
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High-end property managers
98% of my leads come from my website. That’s not a fluke—that’s by design.
Bonus: Learn the Game at SESW Softwash 101
If all of this sounds great but you’re still trying to figure out how it all works—let me recommend a killer starting point: the SESW Softwash 101 class.
Whether you're green or seasoned, this course is packed with practical education on the business, equipment, marketing, and chemistry behind softwashing and exterior cleaning. If you’re ready to level up your knowledge and income, this is where you need to be.
Conclusion: Stop Hobbying, Start Growing
If you're treating your business like a hobby, it's going to pay you like one. These five lead sources are real, tested, and ready to scale your pressure washing biz.
✅ Set up and optimize your Google My Business
✅ Get on Yelp and build credibility
✅ Start sending value-packed emails
✅ Collaborate with local pros
✅ Invest in a professional website
And if you're serious about success, take a step toward real education with the SESW Softwash 101 course.
Stay lean, stay mean—and go crush it.
