4 ways to generate junk removal leads

Key takeaways

• Share before-and-after images of successful junk-removal jobs to create a powerful visual of the service you offer
• Use online business platforms and partner with complementary local businesses to build a referral network that brings in new junk removal leads
• Include relevant keywords on your website and in any content marketing you do to help potential customers find you when looking online

Your junk removal company could be a lifesaver for anyone who is moving, replacing old furniture or appliances, renovating, or doing a major cleanout. However, people don’t need junk removal services every day. So if you want your business to thrive, you need a constant flow of new high-quality leads. The challenge is finding these potential new customers—or rather, helping them find you.

Many junk removal business owners hire lead generation companies to find new customers—with mixed results. While good lead generation services can save you time, they can also put a major dent in your marketing budget. And unless you do your research beforehand, there’s no guarantee you’ll be getting quality junk removal leads that will convert to sales. 

Luckily, there are other, lower-cost marketing strategies that can help you generate new high-quality leads. After you capture those leads, you can plan your marketing strategy to move them through your sales funnel and turn them into new paid business. To get you started, here are four lead sources that can lead to junk removal jobs without breaking the bank. 

1. Sell the benefits of your junk removal business with before-and-after images

They say a picture is worth a thousand words. To leverage the power of imagery, share before-and-after photos from some of your recent jobs. Photos are great, and videos can be even more effective. According to recent research, 93% of businesses landed a new customer after sharing a video on social media. 

Build your brand’s reputation further by using your videos to share other relevant content —like answers to questions your customers frequently ask. For example, you could explain the benefits of using a professional junk removal company versus going the DIY route or offer a reassuring look at what you do with the junk you remove. Many potential customers will appreciate any efforts you make to recycle or otherwise responsibly dispose of their discarded stuff. You could even ask happy customers if they’d be willing to record a short video testimonial for you.

Keep your videos short and impactful to hold your audience’s attention. Then toward the end, issue a strong call to action (CTA) to convert your viewers to junk removal leads. For instance, your CTA could be “Click here to find out more” with a link to your website contact page or “Call us now for a free quote” with your phone number.

As part of your social media marketing efforts, share the links to these videos on your social media accounts and in your email marketing campaign.

2. Use online business platforms to reach more potential customers

Get your business name out there and reach more potential junk removal leads by listing your company on online business platforms. One of the best ways to do this is by adding or claiming your Yelp Business Page. Yelp users are ready to buy—in fact, a recent survey shows that 57% of users contact a business they found on Yelp within a day.

Make sure your Yelp Business Page is showing your correct company name, contact information, and operating hours, along with photos. Business pages that provide this information get 7.6 times more page views per month than businesses that don’t.

Create a great impression of your junk removal business by uploading high-quality images. Consider posting photos of your team to add a sense of personal connection, as well as some of those powerful before-and-after photos.

Also, consider taking advantage of Yelp’s Request a Quote and Request a Call features. These offer potential customers an easy way to connect with you while also giving you access to some of their contact details, like their phone number or email address. 

Turn junk removal leads into new business with a fast follow-up. There’s a good chance yours isn’t the only junk removal business your potential customer has contacted, so if you’re slow to respond, someone else may get that business. If you can’t immediately make a phone call to follow up in real time, send a text message to let them know you’ve received their request and will get back to them soon.

3. Partner with complementary local businesses to win referrals 

As a junk removal professional, you provide a service that can support many other businesses. For instance, construction and roofing companies may need rubble removed before, during, or after a job. Real estate agents might advise sellers to declutter their homes and garages and clean up their yards before an open house or showing, and landscaping businesses often need to clear out old plants or garden structures before starting a new job. With the right referral network in place, these junk removal leads could land in your lap. 

Consider the types of businesses that might be good sources of referrals, then reach out to those in your area and set up a meeting to discuss how you might work together. Take along a stack of business cards and explain your services. Add some motivation by offering something in return. For example, you could refer their business to your clients or give them a small commission on each referral.

You can also network in person at local events that complementary business owners attend, such as trade shows, conventions, or fundraisers. Just be sure to do your research and only connect with reputable companies that you trust to service customers as you would.

Continue to build those relationships by being in regular contact. A thank you for each referral and an appreciative end-of-year gift can go a long way.

4. Use relevant keywords on your website and content marketing 

Your website design should be attractive, user-friendly, and optimized for mobile devices (nearly 60% of website traffic is now mobile). Most importantly, it should also be optimized to attract junk removal leads in your local service area. 

Search engine optimization (SEO) is key here. Start by getting clear on who your target market is, then identify which keywords those potential customers might use to search for local junk removal service providers. To get started, try one of the free keyword research tools available online.

For example, let’s say you operate in Phoenix and one of your buyer personas is a local homeowner who has just cleaned out their garage or cleared their yard. They might search for “Phoenix same day junk haulers” or “cheap yard waste pickup Phoenix.” Or say you run a larger company specializing in estate cleanup services in Chicago. Estate liquidators or family members might search for keywords like “estate cleanup Lincoln Park” or “professional estate cleanout service Chicago.”

Once you have a list of keywords your target audience might use, include those on your website landing pages and service pages, plus in any content marketing you do. This increases the chances your website will appear higher in organic (non-paid) search engine rankings for that search term, making it easier for potential customers to easily find you. 

Mastering junk removal marketing starts with generating good leads 

Effective junk removal lead generation ensures a steady stream of potential new customers, which you can turn into jobs and money in the bank.

Create a powerful visual of the service you provide by sharing before-and-after photos or videos across your platforms. 

Help new junk removal leads find you by listing your business on online business platforms like Yelp, and build a referral network with complementary businesses in your area.

Finally, make sure your website is professional, user-friendly, and up to date and includes the keywords your potential customers will be searching with. 

These tactics can help you steadily build brand awareness and get your company in front of customers when they need your services. To keep growing, discover the best ways to advertise your small business, no matter the size of your budget.