5 Free Ways to Get More Local Leads This Week (No Budget Needed)
- taryn
- Jan 1
- 4 min read
Running a small service business in 2025 is no joke. Whether you're a laundromat owner, handyman, local mover, or one of the many hardworking folks keeping your community running, the challenge is the same: you need more leads—without spending more money.
The good news? You don’t need a massive ad budget or a viral TikTok to bring in more customers. With just a little time and consistency, these five completely free strategies can help you start attracting new local leads this week.
Let’s dive in.
1. Update Your Google Business Profile (10–15 min)
If you do nothing else today—do this.
Your Google Business Profile (formerly Google My Business) is one of the most powerful free tools available for local service providers. It’s the first thing people see when they search for “laundromat near me” or “Maplewood movers.”
✅ What to check:
Are your hours accurate?
Do your listed services reflect what you actually offer?
Is your phone number and website listed correctly?
Do you have fresh, current photos?
📸 Pro tip: Take a quick photo of your storefront, van, equipment, or happy customer and upload it. Google favors active listings.
💬 Bonus move: Reply to the last 2-3 customer reviews—even if it’s just a “Thanks for your support!” It shows potential customers you’re engaged.
Think of this as your digital storefront window. Keep it clean, clear, and up to date.
2. Post (Strategically) in Local Facebook Groups
No one likes the guy spamming every town group with “Call me now!” But being genuinely helpful in Facebook groups? That gets attention.
Start by joining 3–5 active groups in your area. Think local “Maplewood Moms,” “South Orange Small Biz,” or town-specific community boards.
👋 How to show up:
Share a quick tip related to your service. (“Laundry Tip: Don’t overload your washer—it actually reduces cleaning power.”)
Comment helpfully on posts where people are asking for recommendations.
Mention what you do—but casually. (“I run a local pickup & drop-off laundry service—happy to help if you ever need it!”)
These small interactions build trust, visibility, and local recognition.
📈 Bonus tip: Save a few message templates or replies on your phone to respond quickly when people ask for help in your niche.
3. Ask for Referrals (No, It’s Not Weird)
This one sounds simple, but it’s crazy how few small business owners actually do it.
Reach out to five past clients or customers who were happy with your work. Send a quick, casual message or email:
“Hey [Name], hope you're doing great! I’ve got a couple openings this week and would love to help more people like you. Know anyone who could use [your service]? Feel free to send them my way!”
That's it.
Most people are glad to help someone they like. And even if just one person replies with a name, that could turn into your next long-term customer.
📞 Pro move: Offer a small referral thank-you—like a free add-on, discount, or shout-out.
4. List on Nextdoor or Craigslist (Yes, They Still Work)
These sites are still heavily used by homeowners and people looking for fast, local help. They’re especially great for service-based businesses like yours.
🏡 How to win at Nextdoor:
Make your headline clear and benefit-focused.
“Need a Last-Minute Mover in Maplewood? We’ve Got You.”
Add one high-quality photo (bonus points if it’s you or your vehicle).
Include your contact info, availability, and a link to your website or socials.
📣 On Craigslist:
Post under “Services” → “Household” or the most relevant category.
Keep the tone friendly and trustworthy.
Refresh your listing every few days to stay at the top.
🚚 Example for a moving service:
Friendly local movers available this week—no job too small! Insured, reliable, and based right here in [Your Town]. Call/text [Phone Number] or DM on Instagram [Your Social Handle] to book.
5. Go Live on Social Media (5 Minutes Max)
Going live can sound intimidating, but it’s actually one of the easiest and most effective ways to build trust online.
You don’t need a script or a big setup. Just pull out your phone and share something real:
📱 Easy live ideas:
A quick behind-the-scenes of your day (“Starting a dryer vent cleaning today—here’s why it matters…”)
A helpful how-to (“How to remove grease stains at home without fancy detergent”)
A client story (with permission)
The beauty of going live? You show you’re a real person, and people buy from people they trust.
🎯 Tip: Go live from your Instagram or Facebook account (@pg2media), then save it to your profile so it keeps working for you after you’re done.
Be Consistent, Not Perfect
You don’t need to do all five strategies every day. But pick two or three and start today. The key is being consistent—show up online, be helpful, and remind your local community that you’re here and ready to help.
And if you're feeling stuck trying to keep it all going?
Want these tactics turned into a full plan for your business? We help small service pros like you create simple, effective marketing systems that actually work.
Click here to book a free strategy call with Page 2 Media. We’ll chat about your goals, challenges, and how to start bringing in better leads every week—without burning out.
Need help fast?
📍 Based in Maplewood, NJ
📲 Call/Text: 732-705-1517
📸 Instagram & TikTok: @pg2media
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