A step-by-step framework you can implement this week

Cleaning businesses win new customers from Google in three ways: local map pack visibility, service area searches ("house cleaning in [city]"), and branded searches. This checklist prioritizes the tasks that move the needle on all three.

The framework separates foundation work (things you do once and maintain) from ongoing tasks (things you repeat weekly or monthly). Many cleaning business owners skip foundational work and burn effort on tactics that don't compound. That's the mistake this checklist prevents.

Most cleaning services operate in a 5–15 mile radius and serve local customers. That means local SEO (Google Business Profile, citations, reviews) matters more than national ranking. We've ordered this checklist to reflect that reality—finish the local fundamentals first, then expand to service area pages.

1. Complete Your Google Business Profile

• Verify ownership if you haven't already
• Add 10–15 high-quality photos (interior, team, trucks, before/afters)
• Write a compelling business description (120–160 characters) that mentions your primary service and service area
• Set accurate business hours and service area (don't just set a radius—list specific cities)
• Add all service categories relevant to your business (House Cleaning, Office Cleaning, Move-Out Cleaning, etc.)
• Link your website URL and add a call button

2. Audit Your NAP Consistency

NAP = Name, Address, Phone. Google trusts your business more when this information is identical across your website, GBP, and directory listings. Spend 30 minutes searching for places your business is listed (Yelp, Yellow Pages, local directories) and correct any mismatches. Mark down which directories have you listed—you'll use this list for step 3.

3. Claim and Optimize Existing Citations

Start with high-authority, low-effort directories: Google Business Profile (done), Yelp, Apple Maps, Facebook. If you're already listed, update your description, photos, hours, and service areas. This takes 2–3 hours total and has immediate impact on local visibility.

4. Build Citations on Authority Directories

A citation is a mention of your business name, address, and phone on an external website. Citations signal to Google that your business is real and trustworthy. Target 10–15 high-authority directories in this order:

• Yelp (already claimed in step 3, but verify)
• Facebook (claimed, optimize photos and description)
• Apple Maps (claim or verify)
• Better Business Bureau (BBB)
• Home Advisor
• Angi (formerly Angie's List)
• Local chamber of commerce directory
• Thumbtack
• CleaningForce (cleaning-specific directory)
• Google Local Services Ads (separate from GBP, but overlapping audience)

For each citation, use the exact NAP from your GBP. This takes 1–2 hours per directory. Prioritize directories where your competitors have listings or where potential customers search for cleaning services in your area.

5. Create Service Pages for Each Cleaning Type

One "Services" page isn't enough. Create individual pages for each cleaning type you offer: House Cleaning, Office Cleaning, Move-Out Cleaning, Carpet Cleaning, Tile Cleaning, etc. Each page should target the keyword "[service type] in [city]." Write 300–500 words per page focusing on the specific pain point that service solves. Include schema markup (LocalBusiness) on each page and a prominent CTA (phone number, contact form, or booking link).

6. Generate Reviews Systematically

More reviews = higher local pack rank. In our experience working with cleaning services, businesses that generate 3–5 reviews per month see consistent improvement in map pack visibility within 6 months. Set up a process: after every job, send a follow-up email asking the customer to leave a review on Google. Include a direct link to your GBP review page. Track how many reviews you receive each month and refine your message if the response rate is low.

7. Respond to All Reviews (Positive and Negative)

Google's algorithm factors in review recency and owner response rate. Respond to every review within 2–3 days. For positive reviews, thank the customer by name and mention a specific service they booked. For negative reviews, respond professionally, apologize, and offer to resolve the issue offline. This shows Google (and prospective customers) that you're engaged and responsive.

8. Publish Google Posts and Q&A

Google Posts are short updates (280 characters) published directly on your GBP profile. Publish 1–2 posts per week about seasonal cleaning tips, special offers, or team highlights. Answer common questions in the Q&A section of your profile (e.g., "Do you offer same-day cleaning?" or "Are your cleaners insured?"). Posts and Q&A content increase engagement signals and keep your profile fresh.

9. Optimize On-Page SEO Elements

For each service page, optimize title tags (include location keyword), meta descriptions, H1 tags, and image alt text. Use the keyword naturally 2–3 times per 500-word page. Don't stuff keywords—write for human readers first. Add schema markup (LocalBusinessSchema) to all pages so Google understands your service area and business type.

High Impact + High Effort (Do This First, Weeks 1–2):

• Complete Google Business Profile (all photos, description, hours, service area)
• Build 10–15 citations on authority directories
• Create 3–5 service pages with location keywords

High Impact + Low Effort (Do This Next, Weeks 3–4):

• Claim existing citations (Yelp, Facebook, BBB)
• Set up review generation process (post-service emails)
• Respond to existing reviews on GBP and Yelp
• Publish Google Posts weekly

Medium Impact + Low Effort (Ongoing, Weekly):

• Generate 2–3 reviews per week
• Respond to new reviews within 48 hours
• Update GBP hours or special offers as needed
• Answer customer questions in GBP Q&A

Lower Priority (Quarterly or As Needed):

• Audit NAP consistency across all citations
• Update service page descriptions or pricing
• Refresh photos on GBP profile
• Monitor competitor citations and directories they're missing

Day 1–2: Google Business Profile Photos

Upload 10 high-quality photos to your GBP profile. Include your team at work, cleaned spaces (before/after), company vehicles, office, and a photo of yourself or your team lead. This takes 1–2 hours and has immediate impact on visibility and click-through rate.

Day 3: NAP Audit

Google your business name + city. Find your current listings on Yelp, Facebook, Google Maps, and other directories. Write down your NAP from each source. If there are mismatches, correct them immediately. This takes 1 hour and prevents future confusion with search engines.

Day 4–5: Service Page Framework

Create a simple Google Doc or spreadsheet with your top 3 cleaning services. For each, write a short outline: headline, pain point, solution, CTA. Hand this to a writer or use it as a template for writing pages yourself. You don't need perfect content on day 5—you just need a structure to work from.

Day 6: Review Generation Process

Set up a simple email or text template asking customers to leave a review. Include a direct link to your GBP review page. Add this to your post-service checklist or invoice so you remember to send it. Send it to your last 10 customers this week as a test.

Day 7: Respond to Existing Reviews

If you have reviews on GBP, Yelp, or other platforms, respond to all of them (even if they're a few months old). Thank positive reviewers and offer to resolve negative feedback. This signals to Google that you're active and customer-focused.