This guide is short.
Use it to get more calls and close more jobs.
What this guide covers
- What a lead is.
- Free places that work now.
- Paid channels that scale.
- Scripts, speed, and follow up.
- Simple tracking and budget math.
What is a lead?
- A lead is a person who wants a pickup.
- They give you a phone, email, or photos.
- Your goal: reply fast and book a time.
Free leads that work now
- Google business profile. Add real photos. Ask for reviews weekly.
- Facebook groups. Post one clean offer with city + 3 pics.
- Nextdoor. Join as a business. Share a before/after.
- Referrals. Ask happy clients: “Know anyone who needs a pickup?”
- Partners. Storage units, apartments, realtors, cleaners, contractors.
- Craigslist gigs. Reply fast with a firm window.
- Website form. Simple fields: name, address, 3 photos, date.
Check local rules before posting flyers or yard signs.
Paid leads that can scale
- Local services ads (google). Pay per lead. Reviews matter.
- Search ads. “junk removal + city.” Tight keywords.
- Lead sites. Use when slow. Track cost and close rate.
- Facebook/instagram. Photo + short offer + city.
- Every door direct mail. Hit storage areas and apartments.
Speed to lead (5-minute rule)
- Reply in five minutes or less.
- Use a missed call text-back: “Got your call. Text 3 pics for a fast quote.”
- Save two scripts on your phone: one for photos, one for booking.
- After hours: auto text with a link to upload photos.
Photo reply script
“Thanks for reaching out! Text 3 pics + zip. I’ll send a quote in minutes.”
Quote script
“From your pics it looks like ¼ load. All-in $___. We can come 2–4 today. Card or cash. Want me to book it?”
Simple tracking (one sheet)
- Columns: date, source, name, price, won/lost, notes.
- Tag free vs paid.
- Each week: total leads, jobs, close rate, avg ticket, ad spend, cost per lead (CPL).
Budget math (keep it simple)
- Goal CPL = 10–20% of your average job.
- Example: $220 avg ticket → target $22–$44 CPL.
- Close rate 50%? Then target cost per job = $44–$88.
- If a channel beats goal, scale. If not, fix or pause.
Lead handling playbook
- Qualify fast: what is it, how much (load size), where, when, hazards.
- Send price range if pics aren’t clear.
- Offer a 2-hour window.
- Book, confirm, text on the way.
- After job: thank-you text + review link.
Avoid common traps
- Shared leads. Slow replies lose. Fight with speed and reviews.
- Refund rules. Know each lead site’s policy.
- Discount stacking. One offer at a time.
- Territory lock-in. Test first. Don’t sign long contracts early.
People also ask (quick answers)
How do I get junk removal leads fast?
Fix your map profile, post in local groups, and turn on LSA. Reply in five minutes.
What are free junk removal leads?
Maps, reviews, groups, referrals, and partner calls. Post weekly.
Are lead sites worth it?
Sometimes. Track CPL and close rate. Keep winners. Drop losers.
How many reviews do I need?
As many as you can. Aim for 3–5 new reviews each month.
Should I share prices online?
Yes. Show load tiers and a minimum. It builds trust and saves time.
See more tactics in the complete junk removal jobs guide.
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