How to post cleaning or maintenance services and get better clients

You have the trade. You know how to leave an apartment spotless, unclog a toilet, or fix something that broke a while ago. The problem is almost never the workmanship: it is that the client cannot find you, or writes to you, asks the price, and disappears. After reviewing hundreds of service ads in Colombia, I will tell you something clearly: the ones who get good clients are not the cheapest, they are the clearest.

A well-made ad does two things at once: it attracts the person who is actually going to hire you and scares away the one who is just "asking". This guide is for anyone offering cleaning, housekeeping, plumbing, electricity, or repairs who wants fewer empty chats and more real jobs. If you want to see real options right now, you can see other services published on Colombia Move — publishing is completely free.

What you need to know first

• Define exactly what your service includes and what it does not include.
• State your real coverage zone and schedule, without unfulfilled promises.
• Clarify how you charge: per hour, per visit, per job, or with a prior quote.
• Show photos of finished work and have one or two references ready.
• Publish in a stable listing with its own link, not just in a group that gets lost.

Before publishing: define your service with precision

"I do cleaning" or "I do maintenance" is too broad. If you publish like that, everyone writes to you and almost no one fits. Let us bring it down to earth: is it general cleaning by the hour, deep cleaning, office cleaning, post-construction? Spot plumbing, minor electrical installations, property repairs? The more specific you are, the better the client who arrives.

Also decide three things before writing a single line: what the service includes (and what it does not), who provides the supplies or materials, and how far your coverage reaches, all before drafting the ad. If a detail can change the deal, put it upfront; it is better to lose a curious browser on the ad than to waste half an afternoon on a visit that was never going to close. If you want to dive deeper into how to get clients consistently, the guide on offering your professional services in Colombia.

A legal note: if you end up working on a fixed, recurring basis in the same house, that relationship may imply labor and social security obligations in Colombia. This is not to scare you nor does it apply to a one-time job, but if you are going to work a permanent schedule, it is wise to review the UGPP guide for domestic employment or ask an accountant before committing.

How to write the ad to receive better clients

The client who is worth it does not want fluff. They want to know what you do, where, when, and how much. A simple way to organize it is to separate what is included, what is not, and how you charge:

Generic example: adjust each row to your actual trade.

That table is an example; the important thing is that your ad answers only the obvious questions. Honesty first: if you do not do high-altitude work, say so; if deep cleaning takes longer and costs differently, clarify it. When an ad gets no messages, it is almost always due to missing details, not bad luck — I explain this in depth in why your ads are not getting messages.

Photos, references, and trust

In services, trust sells better than price. Upload real photos: finished work, a before and after, your team, or your organized tools. Avoid generic internet images — the client recognizes them and distrusts them. If you have one or two references from previous clients, keep them ready for when they are asked for.

Set healthy boundaries for contact: a WhatsApp number, a schedule for responding, and a way to schedule. You do not have to be glued to your phone, but you do need to respond well when you can. If you want a simple system for that, check out how to respond quickly to your clients without living on chat. And to reinforce the first impression, review how to build trust as a seller in Colombia.

Where to publish your service

There is no single magic channel; each one has its charm. Facebook Marketplace and your neighborhood groups give you quick reach, but the ad gets lost on the feed and a lot of informal messages arrive. MercadoLibre is designed more for products than for services. WhatsApp groups for your apartment complex or rural area provide local trust, although with little reach. And word of mouth works... until the neighbor's reference runs out.

That is why it is also wise to have a stable listing with its own link that you can share and update. On Colombia Move you publish for free, with direct contact and bilingual discovery (both Colombians and foreigners find you), and you get a fixed link to send via WhatsApp. You can see how other ads look in the cleaning category or in the services section, and publish yours in a few steps.

If you also want to respond to specific requests, check out how to use Need Help and Jobs by Day: there people post what they need and providers can find opportunities by city and category.

Frequently asked questions

❓ How do I charge for a cleaning or maintenance service?

Define whether you charge per hour, per visit, or per job, and state it in the ad. For repairs, a diagnostic visit with a fee (which you can deduct if they hire you) avoids wasting time. Give ranges only if you can fulfill them; if it depends on the location or condition, explain it.

❓ Should I put the price in the ad?

If you have a clear price or range, put it: it filters better and attracts those who can actually pay you. If it depends on size or condition, explain what it depends on and offer to quote after seeing photos or making a visit. A "price to be agreed" without context only attracts curious lookers.

❓ What photos work for a service ad?

Real photos of finished work, a before and after, and of your team or tools. Avoid generic internet images: the client notices the difference and trusts less when they see photos that are not yours.

❓ How do I avoid clients who just waste time?

Be specific in the ad (zone, schedule, what is included, how you charge) and ask two or three basic questions before scheduling: zone or address, what they need, and for when. Whoever does not answer those almost never converts.

❓ Where can I publish my service for free in Colombia?

You can use Facebook Marketplace and local groups, word of mouth, and platforms like Colombia Move, where you publish for free, with direct contact and a fixed link you can share via WhatsApp.