In the digital age, it’s easy to assume that Facebook ads, Google rankings, and online reviews are all that matter when it comes to booking pressure washing jobs. But there’s one old-school marketing strategy that still works shockingly well—door hangers and flyers.
Why? Because they’re direct, hyper-local, and impossible to ignore when placed in the right hands (or on the right door). 👀🚪
Whether you’re just starting out or expanding into new neighborhoods, using door hangers and flyers strategically can help you generate consistent leads, book more jobs, and dominate your service area. In this guide, we’ll show you how to do it right—step by step. 🧠📈
🧾 Why Flyers and Door Hangers Still Work
Before we dive in, let’s answer the obvious question: Do people still read flyers in 2025? The answer is yes—when the message is relevant and timely.
Here’s why they work:
✅ They’re physical and interruptive (no scrolling past)
✅ They’re targeted to specific neighborhoods or homes
✅ They create instant brand awareness
✅ They build trust through repetition and visibility
✅ They’re great for seasonal services (spring cleanups, fall prep, etc.)
In short, they give you an offline presence in your community—especially in areas where people aren’t glued to social media.
🪧 Door Hangers vs. Flyers: What’s the Difference?
- Flyers: Can be placed in mailboxes, posted on bulletin boards, or handed out in person.
- Door Hangers: Designed to hang on door handles. They’re harder to ignore and less likely to be tossed unread.
🎯 Best use: Door hangers for residential routes, flyers for local bulletin boards, events, or business drop-offs.
🎨 Step 1: Design for Clarity and Impact
Great design = better results. Your flyer or door hanger needs to catch attention and communicate value fast.
Here’s what to include:
🧼 Bold headline – “Make Your Home Shine Again!” or “Dirty Driveway? We Can Help.”
📸 Before/after photo – Visual proof builds credibility
💰 Offer – “$25 OFF Your First Service” or “Free Gutter Cleaning with Any House Wash”
📍 Local focus – “Now serving [Neighborhood Name]”
📞 Contact info – Phone, website, QR code
📆 Call-to-action – “Call today – limited availability this week!”
📐 Pro tip: Use Canva, VistaPrint, or a local designer to create professional layouts. Don’t settle for blurry DIY flyers—your design reflects your brand. 💼
📦 Step 2: Print in Bulk
Printing in bulk reduces costs and gives you materials to work with over the entire season.
📄 Recommended specs:
- Size: 4″x11″ (door hangers), 5″x7″ or 8.5″x11″ (flyers)
- Paper: Heavyweight cardstock (14pt+), glossy finish
- Quantity: Start with 1,000–2,500 depending on your area
Use services like GotPrint, UPrinting, or local print shops for fast turnaround. Make sure your design includes a perforated coupon or promo code to track effectiveness. 🧾
🏘️ Step 3: Choose the Right Neighborhoods
Don’t drop your flyers randomly. Target neighborhoods that are:
✅ Owner-occupied (vs. renters)
✅ In middle to upper-middle income brackets
✅ Within your current service area
✅ Near recent jobs you’ve completed (for social proof)
🧠 Tip: After every job, canvas 30–50 houses nearby. These neighbors already saw you working, which builds trust.
Bonus: Use tools like MapMyWalk or RouteXL to plan efficient drop routes.
🚶 Step 4: Distribute Strategically
Time of day and method matter. Distribute when people are most likely home, such as:
- Saturdays between 9 AM – 12 PM
- Weekday evenings between 4 PM – 6 PM
Always place door hangers on the door handle or fence—never in mailboxes (it’s illegal in the U.S. unless you’re USPS). Walk neatly, wear branded clothing, and smile if you see residents. 😊
📋 Bring business cards in case someone comes outside and wants a quote on the spot!
📈 Step 5: Track Results
Tracking helps you know what works—and what doesn’t. Use:
🔢 Promo codes: “Use code SHINE25 for $25 off”
📞 Dedicated phone numbers (from CallRail or Google Voice)
🌐 Unique landing pages linked via QR code
Ask every new customer how they heard about you. If flyers are working, double down on the neighborhoods with the best response.
💬 Step 6: Follow Up and Retarget
You don’t need to stop at one drop. Repetition builds trust.
📅 Follow-up strategy:
- 1st drop: General intro + discount
- 2nd drop (3–4 weeks later): Limited-time seasonal offer
- 3rd drop (if no response): “We’re working in your neighborhood again!”
Consistency shows you’re active, trusted, and growing. Clients may not call after the first flyer—but the third might be the charm. 🎯
🤝 Bonus Tactic: Pair with Yard Signs or Vehicle Branding
Flyers work even better when you stack visibility.
- Leave a yard sign at jobs you’ve completed (with permission)
- Park your branded vehicle nearby while canvassing
- Wear company gear when handing out materials
This creates a local presence and reinforces your reputation. Every impression counts. 👀🚐
🚫 Common Mistakes to Avoid
❌ Spamming the same house 5 times in one week
❌ Using generic, clipart-filled designs
❌ Forgetting contact info or call-to-action
❌ Targeting renters or apartment complexes
❌ Poor timing (e.g., rainy days or holidays)
Flyers aren’t magic—but when done right, they’re a cost-effective lead generator that outperforms many digital ads on a per-dollar basis. 💵📬
💬 Final Thoughts
In an increasingly noisy world, simple strategies still shine—especially in home services. Flyers and door hangers work because they’re direct, visible, and local. You’re not shouting into the void—you’re introducing yourself to neighbors.
So whether you’re just starting out or want to boost visibility in a new neighborhood, don’t underestimate the power of a well-designed flyer placed on the right door at the right time.
Because in the world of power washing, visibility = credibility = leads. 📈🧽🚪
