Getting the initial traction and first customers to build your roll-off business is often the hardest part of starting your business. Luckily, there are some free and low-cost advertising channels that can help you:
- Get your name out there
- Start building a brand in your local area
- Reach your target customers
- Start generating leads and interest
Here’s a guide on the top free places where you should be advertising when you’re just starting out:
1. Google My Business (GMB)
Google My Business is a must for any local business, and it’s free. By creating a GMB profile, your Roll-off bin rental business can show up in local search results and Google Maps when potential customers are searching for “bin rental near me” or similar queries. Make sure to optimize your profile with detailed information, including your service areas, pricing, and hours of operation. Don’t forget to collect and respond to reviews as well as frequently update images, as this can increase your visibility and credibility.
2. Craigslist
Craigslist is a free and useful platform for posting local services. Many businesses just starting out in the Roll-off bin rental industry have found success in posting their services in the “Services” or “For Sale” sections. Typically, this customer base is looking for a cheaper service so it’s good for running deals, specials, and promotions to gain initial clients. Be sure to include lots of images, different pricing & packages, contact info, & service areas to make it easy for potential customers to get in touch.
3. Local Facebook Groups
Local Facebook groups are an underutilized but effective way to advertise your business. These groups are often neighborhood-based or focused on specific interests like home renovation, construction, or waste management, making them an ideal platform to promote your bin rental services. Be sure to check the rules of the group before posting and engage with group members by offering helpful advice and tips related to waste management or construction projects.
4. Facebook Marketplace
Facebook Marketplace is a free tool where people buy, sell, and trade goods and services. It’s also becoming a popular place to find local service providers. By listing your Roll-off bin rentals on Facebook Marketplace, you can reach potential customers who may not find your business through traditional search engines. Make sure to include clear photos, pricing, and your service areas to attract interest.
Facebook Bonus Tip: Resharing any Facebook listings or posts from your business’s social media on your personal channel helps spread the word to friends and family. Remember, the more people who know about your business, the more potential referrals you’ll get.
5. Nextdoor
Nextdoor is a social platform that connects neighborhoods, making it a valuable tool for local service businesses. Create a business page for free and start interacting with residents in your target areas. You can promote special offers, respond to local inquiries about bin rentals, and build relationships with your community. Since people often prefer working with local businesses they know and trust, Nextdoor can be a great way to generate word-of-mouth leads.
- Go to https://business.nextdoor.com/local
- Select “Sign up for Free” or “Claim Your Free Business Page”
- Add the business page to an existing Nextdoor neighbor account or create a new account
6. Yelp & Angi
Both of these have free options to create business profiles, and paid options to reach more customers. Depending on the competition in your area, creating a free profile and regularly maintaining it could be helpful. But because both of these platforms heavily favor the paying members, they’re sharing a spot on this list.
7. Local Online Directories
Many cities have free online directories for local businesses. By listing your Roll Off bin rental business in these directories, you increase your chances of being found by local customers. Check for local Chamber of Commerce directories, city or county websites, or neighborhood association sites where you can list your business for free.
8. Non-Digital “Guerrilla” Marketing Techniques
Creative, low-cost marketing tactics can effectively capture attention in real life. Distributing flyers, business cards, and yard signs through high-traffic zones in your local area is a good way to get your name out there- bonus points if you have a QR code on it linking to your website. Brand your vehicle and bins with your logo, URL & phone number.
Starting a Roll-off bin rental business requires smart marketing decisions, especially when you’re working with a limited budget. By utilizing free marketing, you can reach a broad audience of potential customers and begin building your business’s reputation while simultaneously raking in the leads through paid channels. Make sure to stay consistent with your postings, engage with your audience, and encourage customer reviews to build credibility and trust in your services.
With the right strategy, these platforms can help you establish a strong local presence and grow your customer base quickly.
