Is Hiring a Marketing Agency Worth It for Your Cleaning Business? The Pros and Cons

By ERIN LARISON

COO, Five Door Media

If you run a cleaning or pressure washing business, you already know the hustle. You’re scheduling crews, dealing with equipment that always seems to break mid-job, and trying to keep bleach from ruining yet another pair of sneakers.

And then, somewhere between payroll and clogged vacuums, someone reminds you: “You really should be doing SEO, running Facebook ads, and posting on social media.”

Right. Because there are 48 hours in your day.

That’s when the question hits: Should I just hire a marketing agency?

Let’s walk through the pros and cons.

Pro: You Get Experts in Your Corner

A marketing agency lives in the world of websites, Google rankings, ads, and lead funnels. They know what works, what doesn’t, and why your competitor seems to be everywhere online while you’re invisible.

Hiring them means you can stop guessing and start running your business.

Con: It Costs Money

Yes, there will be a monthly invoice. And in the early days, that might feel like a luxury.

But think of it this way: when you invest in better equipment — say a new pressure washer or a truck mount — it pays you back in jobs completed faster, better, and with fewer headaches. Marketing can work the same way.

Pro: You Get Your Time Back

No more late-night Googling “How do I rank higher on Google Maps?” or throwing random posts on Instagram hoping something sticks.

An agency handles the strategy so you can handle the work that actually grows your reputation: serving clients.

Con: You Give Up a Little Control

When you hand off marketing, you’re letting someone else shape your online voice. That can feel uncomfortable at first.

But with the right agency, you’re not losing your voice — you’re amplifying it. Think of it like assigning a crew lead to a big job. You’re still in charge, you’re just not holding the hose yourself.

Pro: You Can Finally Grow With Intention

This is where the magic happens. The right agency isn’t just about pretty websites or clever Facebook posts. It’s about building a system that consistently brings in leads and helps you scale your business.

No more wondering if the phone will ring. You’ve got a plan.

So, Is It Worth It?

If you’re brand new and running on word-of-mouth, maybe not yet. But if you’re ready to grow — to stop duct-taping your marketing together and start running a business that scales — then yes, hiring a marketing agency can be a game-changer.