How I got my first 10 pressure washing clients at 15 (no ads, no website)
Most people think you need a website, business cards, and a marketing budget to start a service business. I started with a $200 pressure washer from Home Depot and my legs.
Here's exactly what I did to land my first 10 clients:
Door knocking. I walked my neighborhood and knocked on doors with dirty driveways. Not random doors — I specifically targeted houses where the driveway was visibly dirty. That's the pitch right there: "I noticed your driveway could use a clean. I do pressure washing for $X — want me to knock it out today?"
Before/after photos. After my first free job (my neighbor), I took photos and showed them to every door I knocked on. People need to see results, especially from a teenager.
Pricing by the job, not by the hour. I charged $100-150 for a driveway that took me 45 minutes. If I said "I charge $15/hour" I'd have made nothing. Price the outcome, not your time.
Asking for referrals immediately. After every job, I said: "If you know anyone else who needs their driveway done, I'll give them $10 off if they mention you." Simple. Works every time.
Yard signs. I spent $30 on those little lawn signs that say "Driveway cleaned by [my name] — call [number]." I asked clients if I could leave one up for a week. Free advertising to every neighbor who drives by.
No ads. No website. No business plan. Just showing up and doing the work.
That first month I made $1,200. I'm 15.
If you're a teen thinking about starting something — stop thinking and start knocking.