Let’s face it – traditional marketing isn’t enough anymore. With competition everywhere, it’s easy to feel like your business is drowning in a sea of ads, websites, and social media posts. But what if I told you there’s a smarter way to get noticed? A way that doesn’t rely on burning through cash or endlessly tweaking your Google Ads.
That’s exactly what Lewis, a junk removal marketing mastermind, figured out. In this episode of our podcast, he broke down his unconventional, budget-friendly tactics for growing his business and dominating his niche. From leveraging local Facebook groups to running viral giveaways and even tapping into Bing Ads (yes, Bing!), Lewis shows us how thinking differently can deliver massive results.
If you’ve been searching for marketing ideas that actually work, this is your guide. Whether you’re in junk removal, home services, or any local business, these strategies will get your creative wheels spinning—and bring real leads to your doorstep. Ready to level up? Let’s get started.
01. How to Turn a Local Group into a Money-Making Machine
Let’s talk about the gold hiding in your local community. You’re probably scrolling Facebook, but are you owning the conversation there? That’s exactly what Lewis did—he turned local Facebook groups into lead machines. Imagine getting thousands of comments on your post, driving people straight to your business. Sounds dreamy, right?
Lewis didn’t stop at joining groups; he created his own. By running giveaways and featuring local businesses, he built connections that mattered. When you own the group, you’re not just participating – you’re the one setting the rules. That’s the difference between being another face in the crowd and being the guy everyone turns to.
And here’s the kicker: creative contests can spark a buzz even if you’re starting from scratch. Partner with a local restaurant, toss out a $50 gift card, and post it everywhere. People love free stuff, and they’ll tag friends like crazy. You’re building awareness without even feeling like you’re “selling.”
02. Old-School Marketing Tricks That Still Work Wonders
Let’s admit it: in this digital age, we’ve forgotten about the power of old-school marketing. Lewis shared one brilliant strategy that most people overlook — direct mail. While everyone else is fighting for clicks, you can grab attention right in someone’s mailbox. The best part? It’s cheap compared to other methods.
Direct mail boasts a response rate of approximately 4.4%, which far surpasses the mere 0.12% response rate of email marketing3. Personalized direct mail can increase response rates by up to 135%
Here’s how you can steal his playbook: target homeowners who actually need your service. Use postcards with bold, catchy messages like, “Too Much Junk? We’ll Take It Off Your Hands—Fast!” Keep it short and punchy because no one has time to read an essay.
But why stop there? Ever thought of adding personalized touches? Lewis mentioned scraping data to target property owners directly—imagine reaching them at their home address. That’s how you get through the noise and land in front of real decision-makers.
04. Why Facebook Groups Are Your Secret Weapon
Facebook isn’t just memes and baby photos—it’s where people ask for recommendations and share local events. Lewis turned Facebook groups into his playground for organic marketing. He jumped into every local group he could find, searching for questions his business could solve.
Here’s the genius part: by simply commenting with helpful answers, his posts started showing up more. Facebook’s algorithm noticed his activity, and suddenly, he became the first name people saw when looking for help. It’s free, simple, and ridiculously effective.
If you really want to dominate, do what Lewis did: start your own group. Be the guy everyone tags when someone says, “Hey, who does junk removal around here?” Your group becomes a hub for conversations, and your name stays top of mind. That’s how you own your market.
05. PR: The Free Advertising You’re Not Using
Did you know local news stations are practically begging for feel-good stories? Lewis tapped into this when he started his junk removal company. He reached out to every news outlet in his area and pitched his story: two university grads starting a business from scratch. The result? Free media coverage that skyrocketed his reputation.
Here’s the thing: your story doesn’t need to be groundbreaking. Did you buy a new truck? Celebrate your one-year anniversary? Partner with a charity? Pitch it. The worst they can say is no, and the best? A flood of calls and credibility.
Lewis also landed press by doing quirky things, like hosting giveaways and connecting with green initiatives. People love hearing about businesses that give back, so use that to your advantage. Every mention builds trust – and trust equals sales.
06. Why SEO Isn’t Dead (But Needs a Makeover)
SEO isn’t just about ranking on Google; it’s about making sure your business shows up where it matters. Lewis nailed this by focusing on backlinks—but not just any links. He found creative ways to get listed on high-authority sites, like university directories and government employee discount pages.
Think about it: would you rather get a link from some random blog or a trusted source? Exactly. Lewis even discovered that universities have discount directories where you can list your business by offering a small perk. You’re helping students, but more importantly, you’re getting an unbeatable link.
Want a quick win? Google Business Profiles (GBPs) are killing it right now. Lewis posted short, 30-second videos on his clients’ GBPs and saw immediate results. Videos get attention, and attention means clicks. It’s not rocket science – it’s just smart marketing.
07. The Giveaway That Got 1,000 Comments
Everyone loves free stuff—especially if it’s food. Lewis tapped into this universal truth by running giveaways featuring local restaurants. All it took was a $50 gift card and a simple post asking people to comment to win. The result? Over 1,000 comments and a ton of new leads.
The genius of this strategy is its simplicity. People share the post with friends, tagging others who might be interested. The restaurant gets exposure, and you get your name in front of a massive audience. Win-win.
You don’t need a big budget to pull this off. Reach out to small businesses in your area and offer to partner. You’re helping each other grow while creating buzz that drives real results. Plus, you’re building relationships that could lead to even more opportunities.
08. Why "Boring" Platforms Like Bing Are Actually Goldmines
Google is great, but have you tried Bing Ads? Yeah, I know what you’re thinking—who even uses Bing? Turns out, a lot of people do, and they’re older, wealthier, and more likely to convert. Lewis discovered this hidden gem and started running ads for pennies compared to Google.
Here’s the kicker: Bing doesn’t have all the restrictions that make Google Ads a nightmare. No endless account suspensions. No advanced verifications. Just straightforward advertising that works. If you’re not on Bing yet, you’re leaving money on the table.
And while you’re at it, dive into Bing Webmaster Tools. They lay out their ranking factors clearly, making it easier to optimize your site. It’s like getting a cheat sheet for SEO—no guesswork, just results.
Bing Ads reaches over 700 million unique monthly searchers across its network, which includes Bing, Yahoo, and AOL A notable portion of Bing's audience consists of higher-income users, with 48% of its searchers being in the top 25% of household incomes in the U.S.
09. Small Ideas That Make a Big Impact
Sometimes, the smallest changes can lead to the biggest wins. Lewis shared how he got creative with branded coasters. For just a few cents each, he handed them out to local bars and coffee shops. Every time someone picked up their drink, they saw his logo. Genius, right?
Another tip? Use content swaps with other businesses. For example, write a blog post for a real estate agent about “What to Do With Junk After Moving.” They share it on their site, linking back to you. It’s free exposure, and you’re helping their audience too.
Finally, don’t overlook the power of a simple thank-you card. After every job, send a handwritten note to your customers. It’s old-fashioned, but it leaves a lasting impression. People remember kindness – and they tell their friends about it.
10. Ready to Rewrite Your Marketing Playbook?
Lewis’ strategies prove one thing: you don’t need a massive budget to dominate your market. You just need creativity, persistence, and a willingness to try new things. Whether it’s running giveaways, pitching to the news, or starting your own group, there are endless ways to stand out.
So, what’s stopping you? Pick one idea and run with it. Your competition isn’t going to know what hit them. And who knows – you might just become the next big name in your community.
