Hey guys, I’m Jonas Olson, founder and CEO of Pest Badger. We scaled from zero to an eight-figure pest control business with 14 locations in under five years. If you’re just getting started and want to hit your first $300,000 in revenue, this guide breaks down exactly how to do it, without needing a big marketing budget.
Let’s assume you already have the basics: a business license, insurance, certifications, and equipment. Now it’s time to get customers and build momentum.
Understand the Math Behind $300K
Most pest control programs average $600 to $800 per year per customer. That means to hit $300K, you need roughly 400 to 500 recurring clients.
Your first $300K will be bootstrapped. It’s on you to hustle, so here's how to win customers fast without spending money upfront.
Start With Local Facebook Groups
Facebook groups are one of the fastest ways to get in front of local homeowners, especially mom groups.
Don’t just post “Hey, I do pest control.” Add value. Share how-to videos, pest tips, and DIY advice. Position yourself as helpful and knowledgeable. Use your phone—no need for fancy video gear. My most viral posts were shot on an iPhone.
Set Up Your Google My Business Profile
Before even building a website, claim your Google Business Profile. This is critical.
When people search “pest control near me,” they’ll see your listing—with your phone number, reviews, and photos. Your next move: get Google Guaranteed. It’s a free verification that builds trust and pushes you to the top of the search results.
Knock Doors for Reviews
Start knocking doors in your ideal neighborhoods—higher income, upper-middle class, and close to your base for route density.
Offer a free service in exchange for a 5-star review. Your first 50 Google reviews are the key to ranking ahead of the competition. Do whatever it takes to build that social proof.
Offer Referral Bonuses
Tell every customer: “Refer a friend, and I’ll give you $50 cash.” Not a credit—real money.
Referrals are high-converting because people trust their friends. One client can turn into 3–5 with this strategy. Then those new clients refer others. The compounding effect is real and powerful.
Build Strategic Partnerships
Find other home service companies that share your customer base—lawn care, HVAC, plumbers, roofers.
Sit down with their owners. Share leads, customer lists (ethically), and create joint offers. One partnership could give you access to 1,000+ potential customers. A 10% conversion means 100 quotes and 50 new clients.
Become the Local Expert
Start posting content consistently on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, and LinkedIn.
You don’t need a big team or expensive gear. Just post. Teach people about pest control, tell stories, and show results. As your brand grows, people will tag you whenever pest questions come up locally.
Last year, this strategy alone got us 100 million views and hundreds of thousands in revenue, for free.
Final Thoughts
You don’t have to follow these steps in exact order. But if you combine them and stay consistent, you’ll get from zero to $300K faster than you think.
Let me know where you’re at in your journey—drop a comment, ask questions, and subscribe if this helped.
Jonas Olson
CEO, Pest Badger
P.S. Watch the full video here:
