Starting a business is exciting — but getting your first customers can feel like the biggest challenge. Without a track record, testimonials, or brand recognition, it’s easy to feel invisible. But every business starts somewhere, and the good news is that with the right approach, you can begin building momentum even if no one has heard of you yet.
This article will walk you through smart, actionable strategies to get your first customers and build trust from day one.
Start With People You Know
Your personal network is your most underused asset as a new entrepreneur. Friends, family, coworkers, and acquaintances already trust you — and that trust makes them more likely to support your business.
Actions to take:
- Send a direct, personal message (not a mass blast) explaining what you offer
- Ask if they or someone they know might be interested
- Offer an exclusive deal for early customers
- Ask for referrals, even if they don’t buy themselves
Tip: Don’t be shy. You’re not begging — you’re offering value.
Create a Clear, Simple Offer
Your offer should be easy to understand in one sentence. New customers won’t spend time trying to figure out what you do or how it helps them.
A clear offer includes:
- What you’re offering
- Who it’s for
- The result it delivers
- Why it’s different or valuable
Example:
“I help busy parents plan healthy meals in 10 minutes a week using a personalized, printable meal planner.”
Use Social Proof — Even If You’re New
Social proof builds credibility. If you don’t have testimonials yet, create your own form of trust-building:
- Offer free or discounted services to 3–5 people in exchange for honest reviews
- Share screenshots of positive feedback, messages, or results
- Use phrases like “Trusted by busy moms in 3 countries” if you’ve worked with even a small group
Early social proof helps people feel safer about trying something new.
Build a Simple Landing Page
You don’t need a full website to start. A single, well-designed landing page can showcase your offer and collect leads or sales.
What to include:
- A bold headline describing the benefit
- A few bullet points of value
- A visual (photo, product mockup, etc.)
- Testimonials (even short ones)
- A clear call to action (buy now, sign up, book a call)
Tools like Carrd, ConvertKit, or Mailchimp can help you build one in a day.
Be Active Where Your Audience Hangs Out
Go where your potential customers already spend time — don’t wait for them to find you.
Places to explore:
- Facebook Groups
- Reddit communities (subreddits)
- LinkedIn groups
- Instagram or TikTok hashtags
- Discord communities
- Twitter spaces
Join the conversation, offer helpful advice, and share your offer when relevant (without spamming).
Offer a “Beta” or Founding Member Deal
People love early access and being part of something new. Give them an incentive to jump in first.
Ideas:
- Offer 50% off for your first 10 customers
- Give early users access to a “Founders-Only” community
- Provide lifetime pricing for the first 100 users
- Include an extra 1-on-1 session for first-time clients
This creates urgency and makes your offer more attractive to early adopters.
Share Your Journey (Not Just Your Offer)
People buy from people — especially when they can connect with your story. Share behind-the-scenes content about:
- Why you started this business
- The problem you’re solving
- Lessons learned in building your offer
- Testimonials or customer wins (even small ones)
Use Instagram Stories, blog posts, or LinkedIn updates to create a narrative. You’ll attract people who believe in your mission.
Leverage Local Communities (Online and Offline)
Don’t forget about your local network and community. It’s often easier to sell locally before going global.
Tactics:
- Post in neighborhood Facebook groups
- Attend local meetups, business events, or co-working spaces
- Offer your services to local nonprofits, schools, or small businesses
- Leave flyers or business cards in coffee shops or local stores
People love supporting entrepreneurs in their own city or town.
Use Email to Follow Up
Most people don’t buy the first time they hear about your business — they need reminders.
What to do:
- Collect emails from interested people
- Send follow-up messages with value (tips, offers, updates)
- Use email marketing tools like MailerLite or ConvertKit
Email is still one of the highest-converting marketing channels, especially for service-based or digital businesses.
Track What Works and Repeat It
Pay attention to which strategies bring in leads or customers — and do more of them. This is your custom-built marketing playbook.
Track:
- Where each customer came from
- What message or offer converted them
- What questions they asked before buying
- How they found you (Instagram? Referral? Email?)
Double down on the channels that work and gradually expand from there.
Final Thoughts: Your First Customers Are the Most Important
Getting your first few customers is not about having a perfect product or a massive audience. It’s about connection, clarity, and consistency.
Start small. Start human. Every customer is a relationship. Serve them well, and they’ll become your biggest advocates — and the foundation of your business.