4 Ways to Find Your First Customer
If you are just starting out with your side business, new product or new service, you want customers because customers = money! Sometimes it is challenging to get customers even though you have something awesome to offer. Here are four ways to find your first customer. To be honest, if you have been in business for a while, some of the below suggestions may spark a new approach for you.
4 Ways to Find Your First Customer
1. Grassroots tactics
Consider some grassroots, old school marketing tactics such as:
- Passing out flyers
- Contacting (by phone or email) family, friends and co-workers to share your business
- Posting on local bulletin boards in restaurants, schools and churches
- Passing out business cards to everyone you meet
- Attend local or regional events as a vendor
2. Free services
Offer your service free to a few people or companies to build your portfolio, experience and to get testimonials. From that point on, you can attract businesses willing to pay.
- Make sure you obtain a written testimonial or better yet, a video testimonial
- Take or obtain pictures of your work so that you can show future customers
3. Partnerships
Find other businesses that provide services that compliment your service and form a referral partnership. For example, if you are a caterer, connect with event planners, wedding planners and florists. They can refer customers to you and you can do the same for them. Consider offering a referral bonus!
4. Social Media
True story, my first paying web design customer came from MySpace. I made a post about my web design service and a young lady who was an aspiring artist in Arkansas ( I am in Richmond, VA) sent me a private message and secured me for my services.
Don’t under estimate the power of Social Media such as Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn and etc. Share your service or product offerings on these platforms.
I help female entrepreneurs who struggle with attracting attention and exposure for their brand and want to build their online platform. In working with me, my clients generate revenue and increase brand awareness. If you are ready to build your online platform, we should set up a web design consultation or meet and greet call!
