Market with more time than money

You don't need an ad budget to get customers — most of your first ones come from marketing that costs time, not money. A free Google Business Profile, happy customers spreading the word, showing up where your customers already are, and being easy to find will out-earn a small ad budget almost every time when you're starting out.

Do this

1. Set up and fully fill out your free Google Business Profile — it's how local customers find you.
2. Ask every happy customer to refer you and leave a review — word of mouth is your cheapest, best channel.
3. Show up where your customers already gather — the local group, the neighborhood app, community boards.
4. Make yourself easy to find and contact: one clear line on what you do, your number, and how to book.

Free marketing you can do this week

• Claim and complete your Google Business Profile (photos, hours, services)
• Ask your last 3 happy customers for a review — send them the link
• Ask 1 happy customer: 'who's one person you know who could use this?'
• Post one before-and-after from a recent job
• Join the local Facebook / Nextdoor group and introduce what you do
• Put your one-liner + number where people already see you (truck, signature, cards)