Where your first customers actually come from

Before you can sell anything, you need someone to sell to — and when you're just starting, they almost never come from ads. Your first customers come from people who already know you, the people those people know, and simply showing up where your customers already are. It costs time, not money.

Do this

1. Start with your circle. Tell everyone you know what you do and exactly who you help — then ask them to keep you in mind.
2. Ask every early customer for one introduction. A warm intro beats a cold stranger every time.
3. Show up where your customers already gather — the neighborhood app, the local group, the supplier's counter.
4. Make yourself easy to find and easy to try: one clear line on what you do, your number, and a simple way to book.

10 places your first customers might come from

• Friends and family who know what you now do
• Past coworkers and people from your old line of work
• Neighbors and your local community/Facebook/Nextdoor group
• One introduction from each happy customer
• Local businesses that serve the same customers (not competitors)
• The supplier, shop, or counter your customers already visit
• A simple Google Business Profile so you show up in searches
• Community boards — church, gym, school, coffee shop
• Anyone who's asked 'do you know someone who…'
• People who follow you online but haven't been asked yet