10 Low-Cost Ideas
- Tell everyone you know, and ask them to share.
- Offer a simple first-visit or first-order deal.
- Hand out flyers where your customers already are.
- Visit nearby businesses and introduce yourself.
- Create a free business profile on a map service.
- Start a social media page and post useful tips.
- Join local events and markets.
- Partner with a business that serves the same customers.
- Answer questions quickly — speed wins trust.
- Ask every happy customer for a review or referral.
Write Your Acquisition Strategy
In your plan, describe in two or three sentences how you will win your first customers: what you will do, where, and why it will work for your main customer group. Then list a few launch steps with dates.
Track What Works
Ask every new customer how they found you. Spend more time and money on what brings customers, and stop what does not. See customer acquisition cost.
Fill-In Worksheet
Answer these questions in a few words each. Your answers become this part of your plan.
- Who are the first 20 people or businesses we can reach directly?
- Where do our customers already spend time?
- What simple reason can we give them to try us?
- How will we ask happy customers to tell others?
Examples (Illustrative)
Common Mistakes
- Waiting for customers to find you. Go to them.
- Discounts with no end date. Make first-time offers clearly limited.
- Not asking for referrals. Happy customers are your cheapest marketing.
Where It Fits in Your Business Plan
Your acquisition strategy belongs in the Marketing Strategy section of your plan.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get my first customers?
Start with people you can reach directly, give them a simple reason to try you, and ask happy customers to tell others.
How much should I spend to get first customers?
Start small and track results. Many first customers come from low-cost actions like personal contacts and local visits.
What is a customer acquisition strategy?
Your plan for how you will win customers: what you will do, where, and why it will work.
Should I offer discounts to get customers?
A limited first-time offer can help, but set an end date so customers learn your real price.
Build your plan with Founderplat
Founderplat walks you through all eight sections, one small step at a time, with tips and examples for every part.
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