Launching your business is only half the battle. You can have the best products or services but if nobody knows about them, you’ll not make many sales.
Most businesses do not start off with thousands of customers. In fact most will start by offering their product or service to family and friends.
The aim is to get your first customers. Get them delighted by what you offer and have them help promote your business.
Here are a few tactics you can implement today to start getting people aware of your business from scratch:
How to Get Your First 100 Customers
Your first 100 customers are the most valuable people in your business. They will be the ones trying out your products/services, giving you feedback and referring others to you.
Focus on people you already know.
Don’t try reaching out to strangers when you first start. Focus your attention on the people around you. Family, friends, colleagues, former classmates, and even people on your social media.
Tell everyone what you do.
A lot of business owners think that people already know about their business. They don’t. Keep people posted on your WhatsApp status, Instagram and LinkedIn.
Include:
- What you’re selling
- Who it’s for
- The problem it’s solving
- Proof of your results or testimonials.
Run Introductory Offers.
Another great way to get your first customers is by running introductory offers. Offer your first customers something small to take away the risk of trying your business.
Examples of introductory offers:
- Launch discounts
- Free samples
- Bonus Items
- Time limited specials
Related: IITA Opens 2026 Agricultural Enterprise Training Program
Transform Friends, Family & WhatsApp Contacts into Paying Customers
Entrepreneurs often feel embarrassed selling to friends and family. Yet your network is one of your strongest assets when you first start.
Begin by shifting the way you communicate your business.
Don’t say:
“I just started a business.”
Instead say:
“I help people solve this problem…..”
When people understand the value, they are more willing to support you.
You can also use WhatsApp strategically, because it is one of the most powerful marketing tools today.
Here are simple ways to do it:
Use WhatsApp Status Daily
Post consistently about your product or service. Share customer reviews, product photos, short videos, and behind-the-scenes content.
Send Personalized Messages
Instead of mass broadcasting, send a short personal message to people who may actually need your product.
Example:
“Hi, I recently started a small business selling healthy meal packages for busy professionals. I thought you might be interested. Let me know if you’d like to try it.”
Ask for Referrals
When someone buys from you and loves your product, ask them to recommend you to friends. Referrals are one of the fastest ways to grow a small business.
Free Ways to Make People Talk About Your Business
You don’t need a big marketing budget to get attention. In fact, some of the most effective marketing strategies cost nothing.
Here are a few powerful ones:
- Create Valuable Content
- Teach something related to your business. For example, if you sell skincare products, share skincare tips. If you run a food business, share quick cooking hacks.
People are more likely to trust businesses that educate them.
Encourage User-Generated Content
Ask customers to take photos or videos using your product and tag your page. When others see real people using your product, it builds credibility.
Tell Your Story
People connect with stories more than products. Share why you started your business, the challenges you faced, and the progress you’re making.
Collaborate with Other Small Businesses
Partner with businesses that serve the same audience. You can cross-promote each other and reach new customers without spending money.
Final Thoughts
Every successful business started small. The difference between businesses that grow and those that struggle is consistency and visibility.
- Talk about your business.
- Show your work.
- Ask for referrals.
- Keep improving your product.
Your first 100 customers may seem hard to get, but once people start noticing what you offer, growth becomes much easier.
Remember: People can’t support what they don’t know exists.
