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Getting your first customers doesn’t have to be complicated. Follow these 10 simple steps to secure your first 10 customers through warm outreach.
Starting a business is both exhilarating and challenging. Like many entrepreneurs, I began with zero customers and uncertainty about where to start. While the internet offers endless advice on scaling, few focus on the critical first step—getting those initial clients. In this guide, I’ll share the exact strategies I used to secure my first 10 customers through warm outreach, a straightforward method that doesn’t require a big budget. I’ve made the mistakes, learned from them, and refined the process so you don’t have to. Whether you’re struggling to gain traction or unsure where to begin, this guide will give you the clarity and confidence to start building your customer base today.
Let’s dive in and get you those first 10 customers.
Essential Tips for Effective Warm Outreach
When crafting your warm outreach messages, keep them concise and relevant. Aim to capture attention quickly by personalizing your message and addressing the recipient’s needs directly. Incorporate 2-3 key points or benefits that resonate with your audience, much like using SEO keywords strategically in a post. Additionally, guide your reader with clear calls to action, just as you would use anchor links in a guide to direct them to specific sections. Simplicity and clarity are key to making your outreach effective.
Why Is Getting Your First Customers So Important?
What are the Key Steps to Success?
Are You Ready to Take Action?
Why Is Getting Your First Customers So Important?
In the early stages of any business, getting your first customers is one of the most crucial milestones. These initial clients not only provide the much-needed validation for your product or service but also act as the cornerstone for future growth. Historically, businesses have thrived or failed based on their ability to attract and retain their first few customers, which is why this topic remains so vital.
Understanding how to secure those first customers through warm outreach can be the key to unlocking your business’s potential. It’s not just about making sales; it’s about building relationships that will propel your business forward.
What are the Key Steps to Success?
When explaining the process of acquiring your first customers, it’s crucial to consider the diversity of your audience. Are you speaking to beginners who are just starting their entrepreneurial journey, or to more seasoned readers looking to fine-tune their strategies? For this guide, let’s assume we’re catering to a mix—primarily beginners, but also some with a bit more experience. This means adopting a friendly and casual tone that’s approachable, yet packed with actionable insights.
Gather Your Contacts
The first step is to build a comprehensive list of potential leads. This list should include contacts from your email, social media, and phone contacts.
If you’re starting a business selling handmade jewelry, your email list might include friends and family who’ve supported your creative work in the past. Your social media followers could be a mix of personal connections and people who’ve shown interest in your designs. By combining these sources, you’ll create a more extensive pool of potential customers.
When I began my business, I underestimated the size of my network. But after combining my contacts, I realized I had more leads than expected, which gave me a significant boost in confidence.
2. Pick a Platform
With your list in hand, the next step is to choose the platform where you’ll begin your outreach. Focus on the platform where you have the strongest presence.
Suppose you have 1,000 followers on Instagram, 300 email contacts, and 150 phone contacts. Starting with Instagram might make sense because of the larger audience, but if your email contacts are more engaged, you might want to begin there instead.
Beginners should focus on one platform at a time to avoid feeling overwhelmed, while more advanced readers might consider segmenting their outreach across multiple platforms.
3. Personalize Your Message
Personalization is key to effective outreach. Take the time to craft messages that show you’re genuinely interested in the person you’re contacting.
If one of your Instagram followers recently got engaged, you might reach out with, “Congratulations on your engagement! If you’re looking for custom jewelry for your big day, I’d love to help you create something special.”
I once received a generic message from someone trying to sell me a service, and it was clear they hadn’t taken the time to learn anything about me. I ignored it. Later, another person reached out, referencing a recent blog post I’d written. That personal touch made all the difference—I became a client.
4. Reach Out Daily
Consistency is crucial. Aim to contact 100 people each day, even if it seems daunting at first.
A friend of mine who started a fitness coaching business committed to sending 100 messages a day. Within two weeks, she secured her first few clients simply by being consistent.
Beginners might find 100 messages intimidating, but breaking it down into smaller chunks can make it more manageable. More experienced readers might look into automating parts of the process while maintaining a personal touch.
5. Warm Them Up (ACA Framework)
Once you start getting responses, use the ACA framework—Acknowledge, Compliment, and Ask—to build rapport.
If you’re a personal trainer, you might say, “Hey Sarah, I noticed you’ve been juggling work and two kids (Acknowledge). You’re truly inspiring—how do you manage to find time for workouts? (Compliment and Ask).”
Using the ACA framework, I found my conversations felt more natural, leading to higher engagement and eventually, more clients.
6. Invite Their Friends
After warming up your contacts, ask if they know anyone else who might benefit from your services. This is a subtle way to expand your reach without being too pushy.
“By the way, do you know anyone who might be interested in custom jewelry? I’m offering a few slots at a discounted rate for referrals.”
Beginners often overlook the power of referrals, but people are more likely to trust a recommendation from a friend than an unsolicited offer.
7. Offer Free Value
Start by offering something of value for free in exchange for feedback and a review. This lowers the barrier to entry and helps build trust.
If you’re a graphic designer, you might offer to create a logo for free in exchange for feedback. “I’m building my portfolio and would love to design something for you at no cost if you’re willing to give me some honest feedback and a review.”
When I started, offering free consultations led to paid projects because clients saw the value I could provide.
8. Revisit Your List
Some contacts won’t respond immediately, so don’t be afraid to follow up.
A simple message like, “Just checking in to see if you had a chance to look over my last message,” can prompt a response.
Beginners might feel hesitant about following up, thinking it’s pushy. However, gentle persistence can often turn a “maybe” into a “yes.”
9. Start Charging
Once you’ve gained traction, it’s time to start charging. Begin with discounted rates, then gradually increase your prices as demand grows.
After offering free logos, start charging 80% off for the next five clients. As you gain more experience and testimonials, move towards full pricing.
I hesitated to start charging after doing free work, but when I finally did, I realized people were willing to pay for the value I was providing.
10. Keep Them Warm
Continue nurturing your relationships by checking in regularly and offering ongoing value. This helps maintain your network and keeps you top of mind.
Send updates, tips, or just a quick message to see how your clients are doing. Regular engagement reinforces your connection and can lead to repeat business.
While more experienced business owners might already have a follow-up system, beginners often overlook this step. Keeping contacts warm is essential for long-term success.
Are You Ready to Take Action?
So, what’s next? Start by compiling your contact lists, choose your platform, and begin reaching out today. Remember, the first step might feel challenging, but the more you practice, the more confident you’ll become. If you’re ready to take action, why not draft your first outreach message right now? Set a goal to reach out to at least 10 people by the end of the day—you’ll be surprised at the results.
If you’re looking for additional resources, be sure to check out other guides on our website that delve deeper into topics like advanced outreach techniques, building a referral network, and mastering client retention. And if you’re ready to take your business to the next level, consider signing up for one of our upcoming workshops or exploring our personalized coaching services.
Have questions or need more guidance? Feel free to leave a comment below—I’m here to help you succeed. Stay engaged, stay motivated, and most importantly, keep taking action. Your journey to success starts now!
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