How to Get Clients When You’re Just Starting Out: The Real Strategy That Works
Let’s talk about the question every new entrepreneur is actually asking but doesn’t know how to phrase:
“I have a business idea. I might even have a service ready. But how do I actually get clients?”
Not theoretical clients. Not “build it and they will come” fantasies. Real clients who will actually pay you real money.
If you’ve ever felt like you’re shouting into the void, posting on social media with no response, or wondering why nobody’s buying what you’re selling—this is for you.
The Client Acquisition Myth
Here’s what most business content tells you about getting clients:
- Build a website
- Create social media accounts
- Post valuable content
- Build your personal brand
- Wait for clients to find you
And here’s the truth: that strategy works if you already have an audience, a reputation, or unlimited time to wait.
For everyone else? It’s a waste of time.
You don’t need a content strategy when you’re starting out. You don’t need to “build your brand” before you get your first client. You don’t need thousands of followers.
You need one thing: the ability to go where your potential clients are and start conversations.
Where Your First Clients Actually Come From
Let’s get specific. Your first 5-10 clients will come from one of three places:
1. People You Already Know
Friends, family, former colleagues, classmates, neighbors, church members, people in your network who know you and have some level of trust with you.
This is not “taking advantage” of relationships. This is smart business. These people are your warm market—they already know you’re capable, reliable, and trustworthy.
2. Direct Outreach to Strangers
Finding businesses or individuals who need your service and reaching out directly—calls, emails, in-person visits, DMs.
This requires courage because you’ll face rejection. But it works faster than any other strategy.
3. Referrals from Early Clients
Once you’ve served your first few clients well, they’ll tell other people. This is the most powerful source of clients, but you can’t start here—you need those first clients first.
Notice what’s NOT on this list:
- Paid advertising
- SEO optimization
- Viral social media posts
- Fancy websites
Those things can come later. Right now, you need clients, and clients come from conversations.
The Actual Strategy: Direct Outreach
Let’s say you’re starting that roofing cleaning service. Here’s exactly how you get your first clients:
Step 1: Make a List (30 Minutes)
Open Google Maps. Search “roofing companies near me.” Write down the names and phone numbers of 20 companies. That’s your target list.
Alternatively, drive around your city. Every time you see a roofing company truck, a building site with roofers, or a roofing company sign—write it down.
Step 2: Prepare Your Pitch (15 Minutes)
You need one simple pitch:
“Hi, my name is [Name]. I run a specialized cleaning service for roofing companies. I’ve noticed many roofing businesses struggle with keeping their equipment and work sites clean, which affects their professional image with clients. I offer [specific service] for [specific price]. Would you be interested in a trial run?”
Short. Clear. Focused on their problem, not your need for clients.
Step 3: Start Making Contact (Every Day Until You Get 5 Clients)
Call the first company on your list. Or better yet, show up in person.
Yes, in person. Walk into their office. Ask to speak to the owner or manager. Deliver your pitch face-to-face.
Will it be uncomfortable? Absolutely.
Will some people say no? Definitely.
Will it work faster than posting on Instagram? 100%.
Aim for 10 contacts per day. That’s 10 calls or 5 in-person visits. Every single day.
Step 4: Handle Rejection Like a Professional
Most people will say no. That’s not failure—that’s math.
If your service is good and your pricing is reasonable, maybe 1 in 10 will say yes. That means you need 9 nos to get to each yes.
Stop taking rejection personally. It’s just filtering. You’re looking for the people who need what you offer right now.
Step 5: Make It Easy to Say Yes
When someone shows interest, don’t complicate things:
- Offer a small trial first (one-time service at a discount)
- Give them two options to choose from, not twenty
- Make it incredibly easy to schedule and pay
- Follow up within 24 hours
Remove every possible obstacle between their interest and their payment.
The Script That Actually Works
Here’s a real script you can adapt for any service business:
For phone calls:
“Hi, is this [Business Name]? Great! My name is [Your Name]. I know you’re busy, so I’ll be quick. I run a [your service] specifically for [their industry]. I’m reaching out because I’m taking on 5 new clients this month and I thought you might benefit. Do you currently use [your service type]?”
Then shut up and listen.
If they say no: “No problem! Can I ask—is it because you handle it in-house, or is it just not a priority right now?”
If they say yes (they already use someone): “That’s great! Are you completely satisfied with them, or is there anything you wish worked better?”
You’re looking for openings. You’re listening for problems you can solve.
For in-person visits:
“Hi! I’m [Your Name], I run a [service] business focused on helping [their type of business]. I’m in the area today and wanted to introduce myself. Here’s my card. I specialize in [specific benefit]. If you ever need [service], I’d love to earn your business. Do you handle [service] in-house or do you work with someone?”
Hand them your card (or write your number on paper if you don’t have cards). Smile. Be confident but not pushy.
Why This Works Better Than Social Media
Social media for client acquisition only works when:
- You already have an audience
- You post consistently for months
- You have a clear niche and positioning
- You’re creating genuinely valuable content
- You have time to wait for algorithms to favor you
Direct outreach works when:
- You exist
- You have a phone or legs to show up somewhere
- You’re willing to have uncomfortable conversations
- You want clients this week, not next year
Which one sounds more realistic for a new entrepreneur who needs money now?
What to Do When People Say “Let Me Think About It”
This is the most common response you’ll get. Here’s how to handle it:
Bad response: “Okay, sure! Just let me know!”
(Translation: You’ll never hear from them again.)
Good response: “Absolutely! Most people need time to think it over. Can I ask—what specific concerns do you need to think through? Is it budget, timing, or something else?”
Get them talking. Find out what the real objection is. Address it directly.
Then: “I totally understand. How about I follow up with you on [specific day]? Would morning or afternoon be better?”
Book the follow-up right there. Don’t leave it vague.
The Follow-Up Strategy Nobody Teaches
Here’s a secret: most sales happen on the follow-up, not the first contact.
But most entrepreneurs give up after one no.
If someone shows any interest at all:
- Follow up 3 days later
- Follow up 1 week later
- Follow up 2 weeks later
- Follow up 1 month later
Not annoying. Not pushy. Just: “Hi [Name], I reached out a week ago about [service]. Just wanted to check in—has anything changed with your need for [service]?”
Track your follow-ups in a simple notebook or spreadsheet. This alone will put you ahead of 90% of your competition.
When You Actually Need a Website and Social Media
Eventually, yes, you’ll want digital presence. But here’s when:
You need a website when:
- You’re getting clients regularly through referrals and they want to check you out online before hiring you
- You have testimonials and case studies to showcase
- You’re ready to invest in SEO for long-term growth
You need social media when:
- You have clients to feature and results to show
- You want to build a brand that goes beyond word-of-mouth
- You have time to post consistently (not just when you remember)
But right now? Right now you need clients. And clients come from conversations, not content calendars.
The 30-Day Client Acquisition Challenge
If you’re serious about getting clients, here’s your plan for the next 30 days:
Week 1:
- Make a list of 50 potential clients
- Contact 10 per day (calls or visits)
- Goal: Book 5 conversations with interested prospects
Week 2:
- Continue contacting new prospects (10 per day)
- Follow up with Week 1 interested prospects
- Goal: Close 2 paying clients
Week 3:
- Continue outreach (10 new contacts per day)
- Deliver excellent service to your first clients
- Ask for referrals from satisfied clients
- Goal: Close 3 more clients (2 from outreach, 1 from referral)
Week 4:
- Continue outreach (you’re a machine now)
- Follow up with everyone who showed interest
- Focus on delivering great work to current clients
- Goal: Close 3 more clients, get 2 testimonials
End of 30 days: You should have 8-10 clients, real testimonials, and momentum.
Notice there’s no “post on Instagram daily” or “write blog posts.” Just conversations leading to clients.
The Uncomfortable Truth
Getting clients when you’re starting out isn’t complicated. It’s just uncomfortable.
It requires you to:
- Face rejection repeatedly
- Put yourself out there before you feel ready
- Have conversations that feel awkward
- Hear “no” way more than “yes”
- Keep going anyway
The entrepreneurs who get clients aren’t necessarily more talented or better at what they do. They’re just more willing to be uncomfortable.
They make the calls others won’t make. They show up in person when others hide behind email. They follow up when others give up.
Here’s how we can help
Each month, two (2) $1000 small business grants are awarded: One grant for a For-Profit Women-Owned Businesses and one grant for a Non-Profit Woman-Owned Business. This $1,000 grant is awarded to invest in your business and you will also receive exclusive access to our success mindset coaching group to further support your growth. This is a no strings attached private business grant. You may use the money for any aspect of your business.
NON-PROFIT GRANT LINK: https://www.yippitydoo.com/small-business-grant-optin-non-profit/
Criteria:
Ages 18 Or Over, Within The United States. Non-Profit Women Entrepreneurs/Small Business Owners That Are At Least 50% Owned and Run By A Woman. Your Business Can Already Be Started Or In Idea/Start-Up Stage But Must Be Already Registered As A 501c3.
FOR-PROFIT GRANT LINK: https://www.yippitydoo.com/small-business-grant-optin/
Criteria:
Ages 18 Or Over, Within The United States. For-Profit Women Entrepreneurs/Small Business Owners that are at least 50% owned and run by a woman. Your Business Can Already Be Started Or In Idea/Start-Up Stage
