How do I get more customers with little money?

Start with what is free: get found on Google, make it easy to reach you on WhatsApp, ask every happy customer for a referral and a review, and show up where your customers already gather. Spend money only once you know what works.

Checked October 2026 About 3 minutes to read Share on WhatsApp

Make it easy to find you

Most customers search before they buy. Set up the free basics first:

Make it easy to say yes

People leave when they can't see what you sell, what it costs or how to reach you. Show your products or services with prices or "from" prices, real photos of your work, and one clear way to contact you. Reply quickly, because a fast reply often wins the sale.

Turn customers into your marketers

  • Ask for referrals. Thank people who send you customers, even with something small.
  • Ask for reviews on Google and Facebook straight after a good job.
  • Share real results, such as before and after photos, with your customer's permission.

Go where your customers already are

Post in local community groups on Facebook (follow each group's rules), list on Facebook Marketplace, and show up at markets, churches, schools and stokvels. Team up with businesses that serve the same customers, like a caterer and a decor business.

Spend small, and measure

When you are ready to pay for ads, start small: one offer, one area, a short test. Ask every new customer how they heard about you, so you know what to keep doing. Only send marketing messages to people who agreed to hear from you; that is the law under POPIA.

Do it today

  • Write down where your last ten customers came from.
  • Ask three happy customers for a Google review.
  • Post one real photo of your work with a price and a way to order.
  • Join two local groups where your customers spend time.
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This answer is general information, written by J29 from the questions business owners ask Ask J29 and checked in October 2026. Fees and rules change, so confirm on the official site before you pay anything.