How do I market a new business before it opens?

Start a few weeks before you open: claim your business online, show people the journey, collect a list of interested customers with their permission, and give them a reason to come on opening day.

How to Market a New Business Before It Opens

Claim your business online

Set up your Google Business Profile, a Facebook or Instagram page and WhatsApp Business before you open, so people can find you from day one.

Show the journey

People love watching something new being built. Share the space taking shape, product tastings or samples, the team, and the story of why you are starting. Short phone videos work well.

Collect interested people, with permission

Invite people to message you on WhatsApp or sign up for opening news. Tell them what they'll receive, such as an opening special. Only message people who agreed; that is the law under POPIA.

Plan opening day

Give a reason to come: a launch special, a free sample or a small gift for the first customers.
Invite neighbours and nearby businesses in person.
Post in local community groups and ask local radio or community newspapers if they cover new businesses.
Partner with a nearby business that serves the same customers.

After you open

Ask your first customers for Google reviews while the experience is fresh, and thank everyone who came. Those first reviews help strangers trust you.

Do it today

Set up your Google Business Profile and WhatsApp Business.
Take three photos or a short video of the build-up and post it.
Decide on one opening special.
List ten people and businesses to invite personally.

Want help with your launch? J29 builds the online presence and launch plan for new businesses.

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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.