10 Powerful (and Free!) Ways to Win New Customers

Not having a marketing budget doesn’t mean you can’t get customers. With a bit of effort and creativity, you can grow your customer base without spending a dime. Let’s dive into 10 no-cost strategies to attract customers.

1. Leverage Referrals

Your current customers are your best marketing tool. After finishing a job, ask them:

“Do you know anyone else who might need our services?”

“If you enjoyed working with us, would you share our contact with a friend or family member?”

Sweeten the deal by offering something like a free add-on service or a discount for every referral they send your way.

2. Post on Local Community Pages

Local Facebook groups, Nextdoor, and online forums are goldmines for small businesses. Join groups for your area, stay active, and look for people seeking recommendations.

Avoid spamming; instead, share value.

Post tips, before-and-after photos of your work, or stories about how you’ve helped others.

3. Use Your Personal Network

Your friends, family, and acquaintances already trust you. Let them know about your business and ask for their support.

Example: “Hey [Friend’s Name], I just started offering [service]. If you know anyone who could use help, I’d appreciate the referral!”

4. Partner With Other Local Businesses

Collaborate with businesses that serve the same customers but don’t compete with you. For example:

If you’re in lawn care, partner with realtors or home cleaning services.

Offer to refer them to your clients in exchange for them doing the same. You both win without spending a dollar.

5. Door-to-Door Hustle

Yes, it takes courage, but it’s incredibly effective.

Target neighborhoods that match your ideal clientele.

Introduce yourself, explain your services, and hand out business cards or flyers.

Pro Tip: Offer a special “neighbor discount” to make them feel special.

6. Optimize Your Google Business Profile

Your Google Business profile is like a free storefront online. Make sure it shines by:

Adding updated contact info, hours, and services.

Uploading high-quality photos of your work.

Encouraging customers to leave glowing reviews (see point 8 below).

7. Follow Up With Past Clients

Your existing customers already trust you, so reach out and remind them you’re available.

Text or email past clients with a friendly message:

“Hi [Name], it’s been a while since we last worked together! If you need any help with [service], let me know—I’d love to help again!”

This keeps you top of mind and often sparks repeat business.

8. Build Online Reviews

Online reviews are social proof that attract new customers.

Ask happy customers to leave a review on Google, Yelp, or Facebook.

Make it simple: Send them a direct link to your review page.

Pro Tip: Start with a goal of getting 30 reviews—it’s a magic number for improving your search ranking​.

9. Offer Free Work in Exchange for Exposure

Volunteering for a charity or helping out a well-connected individual can boost your reputation.

Example: Mow the lawn for a local nonprofit or clean a high-traffic public space.

In return, ask them to share your business with their network or post about your work on social media.

10. Create Social Media Content

Social media is free advertising if you use it well.

Share before-and-after photos, quick how-to videos, or testimonials from happy customers.

Engage with your audience by replying to comments and messages.

Pro Tip: Post consistently—even once a week keeps you on people’s minds.

There are likely 20 other ways to advertise your services without spending a dime! How do you learn these? Meet up with other home service business owners. Need a place to start? Come to Blue Collar Summit January 16-18, 2025. Hear from Jon Taffer from Bar Rescue and other 7 and 8 figure home service business owners. Get your tickets today!