Every business owner I’ve ever talked to — myself included — goes through this same phase where getting clients feels like this giant mystery puzzle. Like there’s some secret door everyone else has figured out how to unlock. But the longer you’re in business, the more you realize it’s actually a mix of simple things people overlook, plus a little courage to put yourself out there.
So let’s talk about real ways to get clients. Not theory. Not marketing jargon. Just practical stuff that works for both online and offline businesses.
1. Start With the People You Already Know
Honestly, this one is so underrated. Most people think they need strangers from the internet to become their clients, when the truth is, your first few customers usually come from your circle — friends, old coworkers, family members, or even that one guy you barely talked to in school. I used to feel weird about telling people what I do, but once I got over that fear, things changed fast. When people already trust you, they’re way more likely to hire you or recommend you to someone who needs exactly what you offer.
And no, you don’t need to pitch like a salesperson. Just say, “Hey, I’m working on this now. If you know anyone who needs help with it, let me know.” That little sentence brings in more leads than most ads.
2. Post Helpful Content Consistently
This works for online and offline businesses because everyone’s scrolling through something — Facebook, TikTok, Instagram, or even LinkedIn. The trick isn’t to be perfect. It’s to show up. Share tips, behind-the-scenes stuff, tiny stories, client results, anything that proves you actually know what you’re doing.
When people see your face or your work often enough, something clicks: “Oh yeah, this person does that.” And when they finally need that service, guess who they think about? Yep — you. You don’t need 10,000 followers. You just need to become familiar.
3. Offer a Simple, No-Pressure Freebie
Free works — but only when it’s something small, simple, and valuable. For example: a free consultation call, a quick audit, a sample, or a short demo. I used to give away a tiny free audit for business owners, just pointing out a few improvements they could make. Half of them ended up hiring me because once they saw I actually knew what I was doing, it built trust.
But here’s the key: don’t overdeliver to the point where you drain yourself. Keep it short, helpful, and honest. People love getting a taste of your work before committing.
4. Go Where Your Clients Already Hang Out
This one is huge. If you’re trying to get clients but you’re hanging out in the wrong places, it feels impossible. If your clients are moms, go where moms are — Facebook groups, parenting events, local community pages. If your clients are businesses, hang out in LinkedIn groups, networking meetups, or local business associations.
I always tell people this: stop trying to pull clients from random places. Meet them where they already are. When you show up in the right room — online or offline — people notice.
5. Ask for Referrals (Seriously, Just Ask)
It still surprises me how many business owners never ask for referrals. You don’t need to be pushy. Just send a simple message to past clients or friends: “If you know anyone who needs [what you offer], I’d love an intro.” People actually love helping others, especially when they’ve seen your work.
Here’s what’s wild: one referral can turn into five more. Referrals grow like roots underground. You don’t always see what’s happening, but the results show up in the form of new clients.
6. Create a Simple Website or Landing Page
You don’t need the fanciest website in the world, but you do need a place where people can quickly understand what you offer. A clean landing page with your services, examples, testimonials, and a way to contact you is enough. I’ve seen people overthink this so much that they never launch anything.
The truth is, clients just want clarity. If they land on your page and instantly get what you do, they’re more likely to work with you. Make it simple, make it honest, and make it easy to reach you.
7. Use Local SEO or Google My Business (for Offline + Service Businesses)
If you have a physical store, a home-based service, or anything that serves your local area, Google My Business is basically free money. When someone types “best salon near me” or “plumber Kathmandu,” the businesses that show up get most of the calls.
I’ve helped small shops fix their profiles — better photos, real reviews, updated hours — and they suddenly started getting customers without doing any extra marketing. People trust what shows up on Google maps because it feels legit.
8. Collaborate With Complementary Businesses
This is one of my favorites. Let’s say you’re a graphic designer. Partner with a printing shop. If you’re a fitness coach, collaborate with a meal prep business. If you own a bakery, team up with a café that doesn’t sell pastries. When two businesses serve the same types of people, they can help each other grow.
You don’t need a formal contract either. Just build genuine relationships. I once partnered with someone casually, and it brought me more clients in three months than all my ads combined.
9. Share Client Results and Stories
People love stories way more than they love facts. Instead of posting, “I offer social media services,” try sharing a story about how you helped a client grow their page or fix their account. Instead of saying, “I’m a photographer,” show before-and-after shots or behind-the-scenes moments.
When people see real stories, they imagine themselves in that situation. Stories make your work feel human, relatable, and trustworthy. And trust leads to clients.
10. Be Active in Community Events or Local Spotlights
If you run an offline business, this one is gold. Attend community events, join small fairs, set up a table at local markets, or even volunteer your service once. When your community sees you showing up with good energy, they remember you. Offline business growth is all about being seen and being known.
And even for online business owners — local events still bring opportunities. I’ve met clients at random workshops simply because we started chatting about what we do. Never underestimate the power of showing up in real life.
11. Use Simple Paid Ads (When You’re Ready)
You don’t need a huge budget. You just need a clear offer and a small ad running to test the waters. Whether it’s Facebook, Instagram, Google, or TikTok, paid ads work when your message is simple and targeted. I’ve seen people spend $5 a day and still bring in clients.
But here’s something I learned the hard way: don’t run ads if you don’t know who your ideal customer is. Ads amplify what you already understand. Once you know your audience, ads become one of the fastest ways to get clients.
12. Give People a Reason to Come Back (Retention Matters)
Getting new clients is cool. Keeping them is even better. Sometimes the easiest way to grow your business is to treat the clients you already have like gold. Follow up. Check in. Offer something extra. Remember their preferences.
People love feeling valued. When someone feels taken care of, they naturally come back — and bring friends with them. Loyalty beats any marketing strategy.
Final Thoughts
If there’s one thing I’ve learned while trying to get clients for my own work, it’s this: don’t wait for the “perfect” strategy. Don’t wait until you feel fully ready. Most people get clients because they consistently put themselves in places where people can see, trust, and understand what they do.
Start with the simple stuff. Start with the people you know. Show up online in a way that feels real. Build relationships. Make it easy for people to choose you.
And trust me — once that momentum kicks in, everything gets easier.
