How to get your first customers

Win a street, not a customer

A round makes money when customers are close together. So aim for streets, not individuals. Every new customer on a street you already visit costs you almost nothing in travel, and neighbours see you working. Pick one area and fill it before you move to the next.

What works

• Leaflets: cheap and local. Put them through doors on the streets you want, and put the same street on the leaflet
• Telling the neighbours: after you win a customer, tell the houses either side you'll be there on Thursday
• Local Facebook and Nextdoor groups: answer questions helpfully, and share a before-and-after photo of your work
• A sign on the van and a card through the door when you finish
• Google Business Profile: free, and where many local searches begin. Ask every happy customer for a review
• Referrals: a month off for a recommendation is cheaper than any advert
• Other trades: gardeners, cleaners and handymen are asked for recommendations all the time

What to say on a leaflet

Keep it short: who you are, what you do, what it costs and how to reach you.

Knocking on doors: know the rules

Door-to-door work is allowed, but respect 'no cold callers' signs and stop if someone isn't interested. If a customer agrees a job on their doorstep, consumer law can give them a 14-day right to cancel, and you have to tell them about it in writing. Trading Standards has guidance on doorstep selling, so read it before you start.

Texts and emails need permission

You can send a customer a text about a visit you're doing for them. You can't send marketing texts or emails to people who haven't agreed to receive them. The ICO has simple guidance on this for small businesses.

Turn a happy customer into the next one

1. 1Finish the job well and leave a card.
2. 2Ask for a review while you're still there, with a link they can tap.
3. 3Ask if a neighbour or friend might want the same.
4. 4Thank them, and keep your promise to visit on the day you said.