Starting a business is exciting, but getting your first 100 customers? That’s where most entrepreneurs struggle. Whether you’re running an online store, offering services, or launching a side hustle, finding people willing to trust and buy from you can feel overwhelming.
But don’t worry—you don’t need a massive budget or years of experience. With the right strategies, you can attract, convert, and retain your first 100 customers faster than you think.
This guide will show you practical, ethical, and non-spammy methods to help you land your first customers and start growing your business.
Why the First 100 Customers Matter
Getting your first 100 customers is a milestone because:
- ✅ Validation – If people are paying for your product/service, you know there’s demand.
- ✅ Momentum – The first 100 customers help build word-of-mouth marketing.
- ✅ Trust & Social Proof – Reviews and testimonials help convert future buyers.
- ✅ Business Learning Curve – You refine your sales, marketing, and customer experience.
With that in mind, let’s jump into actionable ways to get those first 100 customers.
1. Identify & Understand Your Ideal Customer
Before spending time or money on marketing, ask yourself:
- 🔹 Who needs my product or service the most?
- 🔹 What pain points or problems am I solving for them?
- 🔹 Where do they spend time online (Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, LinkedIn)?
👉 Example: If you’re selling handmade jewelry, your audience may be young women who follow fashion trends on Instagram and TikTok.
✅ Pro Tip: Use Google Trends or search forums like Quora, Facebook Groups, and Reddit to see what people are asking about products like yours.
Here’s How to Use Google Trends to Find Trending Topics
Google Trends helps you to validate business ideas, track seasonal trends, and find content opportunities.
How to use it:
- ✅ Search a keyword (e.g., “side hustle Malaysia”)
- ✅ Filter by location & time range (e.g., past 12 months in Malaysia)
- ✅ Analyze trend graphs – Is demand rising or falling?
- ✅ Compare keywords – Which term has higher search interest?
- ✅ Check related queries – Find trending questions & topics
2. Ask Around & Spread the Word
Your first customers are often people you already know—family, friends, colleagues, and acquaintances.
How to do it right (without being annoying):
- ✅ Post about your business on WhatsApp Status, Facebook, and Instagram Stories.
- ✅ Offer a “friends & family” discount to encourage first purchases.
- ✅ Politely ask for referrals—happy customers can bring in more buyers.
👉 Example: A home baker can offer a 10% discount to the first 10 orders made through a referral.
✅ Pro Tip: Even if your friends don’t buy, ask them to share your business post—this increases your reach.
3. Build an Online Presence (Even Without a Website)
Not having a website yet? No problem! You can still attract customers with:
- 📌 Instagram & Facebook Business Page – Showcase your products/services.
- 📌 WhatsApp Business – Easy communication with potential customers.
- 📌 Google My Business – If you’re a local business, this boosts visibility.
- 📌 Shopee/Lazada/Etsy – Great for product-based businesses.
👉 Example: A home-based candle seller can post behind-the-scenes candle-making videos on Instagram Reels to build engagement.
✅ Pro Tip: Make sure your social media bio includes:
✔️ What you sell
✔️ Why it’s special
✔️ How to order (DM, WhatsApp, Shopee link)
4. Offer an Irresistible First-Purchase Deal
Customers hesitate to buy from new brands. Make their first purchase easier by:
- ✅ Offering a limited-time discount for first-time buyers.
- ✅ Creating bundles or Buy 1, Get 1 Free offers.
- ✅ Providing a money-back guarantee (this builds trust).
👉 Example: A personal trainer could offer a free 15-minute consultation for first-time clients. Use time-sensitive offers create urgency (e.g., “Offer valid for 7 days only!”).
Boost Sales with These 5 Urgent Time-Sensitive Offers!
- 1️⃣ Flash Sale! Get 20% Off – Only for the Next 48 Hours!
- 2️⃣ Limited Stock Alert! First 50 Customers Only!
- 3️⃣ Buy Now & Get a Free Gift – Ends at Midnight!
- 4️⃣ Weekend Special! Exclusive Discount Ends Sunday Night!
- 5️⃣ Last Chance! Prices Go Back Up in 24 Hours!
5. Use Social Media & Content Marketing
You don’t need thousands of followers to get customers—you just need the right content.
🎯 Best Content Strategies:
- 📌 Instagram & TikTok: Short videos showcasing your product/service in action.
- 📌 Facebook Groups: Join relevant groups and provide value before promoting.
- 📌 Twitter/LinkedIn: Share insights, success stories, and industry tips.
📌 Content Ideas:
- ✔️ Behind-the-scenes of your business.
- ✔️ Customer testimonials or first-order celebrations.
- ✔️ Quick tips related to your niche.
👉 Example: A home chef selling meal preps can post recipe videos + testimonials to attract buyers. Use trending hashtags and local keywords to boost reach.
6. Partner with Micro-Influencers
Micro-influencers (1K–10K followers) engage better than big celebrities.
- 🔹 Find influencers aligned with your brand.
- 🔹 Offer free products in exchange for a review.
- 🔹 Run giveaways to boost visibility.
👉 Example: A skincare brand could send free samples to a beauty influencer for a review.
✅ Pro Tip: Use Instagram DMs to reach out politely—avoid generic messages!
Slide Into DMs the Right Way: How to Reach Out to Micro-Influencers
1️⃣ For a Handmade Jewelry Business
💌 Hey [Influencer’s Name], I love your fashion content, especially how you style accessories so effortlessly! I run a small handmade jewelry brand, and I think our pieces would align perfectly with your aesthetic. Would you be open to a collaboration? I’d love to send you a piece to try! ✨
2️⃣ For a Home-Based Bakery
💌 Hi [Influencer’s Name], I came across your food reviews, and your content is amazing! I run a small bakery specializing in homemade pastries, and I’d love to send you a sample box to try. Let me know if you’re interested—I’d be thrilled to hear your thoughts! 🍪💛
3️⃣ For a Skincare Brand
💌 Hey [Influencer’s Name], I noticed you love sharing skincare tips, and your audience trusts your recommendations! I run a local skincare brand focusing on natural ingredients, and I’d love to send you a PR package to experience our products firsthand. Let me know if you’re interested! 😊
4️⃣ For a Fitness Apparel Brand
💌 Hi [Influencer’s Name], I love your fitness content and how you inspire your community! I own a small fitness apparel brand, and I’d love to send you a set to try out for your workouts. Let me know if you’d be keen to collaborate! 💪🔥
5️⃣ For a Local Café or Food Business
💌 Hey [Influencer’s Name], I see you’re always on the hunt for great food spots! We’re a local café specializing in artisanal coffee and pastries, and we’d love to invite you for a tasting session. Let us know if you’d be interested—we’d love to have you! ☕🍰
Pro Tips for Higher Response Rates
- ✔ Use their name & reference their content to show it’s not a copy-paste message.
- ✔ Offer value upfront (free product, exclusive experience, etc.).
- ✔ Keep it short & friendly—avoid long paragraphs.
- ✔ Follow up after a few days if they don’t reply!
7. Try Low-cost Ads to Grow Your Brand Fast
If organic marketing is slow, spend RM50–RM100 on:
- 📌 Facebook & Instagram Ads – Best for e-commerce & local businesses.
- 📌 Google Ads – Best for services & high-intent buyers.
✅ Pro Tip: Start with retargeting ads—show ads to people who visited your page but didn’t buy.
8. Your Customers = Your Best Salespeople!
People trust real reviews more than ads.
- ✅ Screenshot positive WhatsApp/DM messages and post them.
- ✅ Offer small incentives for honest reviews (e.g., RM5 discount on next order).
- ✅ Post before-and-after results (for services like fitness, beauty, etc.).
👉 Example: A fitness coach can share before & after client photos (with permission). Feature video testimonials—they feel more genuine.
9. Take Your Business Offline – Join Local Events & Markets!
If your business allows, go offline too:
- 📌 Join local pop-up markets & networking events.
- 📌 Print business cards or flyers.
- 📌 Partner with other businesses for cross-promotions.
👉 Example: A local coffee seller can set up a small stall at weekend markets for exposure.
✅ Pro Tip: Offer small free samples—people are more likely to buy after trying.
10. Create a Referral Program
Happy customers can bring even more customers!
- ✅ Offer discounts for referrals.
- ✅ Give loyalty rewards (freebies, points).
- ✅ Use a simple Google Form or WhatsApp tracking system.
👉 Example: A freelance designer could offer a free logo touch-up for every successful referral.
✅ Pro Tip: Word-of-mouth marketing is the cheapest & most effective way to grow!
Keep the Momentum Going!
Getting your first 100 customers isn’t about luck—it’s about strategy, persistence, and continuous learning.
- 📌 Don’t stop marketing after your first sales!
- 📌 Keep building relationships with customers.
- 📌 Adapt and refine your approach as you grow.
Ready to Grow Your Business? Let Ninja Biz Handle Your Deliveries!
Getting your first 100 customers is just the beginning—now, it’s time to deliver (literally!). Whether you’re running a home-based business, an online store, or a growing side hustle, reliable shipping is key to keeping customers happy and coming back.
That’s where Ninja Biz makes things easier:
- ✅ Enjoy monthly parcel promotions with lower rates.
- ✅ Ship from home/location with pickup service—even for just 1 parcel via the Ninja Biz app.
- ✅ If you’re shipping 150+ parcels per month, you get a dedicated account manager.
No more long queues, expensive shipping, or delivery headaches.
