How to start looking for your first customers

Make the offer easy to understand

Write who the offer is for, the problem it addresses, what is included and what it costs. Avoid promising an outcome you cannot substantiate. A customer should be able to understand the next step without decoding a long list of services.

For a hypothetical home-organisation service, a clear offer might describe the room, length of visit and tasks included. That example is an illustration of scope, not a claim that the service will sell.

Choose a relevant route to a conversation

Think about where your intended customers already look for this kind of help. That might be a local introduction, an existing professional network or a community where relevant business posts are permitted. Respect the rules and the person’s preferences.

Ask about the problem before making every conversation a pitch. Official GOV.UK guidance on product development emphasises testing with customers. Use what people actually tell you to refine the offer.

• List a small group of relevant people or organisations.
• Explain the offer plainly and ask whether the problem is relevant.
• Offer a clear next step if there is interest.
• Agree permission and timing for any follow-up.

Record signals that help you decide

Separate a compliment, a request for information, an agreed meeting and a purchase. These are different stages. Note why someone declined as well as why someone continued.

Before taking payment or delivering work, confirm terms and check the business, tax, insurance and sector requirements that apply. Do not buy a large amount of stock just because a few people said the idea sounded good.

Common questions