Starting a business is exciting, but it can also feel overwhelming too.
You’ve registered your ABN, maybe got your product or service ready to go, but now the big question is:
“How do I actually get customers?”
This is something I hear all the time from different business owners in Australia. And honestly, it’s one of the biggest hurdles in the early stages. You might have the skills, the passion, even the website. But if no one sees it, it’s like opening a shop with the lights off.
So here are a few things I’ve learned from working with different businesses, especially those just getting started.
Start with Visibility — Not Fancy Ads
Before you think about running Facebook or Google Ads, you need to make sure your business is findable.
Ask yourself:
- If someone types what I offer into Google, would they find me?
- Do I show up on local directories (like Facebook or Google Maps)?
- Is my business info consistent and clear across platforms?
You don’t need a complicated website to start. Even a simple one-page site with your services, contact details and some photos can do the job — as long as people can find it!
Trust Comes First
Most new customers will make a decision in seconds.
So your online presence needs to show you’re legit.
What helps:
- A clean logo and branding (doesn’t need to be fancy, just consistent)
- A few customer reviews or testimonials
- Real photos of your work, team, or business details (stock photos rarely build trust)
This is especially important if you’re in a local service business — plumbing, beauty, cleaning, design, or other services — people want to know who they’re hiring.
Make It Easy to Reach You
This part’s simple but often missed.
If someone wants to book, ask a question, or get a quote—can they do it easily?
Put your contact button, form, or phone number where it’s easy to see. Don’t make people dig. The right format can save your resources and time for lots of things such as booking or enquiry.
Even something like “Call now for a free quote” or “Message us on WhatsApp” works wonders.
Don’t Fall Into the ‘Post and Hope’ Trap
I see this a lot:
New businesses post a few times on Instagram, run a $50 ad, and then wonder why nothing happens.
The truth is, random posts or boosted ads without a plan rarely lead to real results. What you need is a simple system that:
- Gets your business in front of the right people
- Builds trust when they see you
- Makes it easy for them to take action
- Stop wasting money to let the smart ads to waste your budget on in-efficient ads! The AI is not that smart yet.
What Should You Actually Do First?
It depends on your business type, who you’re trying to reach, and how much time or budget you have.
Some businesses need local SEO. Others should focus on getting listed in directories. Some might do well with Facebook lead ads or Google search. The key is figuring out what fits you, not copying someone else’s strategy.
If you’re not sure where to start, I’m happy to take a look and point you in the right direction. No pressure, no pushy sales talk. Just real advice that makes sense for your business.