How to Get Customers When You’re Starting from Zero in 2025

Starting a business or building a solopreneur career in 2025 can feel overwhelming – especially when you’re starting from scratch. No followers. No mailing list, nor referrals. Just you, your skills, and your determination. But here’s the truth: getting customers from zero is possible. In fact, with the right strategy and mindset, you can build a solid client base faster than ever before.

Whether you’re a social media manager, digital marketer, virtual assistant, UGC creator, coach, or any other kind of service-based solopreneur, this article will give you practical steps to not only land your first customers but also keep them coming back.

Let’s dive into the essential steps and strategies to get customers from zero in 2025.

1. Define Your Ideal Customer Persona

Before you can get customers from zero, you need to know who you’re trying to reach. Too many solopreneurs make the mistake of marketing to everyone, which waters down their message.

Your ideal customer persona should include:

Demographics: Age, gender, location, income level.
Psychographics: Interests, values, pain points, aspirations.
Business/Personal Needs: What problem do they need solved? What outcome are they craving?

For example, if you’re a Pinterest marketer, your ideal persona might be a female entrepreneur in her 30s running an e-commerce store who struggles to drive traffic without ads. Knowing this helps you craft marketing messages that feel like a direct solution rather than just another pitch.

2. Go the Extra Mile in the Beginning (Yes, Even Free Work)

When you’re starting out, credibility is your currency. Offering free or heavily discounted work may not sound appealing, but it’s a fast way to:

Build your portfolio.
Collect testimonials.
Prove your value.
Establish trust.

This doesn’t mean working for free forever. Instead, offer a short-term trial, beta testing, or discounted packages. Think of it as an investment: you’re trading short-term income for long-term growth.

One approach is to do a “first 3 clients free” offer with the clear expectation of reviews and referrals in exchange. Another option is to run a beta program where clients know they’re helping you refine your system, so the lower rate is justified.

3. Stay Consistent and Organized

The solopreneurs who succeed aren’t necessarily the most talented—they’re the most consistent.

Show up daily: Whether it’s posting on LinkedIn, networking on Instagram, or engaging in Facebook groups, consistency makes you visible.
Track leads: Use tools like Trello, Notion, or a simple Google Sheet to stay on top of prospects.
Batch your tasks: Create content in bulk, set aside time for outreach, and avoid last-minute chaos.
Measure results: Pay attention to what’s working and what’s wasting time.

Clients want reliability. If they see you can manage your own work with structure, they’ll trust you to manage theirs.

4. Get Reviews and Aim for Referrals

Reviews are the golden ticket when you’re trying to get customers from zero. A few powerful testimonials can position you as credible and trustworthy.

Ask your early clients (even free ones) for detailed feedback. Display these reviews on your website, social platforms, and proposals. Treat them like a portal—each good review opens a doorway to new opportunities.

Then, take it further: ask for referrals. Happy clients usually know others who need your service. A simple message like: “Do you know anyone else who might benefit from this?” can bring you warm leads without extra effort.

Pro Tip: Offer a referral bonus—like a free service upgrade or small gift—for clients who connect you with new leads.

5. Leverage the Right Digital Tools

In 2025, digital tools can make or break your success as a solopreneur. Here are must-have categories:

Project management: ClickUp, Asana, Trello.
Scheduling: Calendly for seamless bookings.
Content creation: Canva, CapCut, or Adobe Express.
Analytics: Google Analytics, Pinterest Analytics, or native social platform dashboards.
CRM (Customer Relationship Management): HubSpot or even Airtable for smaller setups.

Don’t just collect tools—use them effectively. Automate tasks where you can, and let technology free you up for real client work.

6. Stay in Contact (Even Personally, If Necessary)

One of the most overlooked strategies when you want to get customers from zero is simply staying in touch. If a prospect shows interest but doesn’t buy, follow up. If a client finishes a project, check in a month later.

Even personal check-ins—like a quick congratulatory note on a milestone—show that you care beyond the transaction. People work with people they trust and feel connected to. This small step turns one-time clients into loyal advocates.

7. Focus on Customer Retention

Getting customers is only half the battle. Keeping them is where long-term business growth happens. Here’s how to build retention:

Deliver beyond expectations: Surprise them with faster delivery, extra insights, or bonus resources.
Create a system: Regular updates, clear communication, and structured reporting make you reliable.
Offer ongoing packages: Instead of one-off projects, sell retainer services (e.g., monthly management, ongoing content, continuous support).
Listen actively: Ask clients what’s working, what’s not, and adapt. They’ll appreciate being heard.

Remember: it’s far cheaper and easier to retain a happy client than to find a new one.

8. Solopreneur Playbooks by Profession

Here’s how different solopreneurs can apply these strategies:

Social Media Managers

Showcase analytics to prove ROI early.
Offer a free “audit” to attract first clients.
Create templates and content calendars to demonstrate organization.

Digital Marketers

Specialize in a niche like Pinterest ads or email funnels.
Share case studies—even if self-generated—to prove credibility.
Build authority through consistent blogging and LinkedIn posts.

Virtual Assistants

Offer a small free task to demonstrate skill.
Promote time-saving as your value proposition.
Stay extremely responsive—clients value reliability.

UGC Creators

Build a portfolio with mock projects or personal content.
Offer free samples to brands.
Use TikTok, Instagram, and Pinterest to showcase style.

Each path is different, but the foundation is the same: clarity, consistency, reviews, and smart follow-up.

9. A 30-Day Action Plan to Get Customers from Zero

First Week: Define customer persona, set up digital tools, prepare portfolio.

Second Week: Offer free/discounted services, collect testimonials, post value-driven content.

Third Week: Follow up with all leads, ask for referrals, pitch to 10–20 ideal prospects.

Fourth Week: Refine offers, upsell to retainer packages, create a consistent content schedule.

If you repeat this monthly, you’ll build momentum and land consistent clients.

10. Scripts That Actually Work

Cold Outreach Script:
Hi [Name], I noticed [specific detail about their business]. I help businesses like yours [specific solution]. Would you be open to a quick chat about how I can support your growth?
Review Request Script:
Hi [Name], thank you again for trusting me with [project]. If you’re happy with the results, could you share a short testimonial? It would mean the world and help me grow.
Referral Script:
Hi [Name], I loved working with you on [project]. If you know anyone else who could benefit from [service], I’d be grateful if you passed my name along.

3 Mistakes and Pitfalls to Avoid When You’re Starting from Zero

Trying to Serve Everyone – If you aim at everyone, you’ll miss the mark. Niching down doesn’t limit you—it amplifies your voice.
Underpricing Forever – Discounted or free work is a launchpad, not a long-term strategy. Don’t trap yourself in the “cheap freelancer” box.
Neglecting Follow-Up – Many new solopreneurs miss out simply because they don’t follow up. The fortune is truly in the follow-up.

Final Thoughts

Getting customers from zero in 2025 isn’t about luck—it’s about clarity, persistence, and strategy. Define your audience, show up consistently, build trust through reviews, and leverage smart tools. Most importantly, treat clients like humans, not transactions. When you care deeply, customers feel it—and they’ll come back.

And if you want guidance on how to thrive as a solopreneur? At Josei Creative Agency, we specialize in helping aspiring entrepreneurs become profitable solopreneurs. Through organic marketing—especially Pinterest marketing and advertising—we help you grow your client base, increase visibility, and keep customers coming back. Whether you need monthly Pinterest management or want to learn how to become a Pinterest marketer yourself, we’ve got the roadmap.

Starting from zero doesn’t mean staying at zero. The right steps today will bring you paying clients tomorrow.

Why Pinterest is the 2025 Powerhouse for Solopreneurs

While TikTok and Instagram dominate conversations, Pinterest remains one of the most underrated platforms to get customers from zero. Why? Because Pinterest users come with intent. They’re not just scrolling—they’re searching for solutions. That means your services or content can meet them at the decision-making stage.

Josei Creative Agency has mastered the organic and paid Pinterest game, helping solopreneurs stand out. With the right pin strategy, keywords, and ad targeting, you can create a funnel that consistently attracts leads—even while you sleep.

If you’re serious about building your business in 2025, Pinterest should be at the top of your list.

Next Steps

Identify your niche and persona today.
Start offering services—even free—to build testimonials.
Stay consistent with your outreach and content.
Focus on reviews, referrals, and retention.
Leverage Pinterest and organic marketing with Josei Creative Agency.

Your first customer is closer than you think. With focus and the right system, you’ll not only get customers from zero—you’ll never have to worry about being “stuck at zero” again.