How to Get Your First 10 Customers as a New Contractor

You don't need ads. You don't need a website (yet). Here are 10 steps to your first 10 customers.

Step 1: Tell Everyone You Know

Text 50 people today. Not a mass blast — individual messages.

"Hey [name], I started a [trade] business. If you or anyone you know needs [service], I'd appreciate the referral. I'm offering 10% off for my first 10 customers."

That's it. No pitch deck. No business card. A text message.

Expected result: 2-3 jobs from people you already know.

Step 2: Set Up Google Business Profile (Free)

This is the single most important thing you'll do. When someone searches "pressure washer near me," Google shows the map results first. Your Google Business Profile is how you show up.

1. Go to business.google.com
2. Enter your business name and trade
3. Set your service area (25-50 mile radius)
4. Add your phone number and hours
5. Upload 5+ photos of your work (even from practice jobs)
6. Ask your first 3 customers for Google reviews

Expected result: 1-2 calls per week within 30 days of setup.

Step 3: Join 5 Facebook Groups

Search Facebook for "[your trade] [your city]" and "[your trade] tips." Join the 5 biggest groups.

Don't post "hire me" on day one. That gets you banned. Instead:

• Answer questions
• Share tips
• Help people
• After 2-3 weeks, mention that you do this work professionally

Expected result: 1-2 referrals per month once you're established.

Step 4: Post on Nextdoor

Nextdoor has 69 million users and 74% of them recommend local businesses. Create a business page and post in the "Recommendations" section.

"Just started [trade] in the [neighborhood] area. Running a special for first-time customers — 10% off any job. [Phone number]"

Expected result: 1-3 leads within the first week.

Step 5: Door Hangers in Your Neighborhood

After you finish a job, put door hangers on the 20 nearest houses. Simple message:

"We just [service] at your neighbor's house. Here's 10% off if you'd like the same. [Phone] [QR code to booking page]"

Cost: $30 for 100 door hangers at Vistaprint.

Expected result: 1-2 callbacks per 100 hangers.

Step 6: Set Up Online Booking

Make it stupid easy for people to book you. thecontractor.app gives you a free online booking page at signup — customers enter their info, pick a service, and you get notified.

Share this link everywhere: your text messages, Facebook, Nextdoor, door hangers, business cards.

Expected result: 30-50% of your leads will book online if you give them the option.

Step 7: Ask for Reviews After Every Job

After every single job, ask: "Would you mind leaving me a Google review? It really helps a new business."

Most people will say yes if you ask in person, right after doing good work. Send them the direct link to your Google review page.

Goal: 5 reviews in your first month. This is enough to show up in local search and look legitimate.

Step 8: Partner with Complementary Businesses

Pressure washer? Partner with a painter. Landscaper? Partner with a fence installer. Plumber? Partner with a general contractor.

"Hey, I do [trade]. If any of your customers need [service], I'll send them your way too."

Mutual referrals cost nothing and convert at 50%+ because they come with a trusted recommendation.

Expected result: 1-2 referrals per month per partner.

Step 9: Yard Signs on Active Jobs

Put a yard sign with your name and number at every job site. $5 per sign. Leave it for a week (with the customer's permission).

Neighbors see good work being done and call the number on the sign.

Expected result: 1 call per 3-5 signs placed.

Step 10: Follow Up on Every Quote

50% of contractors never follow up on quotes they send. Be the other 50%.

If someone asks for a quote and doesn't respond in 48 hours, follow up: "Hi [name], just checking if you had any questions about the quote I sent. Happy to adjust anything."

Expected result: 15-25% of "dead" quotes come back to life with a follow-up.

The Timeline

Tools That Help

thecontractor.app gives you free online booking, professional quoting (AI writes your quotes), invoicing with online payments, and a public profile with reviews. The free plan includes everything you need to land your first 10 customers. Upgrade to Pro ($12.99/mo) when you're ready to scale.