How to Get Your First 100 Customers When You Have Zero Marketing Budget

Starting a business in Newark? You're not alone in wondering how to find customers without breaking the bank. Here's your practical guide to getting those crucial first 100 customers, from one local business owner to another.

We see it all the time. A passionate entrepreneur opens their doors for the first time or starts their service business from home, but then reality hits: "How do I actually get customers?"

Maybe you're the new retail therapy fav in downtown Newark, the home-based bookkeeping service in Heath, or the handmade jewelry business in Granville. Regardless of what you do, that first customer feels impossible when your marketing budget is essentially zero.

Here's the truth: 47% of small businesses fail because they can't acquire customers profitably. But here in Licking County, we've watched dozens of businesses build loyal customer bases without spending a fortune on advertising.

This isn't about quick tricks or "growth hacks", it's about building real relationships in our community the Ohio way: through genuine value, consistency, and a little bit of hustle.

Forget expensive ads, this local SEO strategy gets real customers in the door.

Whether you’re a brand-new bakery in Newark or a third-generation contractor in Granville, this $0 framework has helped Central Ohio businesses get found, get clicks, and get booked.

The $0 Customer Acquisition Framework That Works in Central Ohio

Phase 1: Foundation (Weeks 1-2)

Goal: Make sure people can find you when they're looking

What to do:

1. Claim your Google Business Profile (formerly Google My Business)

   • This is non-negotiable for any business serving our area

   • When someone searches "accountant Newark Ohio" or "plumber near me" in Heath, you want to show up

   • Include photos of your work, your storefront, or even just yourself if you're service-based

2. Get your website basics right

   • You don't need fancy—you need findable

   • Include your location prominently (Newark, Heath, Granville, wherever you serve)

   • List your services clearly

   • Make sure your phone number and address are visible

3. Set up basic social media

   • Facebook Business Page minimum (most of our community is still very active here)

   • Instagram if your business is visual

   • Don't try to be everywhere—pick one or two and do them well

Phase 2: Community Connection (Weeks 3-6)

Goal: Become known in your neighborhood

The strategies that work best in our area:

1. Join Local Business Networks

• Licking County Chamber of Commerce

• Downtown Newark Association

• Granville Chamber of Commerce

• Industry-specific groups (like Central Ohio Contractors Association)

2. Partner with Complementary Businesses

• The wedding photographer partners with the florist and wedding venue

• The accountant teams up with the business attorney and insurance agent

• The fitness trainer works with the nutritionist and massage therapist

3. Become the "Go-To" Expert

• Answer questions in local Facebook groups (Newark Ohio Community, Newark. Heath & Licking County’s IN THE KNOW, Granville in the Know)

• Offer to speak at local service clubs (Kiwanis, Rotary, Chamber meetings)

• Write helpful posts about your expertise

Phase 3: Word-of-Mouth Engine (Weeks 7-12)

Goal: Turn your first customers into your best marketers

Here's what actually moves the needle:

1. The "Wow" First Experience Every business in Newark is competing for the same customers. The difference? How you make people feel.

• Follow up within 24 hours

• Over-deliver on your first project

• Send a handwritten thank you note (yes, people still love these)

• Ask for feedback and actually use it

2. Make Referrals Easy and Rewarding

• Give your best customers referral cards to hand out

• Offer a genuine incentive ("Refer someone and you both save $50")

• Thank people publicly (with their permission) when they refer

3. Stay Top-of-Mind

• Send a monthly email newsletter (even if it's just to 20 people)

• Post consistently on social media (2-3 times per week)

• Show up at community events (Final Friday, farmers markets, local festivals)

Marketing doesn’t have to be expensive, it just has to be intentional.

These proven local tactics build trust, visibility, and momentum without touching your ad budget.

7 Free Marketing Channels That Actually Work in Central Ohio

1. Local SEO (The Long-Term Winner)

Why it works here: When someone in Newark searches "dentist near me" or "auto repair Heath Ohio," you want to be found.

Quick wins:

• Get reviews on Google (aim for 1-2 per month consistently)

• Post updates and photos to your Google Business Profile weekly

• Make sure your website mentions the specific communities you serve

Local insight: Include neighborhood names in your content. Don't just say "serving Newark"—say "serving downtown Newark, Cherry Valley, Jacksontown, and surrounding Licking County communities."

2. Facebook and Local Social Media

Why it still works: Our community is active on Facebook, and local Facebook groups are goldmines for connections.

What to do:

• Join every relevant local group (but follow the rules!)

• Share helpful tips, not sales pitches

• Engage with other local businesses' content

• Post behind-the-scenes content that shows your personality

Groups to join:

• Newark Ohio Community

• Heath Happenings

• Granville Community

• Licking County Business Network

• Industry-specific local groups

3. Email Marketing (The Relationship Builder)

Start simple: Even a monthly email to 20 people is better than nothing.

Ideas that work:

• "Monthly Tips from [Your Business Name]"

• Local business spotlights and partnerships

• Seasonal advice related to your industry

• Behind-the-scenes stories from your business

4. Strategic Partnerships and Cross-Promotion

Think like a local ecosystem: Your success can help other businesses succeed, too.

Partnership ideas:

• Restaurants and retail: Cross-promote with gift certificate exchanges

• Service businesses: Create referral partnerships with complementary services

• Professional services: Team up for educational seminars or workshops

5. Community Events and Sponsorships

Small investments, big visibility:

• Sponsor a Little League team

• Set up a booth at Strawberry Festival or other local events

• Host a customer appreciation event at your location

• Participate in the Chocolate Walk in downtown Newark

6. Content Marketing (Teaching Your Way to Trust)

Share your expertise: Create content that helps people solve problems.

Ideas:

• Blog posts about common questions in your industry

• Simple how-to videos (even shot on your phone)

• Social media posts that educate rather than sell

7. Personal Networking and Relationship Building

Never underestimate: The power of genuine relationships in our community.

Make it systematic:

• Set a goal to meet 2 new people each week

• Follow up with everyone within 48 hours

• Look for ways to help others first

• Keep a simple spreadsheet of contacts and connection dates

A strategy you’ll actually stick to

Here’s how to turn ideas into actions, one week at a time

Your Week-by-Week Implementation Schedule

Weeks 1-2: Foundation

• Claim and optimize Google Business Profile

• Set up basic social media accounts

• Join 3-5 local Facebook groups

• Create simple website or improve existing one

• Set up basic email system (even if it's just Gmail folders)

Weeks 3-4: Network Building

• Attend first Chamber event or local networking meeting

• Introduce yourself in local Facebook groups (follow posting rules)

• Identify 5 potential partner businesses

• Start following and engaging with other local businesses online

Weeks 5-6: Content Creation

• Write first helpful blog post or create video

• Set up Google Business Profile posting schedule

• Plan first email newsletter

• Create referral cards or simple system

Weeks 7-8: Community Engagement

• Attend local event or volunteer opportunity

• Reach out to identified potential partners

• Ask first satisfied customers for reviews

• Start posting consistently on chosen social media platform

Weeks 9-12: Optimization and Growth

• Analyze what's working best

• Double down on most effective strategies

• Implement referral program

• Plan for consistent monthly marketing activities

Seeing results starts with knowing what to look for.

These free tools show you what’s working, what’s not, and where to focus next

Free Tools to Track Your Success

You need to know what's working. Here are simple ways to measure progress without expensive software:

Customer Tracking:

• Simple Google Sheets with customer names, how they found you, and value

• Note which referral sources are bringing the best customers

Online Presence:

• Google My Business insights (free with your account)

• Facebook Page insights (free with business page)

• Google Analytics for your website (free)

Key Metrics to Watch:

• New customers per week

• Where customers are finding you

• Which referral sources work best

• Customer lifetime value by source

What to Expect: Realistic Timeline for Newark-Area Businesses

Month 1: 5-10 customers (mostly friends, family, and immediate network)

Month 2: 10-20 customers (networking and referrals start kicking in)

Month 3: 15-30 customers (online presence starts working, word-of-mouth grows)

Months 4-6: Steady growth of 10-15 new customers per month

Months 7-12: 20-30+ new customers per month as systems compound

Remember: These numbers vary by industry, but this pattern holds true for most service businesses in our area.

Common Mistakes That Cost Newark Businesses Customers

1. Being impatient: Building relationships takes time in our community

2. Trying to serve everyone: Focus on your ideal customer

3. Inconsistency: Sporadic effort gets sporadic results

4. Forgetting to ask: Don't assume satisfied customers will refer automatically

5. Neglecting Google: Local search is crucial in our area

Getting Help When You Need It

Look, we get it. You started your business because you're good at what you do, not because you wanted to become a marketing expert overnight.

If you're feeling overwhelmed or want to accelerate your results, that's exactly why we're here in the Newark Arcade. We've helped local businesses implement these strategies and avoid the common pitfalls.

Whether you need a quick strategy session, help setting up your systems, or ongoing support as you grow, we're your neighborhood marketing resource.

Ready to get started?

The best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago. The second best time is today. Your first 100 customers are out there in Newark, Heath, Granville, and throughout Licking County—they just need to know you exist and that you can help them.

Pick one strategy from this guide and start today. Your future self (and your business bank account) will thank you.

Marketing & Main is located in the historic Newark Arcade, serving small businesses throughout Licking County and Central Ohio. Need help implementing these strategies? Drop by and see us anytime, or contact us for a consultation.