Marketing for beginners: finding customers

In short: Good marketing means: the right people learn that your offer exists and quickly understand why it helps them. For small projects a few well-kept channels suffice.

1. Target group and promise

Who exactly should buy or use it? Which problem do you solve? One sentence must be enough: “I build simple websites for small clubs, in a week, at a fixed price.”

2. A place that shows you

A short website or clean profile with offer, examples (references), price range, contact and legal details (imprint, privacy, see Contracts and terms for small founders).

3. Being found: SEO

Search engine optimisation brings visitors without paying:

• Pages with a clear topic, fitting heading, description and readable text.
• Fast pages that work well on phones, clean structure, accessible (Building accessible websites).
• Helpful content (guides, answers to questions) that others link to.
• It takes months; patience is part of the plan.

4. Social media

Do not be everywhere: choose one or two platforms where your target group is and show useful posts regularly (work samples, small tips) instead of only advertising. Mind the platforms’ age limits.

5. Word of mouth and recommendations

Satisfied customers are the best channel. Ask for reviews or recommendations, offer referral benefits.

6. Measure

Ask every new customer how they found you. Simple numbers (visitors, enquiries, jobs) show what works. See privacy with measuring tools: only with consent where required (data processing agreements).

Rules

Advertising must be recognisable as advertising, no misleading claims (competition law), no email advertising without consent (double opt-in).

See also: Pricing