We asked industry experts to share one free or low-cost method they’ve used to find customers that yielded surprisingly good results. Here is how they maximized their impact to expand their customer base without breaking the bank. Learn how to leverage online platforms, local communities, and professional networks to attract new clients and grow your business.
- Leverage LinkedIn for Thought Leadership
- Optimize Google Business Profiles
- Engage in Local Facebook Groups
- Offer Expert Advice on Social Platforms
- Create High-Signal LinkedIn Content
- Share Tutorials on Niche Forums
- Deliver Impactful Talks at Local Meetups
- Answer Questions on Quora and Reddit
- Embrace Intentional Chaos on LinkedIn
- Collaborate with Micro-Influencers
- Tap Into Existing Professional Networks
- Test Markets with Targeted PPC Campaigns
- Contribute Expertise in Online Wedding Communities
- Stand Out as a LinkedIn Thought Leader
- Connect at Informal Local Events
15 Free (or Low-Cost) Ways to Find New Customers
Leverage LinkedIn for Thought Leadership
One free method that yielded surprisingly strong results in finding early customers was strategic LinkedIn engagement combined with niche community interaction. Instead of running paid ads or cold outreach at scale, we focused on positioning ourselves as thought leaders and contributors within tightly aligned startup and Web3 communities.
We began by identifying key groups on LinkedIn and Discord where our target audience—startup founders, early-stage investors, and Web3 builders—were actively discussing problems our solution could solve. Rather than promoting the product directly, we added value by commenting insightfully on posts, sharing relevant content, and offering advice or resources. Over time, this built credibility and sparked curiosity around what we were building.
To maximize impact, we:
- Created a content calendar with high-value posts (case studies, behind-the-scenes stories, micro lessons).
- Engaged daily with 10-15 high-reach profiles in our niche by adding thoughtful comments and asking follow-up questions.
- Offered early access or beta invitations directly in comment sections or DMs when the conversation was organic.
- Tracked which types of posts and engagements led to profile visits and conversions using basic analytics tools like LinkedIn post stats and UTM links.
This low-cost, organic method brought in not only our first users but also key partnerships and word-of-mouth referrals. By showing up consistently and authentically, we created a flywheel of trust, engagement, and customer growth without spending a dollar on paid acquisition.
Alessandro Malzanini
CEO, Cathedral
Optimize Google Business Profiles
Optimizing local businesses’ Google Business Profiles and creating a smart system for collecting customer reviews is a free way to help them attract more customers.
We carefully completed client profiles with detailed descriptions and regular photo updates. This step dramatically improved local search positioning, moving from the second page of results to the top three listings within 90 days.
Timing is everything when asking for customer feedback. Our strategy focuses on catching customers at their most positive moment—right after they’ve had an excellent service experience. We create personalized messages that speak directly to each customer’s interaction—showing we genuinely care about their experience.
Client reviews fueled our marketing growth. Customer stories lifted search rankings, expanded business reach, and attracted new prospects. We helped our client gain 51% more potential customers while cutting their marketing costs by 36%.
What started as a careful business test quickly proved more effective than standard advertising—delivering superior leads and higher conversion rates.
Genuine customer stories built immediate trust. People searching for services now felt confident after reading about real business experiences solving problems like theirs.
This virtuous cycle created a self-sustaining engine of new opportunities without additional marketing investment—proving that strategic optimization can be more effective than traditional advertising methods.
Matt Bowman
Founder, Thrive Local
Engage in Local Facebook Groups
The most effective, low-cost methods I’ve used to find customers are engaging directly in local Facebook groups dedicated to homeownership and renting. This approach has delivered surprisingly strong results. By offering genuine advice and support in these groups, I connect with people who are struggling with clutter and disorganization, and they see me as a trusted expert. Instead of focusing on ads or promotions, I focus on sharing useful tips that address specific problems, which creates an authentic connection.
For instance, I once saw a post from a mom asking for advice on organizing her kids’ playroom. I took the time to reply with a detailed, actionable plan—no hard sell, just practical advice. A few days later, that same mom reached out to me directly for a consultation to organize her entire home. It was a win-win: she got free, helpful advice, and I earned a loyal client.
The key to maximizing this method has been consistent and thoughtful interaction. I respond to posts, comments, and questions with personalized solutions, building rapport before ever mentioning my services. This approach has been incredibly effective in turning online interactions into real, paying clients, all without spending a dime on advertising. By offering value first, I’ve been able to turn a simple Facebook group exchange into lasting business relationships.
Lauren Hammer
Founder & Lead Organizer, Revive My Spaces
Offer Expert Advice on Social Platforms
One surprisingly effective and low-cost method I’ve used to find customers is leveraging local community groups on social media, specifically Facebook and Nextdoor. These platforms are full of homeowners looking for reliable services, and they provide a space where people are already asking for recommendations. Instead of running ads, I’ve found success in simply being active in these groups, answering questions, and offering helpful advice.
For example, when people in the local neighborhood ask for recommendations for roofing contractors or home maintenance tips, I make sure to provide thoughtful responses that aren’t just about selling my services but genuinely helping them with their issues. I share tips about roof maintenance, signs of damage to look out for, and even things homeowners should consider when hiring a contractor. By positioning myself as a trusted local expert, people naturally start reaching out to me for quotes or services.
To maximize the impact, I focus on building relationships and showing up consistently, not just when I need business. I’ve also learned to be selective about the groups I engage in, joining those that have active members and where people are asking for advice in areas that align with what I offer. By focusing on providing value first, customers come to me when they need help.
This approach has yielded high-quality leads because it’s based on trust; customers are already engaging with me and seeing that I’m genuinely invested in helping the community. It’s one of the most cost-effective ways I’ve been able to grow my business without a hefty marketing budget.
Carl Dugan
CEO, Viking Roofing
Create High-Signal LinkedIn Content
One of the most underrated and low-cost methods to find customers is writing high-signal content on LinkedIn consistently. This doesn’t mean daily fluff or trend chasing, but rather one sharp post a week that speaks directly to your ideal client’s real challenges.
I implement this strategy not only for myself but for my clients as well. It is an integral part of how we build authority-driven personal brands. For instance, one post I shared on brand positioning mistakes reached over 80,000 people and generated three qualified inbound leads in less than a week. This was achieved through pure organic visibility, without any ad spend.
The key is to write with intent. Focus on the problems you solve, use real examples, and speak to one clear persona. Ensure your profile supports your content with a strong bio and service link. When your content is useful and specific, people view you as the go-to expert. This is how you drive growth without actively chasing it.
Sahil Gandhi
CEO & Co-Founder, Blushush Agency
Share Tutorials on Niche Forums
One method that worked surprisingly well for us early on was posting tutorials on niche forums and subreddits like r/webscraping and Indie Hackers.
Instead of pitching the product, we shared step-by-step guides on how to extract useful data with techniques such as scraping product listings, competitor pricing, or job postings, and demonstrated how our platform could accomplish these tasks easily without code.
We focused on solving real problems in our posts and ensured that every demo was frictionless, allowing people to try the tool immediately. This approach led to organic traffic, word of mouth, and our first wave of active users, all without ad spend.
It wasn’t flashy, but it worked because we met users where they already were, spoke their language, and provided immediate value upfront.
Cahyo Subroto
Founder, MrScraper
Deliver Impactful Talks at Local Meetups
I once gave a 20-minute talk at a meetup. It was unpaid, with 15 people in a peculiar cafe basement. I spoke about SEO myths that no one talks about. Two people became clients by the next day. Speaking removed the “pitch”—it built trust instantly. That one talk made me $15K.
To maximize it, I recorded the talk using my phone. Then, I sliced it into five short clips for LinkedIn. The content lived on long after the event ended. One post even got picked up by a niche newsletter. That turned a free local talk into global reach. Never underestimate the ripple effect from small rooms.
Marc Bishop
Director, Wytlabs
Answer Questions on Quora and Reddit
One low-cost method that worked surprisingly well for us was answering niche questions on platforms like Quora and Reddit. Instead of promoting our product directly, we focused on sharing helpful, experience-based answers in threads related to hiring challenges, candidate assessments, and remote recruiting.
We made sure each response offered real insights, examples, and actionable advice. At the end of the post, we’d include a soft mention of how we solved a similar issue using our platform. The goal wasn’t to sell, but to be useful—and that built credibility over time.
To maximize impact, we:
- Focused on high-intent topics people were already searching for
- Recycled the best-performing answers into LinkedIn posts and email content
- Used trackable links to measure which posts drove sign-ups or demo requests
It cost nothing but time and worked better than some of our paid campaigns. The key was to show up where our audience already was, listen to their problems, and offer genuine solutions.
Abhishek Shah
Founder, Testlify
Embrace Intentional Chaos on LinkedIn
One of the most surprisingly effective (and totally free) ways we’ve found customers is by embracing full-blown chaos on LinkedIn…but doing it with intentional structure.
Instead of trying to “sound professional” or follow the usual B2B playbook, we leaned into the absurdity that most people in logistics and operations experience every day. We started writing posts that spoke to the real pain: endless spreadsheets, shipping delays, forklifts going rogue, and that unspoken warehouse-induced existential dread. We made it funny. Sarcastic. Unfiltered. And most importantly, human.
The turning point was realizing that people don’t want to be sold to…they want to be seen. So we built a sarcastic, Gen Z-flavored content voice that made supply chain managers laugh, comment, tag their coworkers, and say things like “this is too real” or “did you bug our office?”
But here’s where it really worked: behind the chaos was a system. We used engagement on these posts to surface high-intent leads. If someone liked or commented, we didn’t pounce…we started a conversation. We connected, followed up thoughtfully, and used tools like LinkedIn Sales Navigator and Expandi to build warm, highly targeted outreach campaigns based on that initial interaction.
Because the content wasn’t just “content”…it was a lead filter.
We also scheduled content with Taplio to keep a consistent posting rhythm, and made sure our CRM (HubSpot) tracked every inbound lead that came from a piece of meltdown content. That meant we could attribute actual meetings (and revenue) back to a meme about a container ship ghosting its delivery window.
This all resulted in inbound leads, real partnerships, and a freight tech brand that people actually remember.
The best part was that beyond a few small subscriptions, the only cost was our time…and maybe a small hit to our sanity.
So if there’s one thing I’d share with other founders: you don’t need a huge ad budget to grow. You just need to say the quiet part out loud…in public…and build systems behind the chaos.
Adam Johnson
CEO, Ekei
Collaborate with Micro-Influencers
The free method that yielded unexpectedly great results was collaborating with micro-influencers on social media. Instead of spending heavily on paid ads, we reached out to influencers whose values aligned with ours: sun protection, fashion, and empowering women. These influencers genuinely loved our products, and by sharing their personal experiences with our sun-safe beachwear, they authentically introduced our brand to their followers.
What made this strategy effective was the level of trust these micro-influencers had with their audiences. Their followers were engaged, and they valued the influencer’s honest recommendations. We offered each influencer an exclusive discount code for their followers, which not only added value but also created a sense of community and exclusivity. This led to higher engagement and, ultimately, increased traffic to our website.
It was amazing to see how a simple social media post could turn into a powerful sales tool without any hefty advertising spend. This method resonated with our mission to make sun protection stylish and accessible for women. Rather than just promoting a product, we were able to connect with people who shared our passion for skin health and fashion.
We didn’t just gain customers; we built relationships and a loyal following, which is priceless for a small brand like ours. It reinforced that when you create something people care about, the right community will find you, and they’ll champion your message.
Laura Kosmorsky
Co-Founder, Tied Sunwear
Tap Into Existing Professional Networks
Leveraging existing connections proved surprisingly effective. We initially underestimated the power of our personal and professional networks. Simply reaching out, not with a hard sell, but with genuine offers of assistance or insights, opened doors we hadn’t anticipated. Many connections were unaware of our agency’s capabilities and were eager to refer us or even become clients themselves.
To maximize this impact, we focused on providing value upfront. We didn’t just ask for business; we offered free audits, shared relevant industry updates, and actively participated in communities where our connections were present. This approach positioned us as trusted advisors, not just salespeople. By nurturing these relationships and demonstrating our expertise, we transformed casual connections into valuable client partnerships.
David Pagotto
Founder & Managing Director, SIXGUN
Test Markets with Targeted PPC Campaigns
This year, international expansion is a big focus for us. We already operate in five European countries (primarily across the BrewDog estate), and one low-cost method that’s been incredibly useful for finding customers is leveraging PPC rather than traditional infrastructure. By running targeted Google/Meta Ads, we’ve been able to test market viability before committing significant resources. For example, our research showed that PPC in Greece is far more cost-effective than in the UK, making customer acquisition much cheaper. This insight has led us to focus on smaller markets where CAC is lower, securing early traction before scaling through on-the-ground distribution. We’ve been able to acquire a vast number of customers across Europe without having to set up operations there. It’s been a real game-changer.
Oliver Pugh
Founder, yetipay
Contribute Expertise in Online Wedding Communities
We’ve found that using online communities and forums connected to our business is a good way to find new customers. The important thing is not to seem too focused on sales. Instead, we want to really help by sharing our knowledge, solving questions, and giving useful advice. One thing that has worked for us is joining online communities that are all about weddings, like subreddits like r/wedding or Facebook groups for engaged couples. We can share our knowledge on things like ring styles, diamond quality, and budgeting while giving help on things like picking out the perfect engagement ring or wedding band. By presenting ourselves as reliable and knowledgeable sources, we’ve been able to connect naturally with possible customers who are already interested in what we have to offer.
Instead of just pushing our goods, we work on getting to know people and becoming known as experts in the field. We answer questions carefully, give thorough advice and tips, and have real conversations about planning a wedding and choosing jewelry. This way, we can slowly present our brand and show what we can do for you instead of trying to make sales right away.
Brian Akdemir
Director of Ecommerce, Bahdos
Stand Out as a LinkedIn Thought Leader
Marketing your personal brand on LinkedIn is essential. LinkedIn is one of the most underutilized platforms and a great place to stand out as a thought leader. Only 3% of people post content on LinkedIn, so there is a ton of opportunity for visibility. This is especially true if you are looking for a low-cost way to stand out—LinkedIn is where it’s at!
Caroline Pennington
Podcast Host & Founder, The Feminine Founder
Connect at Informal Local Events
My most unexpectedly effective customer acquisition strategy has been consistently attending Saturday boardwalk events in town. Initially, I went simply to enjoy the weekend atmosphere, but I quickly realized these gatherings were filled with potential clients in a relaxed mindset.
Unlike formal networking, boardwalk interactions happen naturally. When people ask about my business, they’re genuinely interested rather than obligated.
The informal setting changes everything. Potential clients discuss their needs more honestly when not in “meeting mode.” I maximize these opportunities by focusing on genuine connections first. I never launch into pitches, instead building rapport through shared experiences. Following up becomes natural: “Since we both love the Saturday market, why not grab coffee before next weekend’s event to discuss your project?”
Documentation has been crucial. I use my phone’s notes app to quickly record details after meaningful conversations. This personal touch in follow-ups (“Great connecting over our shared enthusiasm for local artists!”) creates instant recall and warmth.
Sometimes, the most powerful marketing happens when you’re not marketing at all.
Suzanna Ahmed
Executive Assistant, PopCut
Image Credits: Photo by Blake Wisz on Unsplash
