10
How do you actually get businesses to work with you when you're starting out?
r/Entrepreneur
6/25/2025
SAAS TOOLS
| SaaS | URL | Category | Features/Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Built With | Not mentioned | Lead Generation | Identifies technologies used by businesses |
| Hunter | Not mentioned | Email Finder | Generates lists of decision makers' emails |
| Zapier | Not mentioned | Automation | Automates workflows between apps |
| Make | Not mentioned | Automation | Similar to Zapier, automates workflows |
USER NEEDS
Pain Points:
- Difficulty getting initial clients without track record
- Cold outreach feels ineffective (like "shouting into the void")
- Low response rates to cold emails/DMs
- Struggling to build trust with potential clients
- Lack of engagement in community-building efforts
Problems to Solve:
- How to land first clients when starting from zero
- How to effectively reach decision-makers
- How to demonstrate value without prior testimonials
- How to build credibility as a new service provider
Potential Solutions:
- Start with paid services instead of free to filter serious clients
- Go super niche with specific value propositions (e.g., "help indie ecom store owners save 10+ hours/week")
- Provide visible value through public automations/audits and tag businesses on social media
- Engage via thoughtful comments on biz owners' posts followed by DMs
- Leverage niche forums and LinkedIn groups for personal referrals
- Tap into existing network for first clients
- Create high-quality website showcasing benefits
- Conduct face-to-face meetings
- Build community and create supportive content for members
- Use consultative sales approach with free demos
GROWTH FACTORS
Effective Strategies:
- Starting with paid services to establish value perception
- Niching down to specific target audiences
- Consistent high-volume outreach
- Community building as a trust-building tool
Marketing & Acquisition:
- Cold emailing with improved targeting (using tools like Built With)
- Social media engagement (commenting + strategic DMs)
- Public demonstrations of value (e.g., free audits with social tagging)
- Leveraging niche communities/forums for referrals
- Face-to-face meetings for trust building
- Word-of-mouth referrals from initial network
Monetization & Product:
- Avoid starting with free services to prevent devaluation
- Price high to force sales skill improvement and client filtering
- Focus on solving genuine pain points (e.g., time savings)
- Ensure product-market fit through consultative sales approach
User Engagement:
- Building communities around target audience
- Creating content that supports community members
- Offering free exposure to members to build reciprocity
- Persistent follow-up and consistent presence