When I started Orlov Digital, I did not have a marketing budget. No ad spend, no fancy funnels, no social media agency. Just a website, a phone number, and the willingness to show up and help people.
That approach works. Not overnight, but it works. Here is exactly what I would do if I were starting a local business today and needed to find my first 10 customers online.
Step 1: Set Up Your Google Business Profile
This is the single most impactful free tool for any local business. When someone searches "plumber near me" or "coffee shop in Columbia MO," Google shows a map with local results. Your Google Business Profile is how you get into that map.
It takes about 20 minutes to set up. I wrote a full guide on how to do it. If you do nothing else from this article, do this.
What to Include
- Accurate business name, address, and phone number
- Your actual business hours
- The right business categories (be specific)
- Real photos of your business, work, or products
- A clear description of what you do
Step 2: Get a Real Website
A Facebook page is not a website. It is better than nothing, but you do not control it. Facebook decides who sees your content, and they can change the rules at any time.
Your website is your home base online. It does not need to be complicated. A single page with your services, contact info, a few photos, and a way for people to reach you is enough to start. The important thing is that it exists, it looks professional, and it works on a phone.
Step 3: Ask for Google Reviews
Reviews are the easiest form of marketing you will ever do, and most businesses never ask for them. Here is the reality: happy customers will leave a review if you ask. They just will not think to do it on their own.
How to Ask Without Being Awkward
After you finish a job or a customer tells you they are happy, say something like:
"That means a lot. If you have a minute, a Google review would really help me out. I'm trying to grow the business and reviews make a huge difference."
That is it. Most people will say yes. Send them a direct link to your Google review page (you can find this in your Google Business Profile dashboard).
Five genuine reviews with real names and real experiences are worth more than 500 followers on social media.
Step 4: Get Listed in Local Directories
These are free and take 10 minutes each:
- Yelp (yelp.com)
- Bing Places (bingplaces.com)
- Apple Maps (mapsconnect.apple.com)
- Yellow Pages (yp.com)
- Your local Chamber of Commerce directory
The goal is consistency: make sure your business name, address, and phone number are exactly the same across every listing. Google uses this consistency as a trust signal when ranking local results.
Step 5: Show Up Where Your Customers Already Are
For most local businesses, this means local Facebook groups. Not running ads. Just being present. Answer questions when someone asks for recommendations. Share something useful about your industry. Be helpful without being salesy.
When I posted in a local Sedalia Facebook group offering honest website reviews for free, I got more responses than any ad could have generated. People appreciate genuine help.
What You Do NOT Need
- You do not need to run Facebook or Google ads right away
- You do not need a social media posting schedule
- You do not need to hire a marketing agency
- You do not need to be on every social platform
- You do not need a perfect website before you start
You need the basics done right: a Google Business Profile, a functional website, a few reviews, and consistent local directory listings. That foundation will bring in your first 10 customers. After that, you can get fancy.
The Real Secret
Do good work. Be easy to reach. Show up when you say you will. The internet just makes it easier for people to find you. It does not replace being good at what you do.
If you want help getting your online presence set up, get in touch. I help businesses across Missouri get started with websites and Google Business Profiles. No pressure, just an honest conversation about what would help your business.