How do I get my first customers?

Through people who already know you, almost always.

The first customers of most small businesses come from three places: former colleagues and clients, personal network, and local or industry communities. Advertising rarely works before you can describe your offer clearly and prove you can deliver it.

A practical first month:
1. List [50] people who know you professionally.
2. Contact them individually — not as a group email — using the Warm Outreach Message Template.
3. Ask about them first. Mention what you do second. Ask who they know third.
4. Say yes to a small, imperfect first project to get a real reference.
5. Ask that first customer for a review and one introduction.

It is slower than it sounds in theory and faster than any other route in practice.