I'm in the middle of finalizing my startup. It's a virtual assistance service that's similar to Zirtual. I'm very excited about this kind of business and I'm passionate about it, so I know what I'm doing and why.
The problem? This will be my first time selling something (a service). I don't know how to find customers. I have no idea how I should attract them. All I know is that my client base will be entrepreneurs who want to save time and effort and focus on what matters the most to them.
Marketing and customer acquisition usually involves experimenting with various channels, tweaking & iterating, and doubling down on the ones that perform. You essentially want to be where your target customers "live."
On a high level, your potential channels would be:
- Content Marketing & Social Media (e.g. writing blog posts)
- Paid Ads (Google, Facebook, Twitter)
- PR (get written in startup publications, Product Hunt)
- Partnerships (partner with startups, investors, or accelerators)
- Referral program
- other places where entrepreneurs "live" (forums, communities)
Finally, not exactly an acquisition channel, but I believe branding and community go a long way.
Happy to chat and help in more detail with the specifics on your business.
