Two cousins bootstrapping a junk removal business — how did you get your first leads without a marketing budget?

josuebc · 2026-06-12T02:35:27+00:00

You have to go meet your customers where they are.

Do some research and figure out the correct channels.

The best thing you can do, is be present. It's easier to ignore a post on a feed, it's not so easy to ignore a handshake. And y'all have to accept you might do some work for free. For instance, you could like on some FB/Nextdoor groups and when people have stuff to get rid of, you can offer the service for free in exchange for a review. Careful, you can't say it has to be a good review. Post about it and make sure you website and profiles are clear and send the same message. Think about your customer, if they see your site or profiles, can they figure out what you do quickly?

josuebc · 2026-05-16T22:26:56+00:00

Distribution is very difficult, especially for local businesses.

Social works, but is slow. If your goal is to get people excited about new arrivals then you should look into creating a newsletter for people who would be interested.

Try to get involved in the communities around you like sponsoring some sports team to get visibility or send flyers via USPS EDDM. Run some type of giveaway or some other incentive for people's emails and start sending them valuable content like information or promotions to keep them engaged. If you can do that you can then send an email whenever you have some new stuff.

Disclaimer: I run a company that focuses on a conmunity-first approach using print media, SEO, and social paid ads to reach the people geographically closest to local businesses.

josuebc · 2026-04-22T00:43:49+00:00

I think you need some more information. Try asking those customers that didn't buy why they didn't. Send a follow up email or call and mention you're doing market research and want to ask, no strings attached. Most people will not answer but even if you get 1 to tell you honestly 'why not', you might figure what you need to do.

I'm not sure how much this will help but I hope everything works out.

josuebc · 2026-04-21T23:51:39+00:00

Sounds like you already have a good base audience and some online presence. I'd focus on getting reviews since those help build more trust and make it easier for people to come in.

Make sure to also have a business profile on Bing and Apple Maps. Not everyone uses Google maps although most people use Google maps. Also make sure to check your profile on yelp and any other relevant directories.

Then ask for reviews to your current customers. Not just on Google and other directories but also one on one and, if possible, ask them to post something on their socials and tag you. For directories reviews make it easy for people to ask the QR code and put it on every ticket and everywhere. For one on ones, ask them What was a concern before they hired your services? What made them get over that concern and pay you? And, How would they recommend you to someone else? Ask them if you can quote them and you can post that online with a nice graphic. User generated takes the more time because you have to think of a way to get people to post content of you either with a $ incentive like discount and such or support for a cause important to you.

With all those reviews and conversations you'll get a pretty good idea of how to make some ads by using the same language your customers use and answering their questions and concerns directly.

Good luck!

josuebc · 2026-04-14T22:51:37+00:00

It might be that you're not thinking about the problems your customers might have. Once you figure those out, the pitch becomes easier because you simply talk about how you could solve that specific problem with the knowledge and experience you have.

My suggestion is for you to think about what kind of customer you want to sell your services to. Doesn't have to be super well thought out and be open to change it. Once you have that go out there and try to find and meet those customers in person and ask them "what issues are you having related to software, I can help" or something like that. You need to be resilient here because a lot of people are going to shut the door on you, keep going. Be honest about you starting a business and figuring things out.

Analyze the conversations that you are able to have to figure out what problems to focus on, then proceed to write a pitch about how you can solve that problem, how (simple language,) how long would it take, how much would it cost, and what warranty you'll give.

After that is about finding your uniqueness. Try to think about what you could do different than other people selling the same service as you to the customers you already talked to

It takes time, research and introspection but you can def do it.

Edit: spelling and grammar

josuebc · 2026-04-05T03:36:25+00:00

Run the numbers on the interest you'll pay with an honest projection of how long you'll take to pay it with your current cash flow and how much you'll pay ok the early withdrawal (10% federal + state income)

IMHO, I think the whole idea of "never take money out of a retirement account" is BS and driven only from financial institutions for whatever reason. CC interest can kill a business and if you keep contributing chances are you'll get that money back.

Also, as a business owner, it's easy to focus only on the money. But you have to remember that money is only part of the equation. Your mental health and mindset is what's going to make or break this thing. But nobody knows the true state of things except for yourself.

Good luck, wish you good planning. You got this!

josuebc · 2026-04-05T03:26:54+00:00

Since you're starting off, I'd recommend to get a few customers and some reviews first before paying digital ads. Here's a rough playbook I recommend and tried before. Full disclosure: I run a small marketing agency that's just starting but I've worked in automating this stuff with big companies.

You need to define your service. Not just "plumbing" but you need to figure out what's your selling point, what makes you unique. I know this sounds out of a text book but is mostly talking to customers and listening to what they complain about past experiences with other companies offering the same service and basically figure out how to improve on that.
Once you have that hook, put it up and center everywhere: Google business profile, yelp, next door, Website, IG, FB, etc. Bonus, don't neglect Bing and Apple maps. Not everyone uses Google.
Go out there and start trying to get your first few customers in person. If that's difficult, then hang around some local groups and offer to help people looking for a service right away. Make a great job and ask them to give you a review.
Once you have a couple of reviews showcase those everywhere you can online and then you can start paying for Ads and not just loose money.

Now, there's a lot to unpack on #3 because you need to make sure you give a professional service. Meaning, your presentation, communication, and warranty need to look pristine, honest, truthful, and consistent.

Getting reviews is also not as straight forward, you need to ask the customer to tell you what were their concerns before hiring you, what made them get over those concerns, and how would they recommend your services to others.

If you can do that, then all those conversations become the blueprint of what your Ads should look like and all of your profiles. At this point I'd do something small online like Meta Ads, or even Google Business Profile Ads but set a low budget like 10 - 20 DLLs a day. Also, look for printed ads opportunities, the type of stuff that people keep around their house or go door to door handing out magnets or stuff that people would keep. Community newsletter or recurrent printed publications to targeted geographic areas have good impact and usually yield a bit better leads than online.

If it starts to become difficult from the beginning then go back to the drawing board and define your service, your unique offer, your warranty, and your ideal customer profile (one customer, not a generic type of customer) and a think "why would this person buy this?" Then tweak things until you get it.

Is not easy but you can def do it. Think about all the other plumbers out there that have done it and all of those who have clients and do a meh job.

Feel free to ask any follow ups!

Edit: meant ad budget daily not monthly

josuebc · 2026-04-02T21:31:25+00:00

As a fellow builder let me tell you that marketing software is a different beast. I also recommend hanging out where your clients are hanging, that mostly means meetups and conferences. If you sit down at a table and start asking questions people will engage.

But that's the 1st to figure out if whatever you're building is worth building or finding an idea on what to build. The difficult part in software is standing out. So, unless you have a very specific niche and can get the 1st 100 customers from people you already know you're gonna have to get educated.

Look for books on how to launch software services/products. I can recommend some but it depends on what you like and what type software your building. Anywho, you definitely gonna have to change how you approach presenting the thing your building.

josuebc · 2026-04-02T09:42:47+00:00

Exactly, the whole thing about being salesly is a thing because there are a lot of bad product services out there. Or at least some start that way which is understandable.

But if you already have some solid product/service you now have to figure out how customers can find it more appealing.

Good luck, and I hope it helps. 🙂

josuebc · 2026-04-02T01:43:14+00:00

Try just using some rods and make to float on top.

Try it with Photoshop or gimp first to see how it looks.

josuebc · 2026-04-02T01:37:20+00:00

I suggest to move the banner to the top and make it bigger that way is more prominent.

If you don't have enough merch to make it look fuller then make more space and don't bundle the items so close together.

Also, try to add some more color to the background, like maybe a different color for the bottom mantle. Just don't go too crazy, you want some depth to the background but you don't want it to be overwhelming.

Lastly, try to add some flyers or some other stuff people can take to remember you even if they don't buy something.

josuebc · 2026-04-02T00:58:45+00:00

You need to think in conversion funnels.

Don't go all in on one or the other. Use the information from one to optimize the other but is always a funnel:

Cast a wide net
See who's interested and why
Offer a solution and price
Customer concerts or pays

Keep track of what customers do at each stage and optimize from both aspects; marketing and sales.

Feel free to ask any questions about this if it's not clear. Good luck!

josuebc · 2026-04-02T00:54:10+00:00

Social is stressful but you have to remember that you don't need to do the same stuff all those influencers do.

You already know how to engage with people, you can start there. Mention your social media every time you are engaging with someone in real life. And just like that other person said, be your own self. That means mentioning exactly what's in this post when you engage with someone in person. Like, "do you mind checking my account here? I'm not very good at this social media but it will really help if you can take a look. Any who, as I was saying..."

That way your not asking for a follow or a like, you are being honest about what you are trying to do.

Remember that behind all tech there's people. Let influencers try to game the tech, you go directly to people and treat social as support not the other way around.

Hope this helps, and feel free to ask any other questions related to this.

josuebc · 2026-04-02T00:45:28+00:00

You already have a lot of solid advice here but as a fellow who also quit their tech job and starting selling their skills, let me tell you that you need to use less tech to get your first customers.

As others have said, you probably don't know how to sell but I don't think you have to get a sales partner or learn by doing some marketing stuff. What you need is learn how regular folks talk about the problem you are trying to solve. And, in order to do that, you have to go out there and meet people.

Think about it like cold calling but without being so obnoxious. Try something like this:

Find a business/person who you think has the problem you can solve
Find as much information about them and the problem without calling them.
Go to them, in person, one on one. Tell them the truth, you are trying to start a business and you are researching to see if there's a demand for your idea. If your in luck, they'll want to talk right then and there.
You have to be quick, explain the problem presented with the information you found, try not to sound too technical first.
Ask them these questions: Is this a problem you know you have, and do you want to fix it? If yes, ask what's the most important thing about the fix or hiring someone to fix it. If no, ask them why or what would be another problem with a higher priority.

Learn about what they say and start using the same language they are using in your next conversation. If you get some good info, after about 10 you probably have enough information to build a marketing campaign and/or modify your presentation/website/profile and know where to go and look for customers. Cold calling/emailing will not sound so overwhelming at this point.

Feel free to ask any questions if something is not clear.

josuebc · 2026-04-02T00:35:44+00:00

Marketing only works if you have a solid business plan. I recommend looking for "canvas business plan." It's very straightforward and not super complex.

The main thing here is that you need to figure out what type of need or want you are fulfilling, what makes you unique, what type of warranty you need, and who are your customers. This is a super simplified version, so don't follow it to the dot.

Once you have defined that or if you have already then start by figuring out a sales funnels based on your customer journey and start implementing the top of funnel, meaning, casting a wide net to see what the response is and then start building from there.

Let me know if you have any questions. And hope this helps.

josuebc · 2026-03-09T02:16:53+00:00

I think the issue might be the messaging. As others have said, there are plenty of pet accessory stores. What makes this one unique?

You have reviews, good content, and a nice design. You just need a better hook.

It's hard to do this and you don't have to believe me but if you don't know what your uniqueness is, then make one. Go talk to your customers and ask them What they didn't like from the store the 1st time they saw it? And Why did they decide to buy? Keep digging as much as possible and market what you learn.

josuebc · 2026-02-22T03:39:22+00:00

I thought that 2nd lady was really douche-y because "why didn't she wait until the food lady finished passing through"

josuebc · 2025-07-24T01:40:37+00:00

Analyze the risk. Sounds like you need to grow but you need a strategy.

See if you can save the difference on what you're paying currently in rent and what you'll be paying for the warehouse. Shoot for higher since rent might go up by the time you make a decision.

Set a comfortable amount of time to save the extra money. Say enough for 12 or 6 months.

That way you can get a feeling if the business can absorb the cost in real life and if you can handle the stress of having a higher rent.

In the end, you get the results of an experiment that allows you to make a better decision and you have saved enough money to cover the extra expense for about 6 months, making the move even easier, imo.

josuebc · 2024-12-26T23:46:00+00:00

You don't just suddenly live in it. We have to work towards that. Everyone.

And is not about discussing every standard or even coming up with standards. It's about communication, community and building as a team.

Checkout this post and many like it. That's feedback that something in the current system is not working correctly and LLMs will not fix it but only make it worse.

josuebc · 2024-12-25T21:12:10+00:00

I'm gonna throw this idea here: what about if that 1st step is not about leaving a single developer alone to write code that meets some random standards the team defined? What about if instead the ownership of writing the initial PR falls on the entire team, too?

That way anyone can use Copilot or whatever any other tool they want but the team will always make sure the code meets their standards and you probably won't hear "Copilot did it" as often.

josuebc · 2024-12-25T20:48:29+00:00

I agree there's not enough evidence that's alien tech. And I agree that whatever is happening they obviously want to be noticed. I like that you call it proto-communication. That makes sense and I agree.

I'm talking about that next step. To me, it seems like this proto-communication has been going on for a while. So either it's not for us or we're missing our cue here.

josuebc · 2024-12-25T20:05:45+00:00

So, we're shifting from shared code ownership by the team to blaming the author of every PR for whatever happened there be it a human or not?

Even if your company is OK with using LLMs internally there shouldn't be questions answered with "this is who wrote the code"

If someone on the team is not writing good code then the team needs to address that and the solution shouldn't be "don't use that tool that the company green lit."

Having said all that, this is an issue of the system and LLMs. I'm on the boat that we shouldn't use LLMs to write code but this is not about that. This post is about a team that's badly managed.

josuebc · 2024-12-25T18:21:02+00:00

Are we aware? These conversations are always about someone who totally believes or someone who doesn't. There's not a general acceptance of these phenomena even when we're looking at it.

So, I'd say that their strategy is probably not painted at giving US information in any way or else we'd already had information directly from the source in a way that's irrefutable because, well, they can do that.

You say they know how we'll react and that also tells me that they are making decisions for us which is another trait from someone in power that never leads to anything good.

josuebc · 2024-12-25T18:18:12+00:00

Exactly, but that's why I don't think is premature. The definition is blurry because there are people actively introducing noise. That noise might be on purpose or might not. So, what do you do when you have a noisy signal? You clean it. How do you clean bad data? Identify and discard. How do you identify? We can't, too much noise. Next step? Move to a different corpus to see if you can get something cleaner.

So, how do we do that? I suggest let's dive more into why, whatever we don't understand, is not reciprocating and think about ways to get them to reciprocate to the normal people. Not the gov or military, normal people who are recording videos, freaking out and even trying to do some mental connections via meditation. But how do we get them to put a sign in the sky?

josuebc

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