Starting out self-employed in a trade without an existing client base is one of the hardest moments for the business, and you don't always need a big advertising investment to win the first jobs.
Make use of your existing network
Family, friends and former work colleagues are often the source of the first commissions, even small ones. Every job done well, however small, generates a potential recommendation that opens the door to the next client.
A basic but real local presence
A Google profile with reviews, even if there are only a few at first, and a presence on local service platforms give visibility without a large initial marketing investment. Consistently asking each satisfied client for a review speeds this process up a lot.
Competitive prices at first, without giving the work away
It is reasonable to trim your margin in the first months to gain experience and reviews, but giving work away below cost creates clients who later won't accept normal prices, and makes it harder to raise rates down the line.
Always ask for feedback
Asking the client what they thought of the work, even if the answer is informal, gives valuable information for improving and, if positive, can become a review or recommendation just by asking at the right moment.
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