How to Get Your First 10 Tinting Customers (Without Spending a Dollar on Ads)

You've got the skills, you've got the tools, and now you need customers. The good news? Your first 10 customers don't require a marketing budget. They require hustle, visibility, and a willingness to put yourself out there.

1. Your Personal Network (Customers 1-3)

Post on your personal Facebook, Instagram, and anywhere else you have followers. Don't overthink it — just show what you're doing. A simple before-and-after photo with "Starting a tinting business — introductory pricing this month" will generate more interest than you expect.

Text friends and family directly. Not to sell them — to let them know what you're doing. People love supporting someone they know who's building something, and many of them need tinting or know someone who does.

2. Local Facebook Groups (Customers 4-6)

Join every local buy/sell/trade group, car enthusiast group, and community group in your area. Most of these groups allow service posts. Share a photo of your work with a fair price, and respond quickly to every comment and message. Speed of response is the #1 factor in converting inquiries.

3. Google Business Profile (Customers 7-8)

Set up a Google Business Profile immediately — it's free and it's the single most important marketing asset you'll have. When someone Googles "window tinting near me," you want to show up. Add photos of your work, your service area, and your hours. Ask every single customer for a Google review.

4. Local Partnerships (Customers 9-10)

Walk into local auto detailing shops, car dealerships, and mechanics. Introduce yourself, leave a card, and offer a referral commission. Many of these businesses get asked about tinting regularly and would love to have someone to recommend. A $25-$50 referral fee per customer is cheap marketing that pays for itself.

The Snowball Effect

Here's the beautiful thing: you only need to hustle for your first 10 customers. After that, word of mouth and Google reviews take over. Happy customers tell friends, reviews drive search traffic, and referral partners keep sending people your way. The hardest part is getting the ball rolling — after that, momentum does the work.