ResellPortal / Guides
How to Find Your First Reseller Customers
Getting the first 10 customers is the hardest part of any reseller business. The first customers come from your existing network, niche communities, and direct outreach — not paid ads. Once you have proof and case studies, broader marketing channels become viable.
Step 1: Pick a specific niche customer
Generic "small business owner" never converts. Pick one specific role and one specific industry (e.g. "real estate agents in Phoenix" or "freelance web designers serving dentists").
Step 2: Make a list of 100 target customers
Use LinkedIn, local business directories, and industry forums. Build a spreadsheet with name, company, role, and contact info.
Step 3: Write a 3-sentence outreach message
Lead with what they're struggling with, offer your specific solution, and ask for 15 minutes — not a sale. Personalize the first sentence.
Step 4: Send 20 outreach messages per day
Cold email, LinkedIn DMs, and Twitter DMs all work. Aim for 100 outreach messages per week until you land 3-5 calls.
Step 5: Offer a free pilot to the first 3 customers
Free or steeply discounted pilot. Treat them as case studies. Their testimonials unlock the next 30 customers.
Step 6: Ask happy customers for referrals
Every satisfied customer knows 5 more people in the same situation. Make referral asks part of your monthly customer cadence.
