Starting a letter writing side business is exciting, but getting those first 100 customers for letter writing can feel overwhelming. This guide reveals proven, low-cost strategies to attract buyers—without paid ads or complicated marketing.
By the end, you’ll know exactly where to find clients, how to pitch them, and what to charge. Let’s dive in.
Why the First 100 Customers Matter
- Builds social proof (reviews = more sales)
- Tests your pricing (real feedback beats guessing)
- Creates momentum (early buyers often return)
Most beginners skip this phase and struggle. Follow these steps instead.
Step 1: Define Your Ideal Customer
Ask yourself:
- Who needs letters most? (Couples? Businesses?)
- What problems do they have? (Lack of time? Need emotional impact?)
- Where do they spend time online? (Etsy? Instagram? LinkedIn?)
Example Niches:
| Customer | Problem You Solve |
|---|---|
| Long-distance couples | Keeps romance alive |
| Small businesses | Makes thank-you notes personal |
| Grieving families | Creates meaningful memorials |
Step 2: Choose the Right Platforms
A. Free Methods (0-$50 Startup)
| Platform | Strategy | Time Required |
|---|---|---|
| Facebook Groups | Join “Small Business Owners” groups, offer free sample | 1-2 hrs/day |
| Answer questions on r/RelationshipAdvice (soft pitch in replies) | 30 mins/day | |
| Local Bulletin Boards | Post in coffee shops (e.g., “Handwritten Letters for Special Occasions”) | 2 hrs/week |
B. Paid Platforms (Best for Scaling)
| Platform | Cost | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Etsy | $0.20/listing | Passive sales |
| Fiverr | 20% fee | Quick first sales |
| Upwork | 10% fee | Corporate clients |
Pro Tip: Start with 2 free + 1 paid platform to test demand.
Step 3: Craft an Irresistible Offer
What Buyers Care About:
✔ Speed (“Delivered in 48 hours”)
✔ Quality (“Premium cotton paper + wax seal”)
✔ Guarantee (“Free revision if you’re not happy”)
Example Offer:
“Get a Custom Love Letter Delivered in 2 Days – Only $45 (Free Revisions Included)”
Step 4: Price Strategically for Early Sales
Phase 1: First 10 Customers
- Charge 20-30% below market rate
- Goal: Get reviews/testimonials
Phase 2: Next 40 Customers
- Raise prices by 10-15%
- Add 1 premium add-on (e.g., +$15 for wax seal)
Phase 3: Customers 50-100
- Charge full price (now that you have proof)
- Offer bundles (e.g., 3 letters for price of 2)
👉 Read Also : Best Platforms to Sell Letter Writing Services Online
Step 5: Simple Promotion Strategies
1. The “Free Sample” Trick
- Give 5 local businesses free thank-you notes
- Include your contact info + pricing sheet
- Result: 1-2 usually become paying clients
2. Social Proof Stacking
- Even without sales, showcase:
- “Serving 25+ happy clients” (if you’ve written for friends/family)
- “Featured in [Local Newspaper]” (reach out for a small story)
3. Low-Cost Collaborations
- Partner with:
- Wedding planners (referral fee per client)
- Stationery shops (sell on consignment)
Step 6: Handle Objections Like a Pro
| Concern | Response |
|---|---|
| “Why not just email?” | “Handwritten notes are 3X more likely to be remembered (USPS study)” |
| “Too expensive.” | “I offer payment plans – just $25 today, $25 on delivery” |
| “What if I don’t like it?” | “Free revisions until you’re 100% happy” |
Realistic Timeline to 100 Customers
| Timeframe | Goal | Strategy |
|---|---|---|
| Week 1-2 | First 10 sales | Free samples + underpricing |
| Month 1 | 30 sales | Add 1 paid platform |
| Month 2-3 | 100 sales | Raise prices + bundles |
Key Mistakes to Avoid
❌ Spending on ads too early (Organic works fine at first)
❌ Taking custom requests (Stick to your niche)
❌ Ignoring repeat buyers (Offer discounts for referrals)
Final Thoughts
Your first 100 customers prove your letter writing side hustle works. Focus on these steps—not perfection.