How to Get Local Customers as a Small Business in South Africa
Finding new customers is one of the hardest parts of running a small business. In South Africa, this is even tougher. Many areas rely on word of mouth. Not everyone is online. And budgets are tight.
But local people do want to support local businesses. They just need to know you exist and trust that you’ll deliver.
If you’re a plumber, builder, salon owner or mobile service provider, here are five ways to attract more local customers. None of them require big budgets or fancy tools.
1. Set Up a Proper WhatsApp Business Profile
WhatsApp is the number one app in South Africa. If your business isn’t on there properly, you’re losing trust and bookings.
Set up a free WhatsApp Business account and include:
A profile photo that shows your face or your work
A business name (not your full name)
Your hours of availability
A short description of your service
Quick replies for things like pricing, hours and directions
💡 This makes your business look real, reliable and ready to book.
2. Be Visible in Local Facebook Groups
Most neighbourhoods have local Facebook groups. People often ask for recommendations. If your name never comes up, or your page isn’t visible, you’re missing easy leads.
Do this:
Search for your local group (e.g. "South Coast Buy and Sell")
Make a personal profile that looks trustworthy
Share your flyer or details once a week (don’t spam)
Ask happy customers to tag you when others ask
People trust recommendations more than ads. But you need to be active and visible for that to work.
3. Use a Simple Flyer (Printed or Digital)
Flyers still work, especially when they’re shared on WhatsApp or posted in physical shops. But many flyers are cluttered, messy or hard to read.
Keep it simple. Include:
What you do
Where you work
One price example
Contact method (preferably WhatsApp)
A logo or picture
💬 You can get a once-off branded flyer as part of my Design Starter Pack. It includes everything you need to look the part from day one.
4. Register on Google Business Profile
Even if you don’t have a website, you can show up on Google for free. That’s what Google Business Profile is for.
Add your name, phone, hours, location and a few photos. Then ask a few customers to leave a review.
When someone nearby searches “electrician near me” or “salon in Amanzimtoti,” your name has a better chance of showing up.
5. Look the Part
People book services that look professional. That doesn’t mean fancy. It just means consistent and clear.
Choose one colour, one logo and one contact number. Use the same details on:
Flyers
WhatsApp
Facebook
Invoices
Job boards or signage
If your business image looks neat, people assume your work will be too.
Bonus Tip: Keep Your Details Handy
Most small businesses miss out on repeat work because people can’t find them again. Always make sure your number is:
Saved in clients’ phones
Printed on the job sheet
Visible on your vehicle, social pages and flyer
Included in every message or post
🧰 Want help getting started with this? I offer affordable setup services, designed for local South African businesses. No subscriptions. No jargon. Just once-off tools to help you grow.
📅 Book a call here
📱 WhatsApp: 067 601 0605
📧 sez@sezdg.com