When I first launched my personal concierge business, I believed the hype in those “start with no money” books. You know the ones. They tell you all you need is a car, a cellphone, and a smile.
And I thought, “Cool, I’m in!”
But here’s what those books didn’t say: if you want to protect yourself, your clients, and your assets, you need to spend money. You need insurance. You need to legally register your business. You need marketing materials, tools, and most importantly you need to show up in your community.
Starting out, I didn’t realize how important it was to spend my limited budget wisely.
And today, if you’re wondering how to get clients for a senior concierge business, this post is for you.
Let me help you avoid the same mistakes so many others make. Because just like one-time ads in the paper (that mostly attract job seekers not clients), most “cheap” marketing tactics don’t lead to long-term growth.
So… where should you spend your marketing budget?
Let’s dive into 3 proven, smart ways to invest your dollars and energy so you can attract real clients and grow a profitable concierge business.
1. Invest in Networking that Puts You in Front of the Right People
Yep, networking. You’ve heard me say it a million times and for good reason.
Networking is the #1 way I built my business from zero to six figures. Getting out in your community, attending Chamber events, nonprofit fundraisers, and business boot camps is where the real connections happen.
But here’s the kicker networking isn’t just showing up. It’s about consistent visibility. You need to be in the room regularly, because trust builds with familiarity. And trust is what gets you hired.
I remember speaking to a woman who offered social media services. She told me, “No one wants to pay me.” But when I asked if she was going to paid networking events Chamber meetings, professional mixers she said she couldn’t afford it.
Truth is, the people who pay to grow their business are the ones willing to pay for your services too.
So spend that $25 on an event ticket. Join the Chamber for $300 a year. Get in the room with the right people.
And if you’re still unsure how to get started building trust, check out this post on how networking builds your business.
2. Invest in Getting to Know People (It’s All in the Follow-Up)
Let’s bust another myth: the sale doesn’t usually happen at the event.
It happens afterward, when you follow up, build a relationship, and keep showing up. One person may not hire you but they know 100 others. And when you take the time to connect, they’ll refer you.
Here’s what I recommend:
Send a follow-up email the day after meeting someone.
Connect on LinkedIn.
Invite them for coffee or a Zoom chat.
These actions cost little to no money but they take intentional time. That’s the kind of investment that pays off big.
Want to see how this plays out in real life? This article on creating a raving fan base breaks it down beautifully. A great client experience doesn’t start at the sale it starts with the relationship.
3. Invest in Yourself Because You Are the Business
This one gets overlooked so often. But YOU are your business’s greatest asset.
When you invest in your growth, your confidence, your skills, and your mindset you’re giving your business rocket fuel.
My two favorite ways to invest in myself:
A. Education & Shortcuts
Take classes, attend events, get coaching. Learn from those ahead of you. I love what Tony Robbins says: “Model the best.” Because whatever you want, someone has already figured it out and their shortcut can save you years of spinning your wheels.
B. Your Health
You can’t serve others if you’re constantly running on empty. So eat well. Move your body. Get sleep. Say no when you need to. These habits create the foundation for you to show up strong every single day.
And if you’re looking to work smarter and take better care of yourself and your biz, don’t miss this breakdown of how to avoid busywork and be financially productive.
Final Thought: Don’t Gamble with One-Shot Ads Play the Long Game
That woman I mentioned earlier who spent her entire budget on one newspaper ad? She could have used that same money to join a networking group, follow up with leads, attend an educational event, and still had some left for coffee dates.
One-time marketing isn’t marketing it’s gambling.
Marketing is consistency. Visibility. Trust. Relationships.
So where should you spend your startup marketing budget?
Go where the right people are
Build relationships with intention
Invest in YOUR growth
That’s how you get real clients, real referrals, and real results.
Want more help figuring out the best marketing plan for your personal concierge business?
Check out my post on business marketing 101 for service providers to dive even deeper.
You’ve got this now go change some lives!
************************************************************
Thinking about starting a concierge business but not sure what you need—or where to even begin? The Concierge Starter Kit includes the exact templates, client forms, flyers, and tools I used when I first got started—plus a video walkthrough showing you how to use them all. I also cover what kind of insurance actually matters (and what’s just noise), so you can skip the overwhelm and start on solid ground.
➤ Grab the Concierge Starter Kit – $47. It’s the shortcut I wish I had. Get it HERE: https://theconciergeacademy.com/starterkit
************************************************************
