You’ve done the hard part—you’ve launched your home care business. You’ve secured licensing, trained your team, and maybe even printed your brochures. But now comes the most important step: getting your first clients.
Those first 10 clients are more than just numbers. They’re your foundation. They help you establish a reputation, refine your services, and generate the momentum you need to grow. Most importantly, they help you start doing the work that matters—caring for seniors and supporting families who need your help.
Why Your First Clients Matter So Much
Every home care business starts somewhere, and your first few clients are your best opportunity to build credibility and trust in your community. These early relationships will shape your reviews, lead to referrals, and set the tone for your client experience.
Word-of-mouth is powerful in this industry. When one family sees how you’ve made a difference, they’ll talk—and that talk spreads. Focus on quality over quantity at the start. Your first 10 happy clients can help you grow to 50 faster than you think.
Tap Into Your Personal Network
Sometimes, your best leads are closer than you think. Friends, family, neighbors, old coworkers—someone in your circle either needs help or knows someone who does.
Here’s how to start:
- Personally reach out to people and let them know you’re open for business
- Ask them to share your services on social media or in community groups
- Offer free consultations or first-day promotions to their referrals
- Leave business cards or brochures at churches, salons, or local businesses
Many first-time home care business owners find their first few clients through people they already know. Don’t underestimate the power of your network.
Introduce Yourself to Healthcare Providers
Healthcare professionals are trusted sources of referrals for families in need of care. Local doctors, hospital discharge planners, physical therapists, and hospice teams are often looking for reliable, compassionate home care providers to recommend.
To build those relationships:
- Drop off brochures or flyers at clinics and hospitals
- Schedule short introductory meetings with practice managers or care coordinators
- Explain how your services can support their patients after discharge
- Follow up respectfully with updates or new offerings
These connections may not result in clients overnight, but with consistency, they can turn into a steady stream of referrals.
Host Community Education Events
People want to hire providers who know their stuff. Offering free workshops or info sessions positions you as a local expert and gives families a chance to meet you in person.
Consider hosting:
- Fall prevention and safety tips for seniors
- “How to Talk to Aging Parents About Care” sessions
- Caregiver burnout and stress management workshops
- Simple home exercises or nutrition talks for older adults
You can host these at local libraries, community centers, or even online via Zoom or Facebook Live. Educational events create trust and often lead to client inquiries on the spot.
Get Involved in Local Networking Groups
Community visibility is everything when you’re starting out. Join local business associations, senior care networks, or caregiver coalitions.
To get the most out of networking:
- Attend monthly Chamber of Commerce meetings
- Join senior-focused BNI or caregiver referral groups
- Bring leave-behinds like one-pagers or brochures
- Follow up quickly with new contacts
Networking helps you meet referral partners who may not be clients, but know lots of people who could be.
Strengthen Your Online Presence
Today, families are more likely to Google “home care near me” than ask around the neighborhood. That means your online presence needs to feel professional, personal, and trustworthy. Start with a well-designed website that clearly outlines your services, contact information, and the values behind your care approach. Make sure your branding is consistent and your messaging focuses on the emotional benefits families can expect, like peace of mind and trusted companionship.
From there, claim your Google Business Profile and upload quality photos of your staff (with permission), client testimonials, or even your workspace. Ask happy clients or supportive friends and family to leave you honest reviews. Use relevant keywords like “in-home senior care” or “home care for the elderly” to improve search visibility. A few strong reviews and accurate listings can make all the difference when a family is deciding who to call first.
Partner with Churches and Local Groups
Faith-based communities and senior-focused organizations are deeply connected to families who are beginning to consider care. These groups often become aware of caregiving needs before anyone else, making them perfect partners for referral and outreach. Take time to introduce yourself personally to pastors, deacons, or senior ministry leaders. Explain how your home care services align with their mission to care for elders in their congregation.
You can also offer to help with events, contribute to caregiver support initiatives, or volunteer transportation for community members in need. Sharing brochures, business cards, or speaking during gatherings are all effective ways to build trust. Because these partnerships are often rooted in shared values and face-to-face relationships, they tend to lead to high-trust, long-term clients who deeply appreciate your support.
Create a Simple Introductory Offer
When families are unsure about starting care, a low-risk introductory offer can make all the difference. A “First Day Free” trial, a discounted first week, or a free home safety check gives families a chance to experience your care firsthand, without pressure. It lowers the barrier to entry and lets your service speak for itself.
Make sure your offer is clearly explained on your materials and website, and that it’s time-bound to create urgency. You can also pair it with a referral program that rewards clients or community partners for spreading the word. By combining outstanding service with a thoughtful incentive, you’re giving families both reassurance and motivation to take that first step with confidence.
Show Your Heart on Social Media
Social media is one of the easiest ways to let your community see the heart behind your business. Don’t overthink it—just start sharing. Post caregiver shout-outs, behind-the-scenes moments, helpful aging-in-place tips, or even short testimonials (with permission). Let your personality and passion shine through. Families want to work with people they feel connected to—and social is a great place to build that connection.
You don’t need to post daily or be on every platform. Focus on one or two—Facebook is usually a strong starting point for local visibility, and be consistent. When people see your name pop up regularly with valuable or uplifting content, you stay top-of-mind. That’s especially powerful when the moment comes that someone they love needs care.
Build Locally, Grow Nationally—with Ace Home Care Franchise
Your first 10 clients will help shape your home care business, your team culture, and your reputation in the community. But once you’ve built a strong foundation, what’s next?
If you’re ready to expand and scale without reinventing the wheel, it might be time to take your success to the next level. With Ace Home Care Franchise, you can turn your independent business into a nationally supported brand, backed by proven systems, tools, and a team that’s invested in your growth.
Ready to take your home care business to the next level? Franchise with Ace Home Care Franchise and turn your passion into a powerful, growing brand. Let’s grow your impact—together.