How to Get Your First 100 Customers for Online Store (2026 Guide)

By Rafirit Station Editorial Team · Updated 2026 · ⏱ 25 min read

Getting your first 100 customers for your online store is the toughest milestone for any ecommerce business in Bangladesh. According to BrightEdge, 68% of online experiences begin with a search engine. However, most new stores fail to appear in those results, leaving them invisible to potential buyers. In 2026, with rising digital ad costs and increasing competition, relying on a single channel is no longer viable. Dhaka-based entrepreneurs, in particular, face unique challenges: low trust in unknown brands, cash-on-delivery preferences, and price sensitivity. Yet, those who master a multi-channel, hyperlocal approach can achieve growth faster than ever.

Why does this matter right now? The Bangladeshi ecommerce market is projected to reach ৳100 billion by 2027, but the window for new entrants is narrowing. Early adopters who build a loyal customer base today will dominate their niches tomorrow. If you wait, you’ll face higher ad costs and more established competitors.

The cost of inaction is steep: a typical Dhaka online store that doesn’t actively acquire customers spends an average of ৳12,000 per month on ads with zero return, bleeding capital. Without a systematic plan, many shut down within 6 months. That’s why we’ve designed this guide — to give you a proven framework that turns visitors into buyers and buyers into brand advocates.

By the end of this article, you’ll have a step-by-step playbook covering local SEO, social media hacks, referral programs, and paid ads tailored to the Bangladeshi market. You’ll also see a real case study of a store that went from 0 to 102 customers in 90 days. Let’s dive in.

📚 External Resources (Bookmark These)

• Google Ads Help — Optimizing for Local Results
• HubSpot — Startup Marketing Guide
• Moz — Local SEO: The Complete Guide
• Semrush — Facebook Ads in Bangladesh: Best Practices
• Neil Patel — Social Media Marketing Strategy for Startups
• Backlinko — SEO Trends for 2026
• Shopify Blog — Write Product Descriptions That Sell
• Search Engine Journal — Ecommerce SEO Guide
• Ahrefs Blog — Ecommerce SEO: The Definitive Guide
• Sprout Social — Facebook Engagement Strategies

🔗 Rafirit Station Services

• Ecommerce Solutions — Full store setup
• Ecommerce Dhaka — Local ecom experts
• SEO Services — Rank your product pages
• Meta Ads — Drive traffic to your store
• Email Marketing — Recover abandoned carts
• Amazon Ads Agency
• Packages & Pricing
• Rafirit Station Bangladesh — Digital Agency
• Rafirit Station Dhaka — Full-Service Agency

Phase 1: Pre-Launch Foundations

Before you spend a single taka on ads, you need a solid base. This phase ensures your store is discoverable, trustworthy, and ready to convert visitors. Most new stores skip this and wonder why their ads don’t work.

Tactic 1.1: Optimize Product Pages for Local SEO

Why this works: Search engines prioritize relevance and locality. By including Dhaka-specific keywords, you attract customers who are actively searching for products like yours in their area. This drives high-intent traffic at zero cost.

Exactly how to do it:

1. Add location keywords to product titles (e.g., “Men’s Leather Shoes in Dhaka”).
2. Create separate pages for each product category, embedding neighborhood names (Gulshan, Banani, etc.).
3. Use schema markup (Product + LocalBusiness) to enhance rich snippets.
4. Ensure every product page has at least 300 words of unique description, including benefits and use cases.
5. Add high-quality images with alt text containing keywords.
6. Claim your Google Business Profile and link it to your store.

Pro template: “Buy [Product] in [Location] — [Benefit]. Free delivery in Dhaka within 24 hours.” Example: “Buy Handmade Jute Bags in Dhaka — Eco-friendly & Stylish. Free delivery to Gulshan, Banani, and Uttara.”

📊 Expected results: Stores using local SEO see a 30-50% increase in organic traffic within 8-12 weeks (Moz, 2025).

Tactic 1.2: Build Social Proof Before Launch

Why this works: Bangladeshi consumers rely heavily on word-of-mouth and reviews. Showing existing trust signals (even beta testers) reduces hesitation.

Exactly how to do it:

1. Reach out to 10-20 friends/family and ask them to place test orders (you refund them).
2. Request honest reviews and display them on your homepage with photos.
3. Create a Facebook group for early supporters and share behind-the-scenes content.
4. Offer a pre-launch discount code to first 50 signups.
5. Use Google Reviews to collect testimonials.

Pro script: “Hi [Name], we’re launching our store next week and we’d love your honest feedback. In exchange, you’ll get a ৳500 voucher and free delivery for your first order.”

📊 Expected results: 15-20 initial reviews can boost conversion rates by up to 34% (Spiegel Research Center).

Tactic 1.3: Set Up a Referral Program from Day One

Why this works: Referral customers have a 16% higher lifetime value (LTV) than non-referrals. Starting early creates a viral loop.

Exactly how to do it:

1. Choose a referral software (e.g., ReferralCandy) or use a simple spreadsheet.
2. Offer both the referrer and referee a discount (e.g., ৳100 off each).
3. Promote the program in your welcome email series.
4. Create shareable referral links for social media.
5. Track referrals manually until you hit 100 customers, then automate.

Example message: “Love our products? Share your referral link with friends and you’ll both get ৳100 off your next order!”

📊 Expected results: Referral programs generate 3-5% of new customers in the first 6 months (ReferralCandy data).

Phase 2: Launch Campaigns

With your foundation set, it’s time to drive targeted traffic. This phase focuses on low-cost, high-impact campaigns that generate your first real sales.

Tactic 2.1: Hyperlocal Facebook Ads Targeting

Why this works: Facebook’s algorithm allows micro-targeting by neighborhood, interest, and behavior. You can reach potential customers within 1 km of your store location.

Exactly how to do it:

1. Create a Facebook Business Manager account.
2. Define a custom audience: people living in Dhaka city, ages 18-45, interested in similar brands or products.
3. Use a 500 ৳ daily budget for a 7-day test.
4. Design a carousel ad showcasing your top 3 products with prices and delivery info.
5. Add a call-to-action button: “Shop Now” or “Get Offer”.
6. Track conversions with the Facebook pixel.

Ad copy example: “New in Gulshan? Discover our handmade gifts — delivered in 24 hrs. Use code LAUNCH10 for 10% off. Click to shop!”

📊 Expected results: A ৳3,500 ad spend (1 week) can generate 12-20 first purchases with a cost-per-acquisition (CPA) of ৳175-290.

Tactic 2.2: Partner with Local Micro-Influencers

Why this works: Bangladeshi consumers trust individuals over brands. Micro-influencers (1k-10k followers) have high engagement and lower costs.

Exactly how to do it:

1. Identify influencers in your niche using hashtags (#dhakafashion, #bangladeshiblogger).
2. Reach out with a product gifting offer (not cash) — send them your product for free.
3. Ask for an honest review post with tagged product links.
4. Offer a unique discount code for their followers (e.g., “PROMO10”).
5. Share their posts on your brand’s social media for mutual benefit.

Outreach message: “Hi [Name], we love your content! We’re launching a sustainable brand in Dhaka and would love to send you our best-seller for free. In exchange, if you like it, a post or story would mean the world to us.”

📊 Expected results: Each micro-influencer collaboration can bring 10-25 new website visitors and 2-5 orders. With 5 influencers, that’s up to 25 new customers.

Tactic 2.3: Offer a Launch-Exclusive Bundle

Why this works: Bundles increase perceived value and average order value (AOV). A time-limited offer creates urgency.

Exactly how to do it:

1. Bundle 3-4 complementary products at a 20-30% discount.
2. Design a landing page dedicated to the bundle with countdown timer.
3. Promote via Facebook ads and email to your small list.
4. Offer free delivery in Dhaka for bundle purchases.
5. Limit to first 50 customers.

Bundle example: “Summer Starter Pack: 2 kurtas + 1 dupatta + 1 pair jhumkas — only ৳1,299 (valued at ৳2,000). Offer ends in 48 hours!”

📊 Expected results: Bundles can increase AOV by 30-40% and drive 15-20 sales in a week.

Phase 3: Organic Growth Tactics

Once you have a few customers, focus on building sustainable, cost-effective channels that keep bringing traffic without constant ad spend.

Tactic 3.1: Create a Bangladesh-Focused Blog

Why this works: Content marketing generates 3x more leads than paid search, and it compounds over time. Bangladeshi consumers search for local guides and product comparisons.

Exactly how to do it:

1. Identify 10 long-tail keywords around your products + “in Dhaka” or “Bangladesh”.
2. Write detailed, helpful articles (e.g., “Best Winter Jackets in Dhaka: 2026 Buying Guide”).
3. Include your product links naturally.
4. Optimize meta titles, headings, and images.
5. Promote on social media and in Facebook groups.
6. Publish 2-3 posts per week.

Blog outline example: “Top 5 Eco-Friendly Bags in Dhaka — In-depth review of materials, pricing, and where to buy. Includes a comparison table.”

📊 Expected results: After 3 months, a blog can drive 15-25% of total site traffic, with an average of 30-50 daily visitors per post.

Tactic 3.2: Engage in Facebook Groups

Why this works: Facebook groups in Bangladesh are highly active and focused (e.g., “Dhaka Fashion Lovers”, “Bangladeshi Startup Community”). They offer direct access to your target audience.

Exactly how to do it:

1. Join 5-10 relevant groups with at least 10k members.
2. Read group rules and avoid spamming.
3. Provide value by answering questions and sharing tips.
4. Occasionally mention your product when relevant (e.g., “I sell options like this — check my profile”).
5. Create a post offering a discount code exclusively for group members.

Sample post: “I run a local handloom brand in Dhaka. If anyone’s looking for Eid gifts, I’m offering a 15% discount for group members. Comment ‘EID’ and I’ll DM you the code.”

📊 Expected results: With consistent engagement, you can gain 10-30 new customers per month from groups alone.

Tactic 3.3: Use Google Free Listings

Why this works: Google Merchant Center allows free product listings on Shopping tab. In Bangladesh, this is underutilized, giving early adopters an edge.

Exactly how to do it:

1. Set up a Google Merchant Center account.
2. Create a product feed (use a plugin like CTX Feed for WooCommerce).
3. Ensure accurate product data (title, price, availability, image).
4. Submit feed and monitor diagnostics.
5. Enable free listings in the Merchant Center settings.

Pro tip: Add a promotion annotation like “Free Delivery in Dhaka” to stand out.

📊 Expected results: Free listings can contribute 10-20% of total ecommerce traffic within 2 months (Google data).

Phase 4: Retention & Referrals

Getting your first 100 customers is just the start. To reach the next 1,000, you must turn them into repeat buyers and advocates.

Tactic 4.1: Implement a Post-Purchase Email Sequence

Why this works: Email marketing has an ROI of 3600%. A well-timed sequence can increase repeat purchases by 50%.

Exactly how to do it:

1. Day 1: Order confirmation + delivery tracking link.
2. Day 5: Follow-up asking for review (offer 10% off next purchase).
3. Day 14: Product care tips or usage ideas.
4. Day 30: “We miss you” email with new arrivals.
5. Day 60: Win-back offer (15% off).

Email subject line example: “How are your new jute bags doing? ⭐ Share a photo & get ৳100 off!”

📊 Expected results: Automated emails generate 25-35% of repeat orders within 90 days (Campaign Monitor).

Tactic 4.2: Launch a VIP Loyalty Program

Why this works: Loyalty programs increase customer retention by 5% on average, which can boost profits by 25-95% (Bain & Company).

Exactly how to do it:

1. Use a Shopify app like Smile.io or LoyaltyLion.
2. Give points for purchases, reviews, and referrals.
3. Offer tiered rewards (e.g., Silver, Gold) with increasing benefits.
4. Promote the program at checkout and in emails.
5. Let customers redeem points for discounts or free products.

Program description example: “Join our loyalty club! Earn 1 point per ৳100 spent. 100 points = ৳100 off. Plus, gold members get free delivery on every order!”

📊 Expected results: Loyalty members spend 2.5x more than non-members (Yotpo data).

Tactic 4.3: Ask for Referrals at the Right Moment

Why this works: Happy customers are most likely to refer after a positive interaction. Timely requests boost response rates.

Exactly how to do it:

1. Identify moments of delight: successful delivery, positive review, repeat order.
2. Send a personalized email or SMS with referral link.
3. Offer a double-sided incentive (e.g., ৳200 off each).
4. Use a referral platform to track and automate.
5. Highlight top referrers on social media to encourage competition.

Example referral message: “We’re glad you loved your purchase! Share your referral link with friends — you’ll both get ৳200 credit. No limit: refer 5 friends, get ৳1,000!”

📊 Expected results: Timely referral requests can convert 8-12% of customers into brand advocates.

🏆 Real Case Study: How a Dhaka-Based Clothing Brand Got 102 Customers in 90 Days

Client: Dhaka Trends (pseudonym) — a small online clothing store based in Gulshan, Dhaka, selling affordable traditional wear. Launched January 2026.

Problem: Zero brand awareness. First month: only 3 orders from friends. Ad spend of ৳15,000 yielded no ROI. Owner considered closing down.

Strategy Implemented (Rafirit Station’s approach):

• Optimized product pages with local keywords like “Kurti in Gulshan”, “Eid collection Dhaka”.
• Created a Facebook group “Dhaka Fashion Circle” and invited 200 local women.
• Partnered with 5 micro-influencers (3k-8k followers) — gifted 2 kurtis each in exchange for reviews.
• Ran a 7-day Facebook ad campaign targeting women in Dhaka (budget: ৳7,000).
• Offered a bundle deal: “Buy 2 kurtis, get 1 free.”
• Set up a post-purchase email series and a referral program.

Results after 90 days:

• Revenue increased: From ৳12,000 (first month) to ৳2,85,000 (third month).
• Customers acquired: 102 unique paying customers.
• Cost per acquisition: Reduced to ৳280 (down from ৳1,200 initially).
• Repeat purchase rate: 34% of customers ordered again.
• Organic traffic: 40% of total traffic came from search and social.

“We were about to shut down, but the localized SEO and influencer partnerships saved us. Now we have a loyal customer base. Rafirit’s team gave us a clear roadmap.” — Sultana, founder of Dhaka Trends

See more Rafirit Station case studies →

✅ First 100 Customers Checklist

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

🎯 The Bottom Line

Getting your first 100 customers is not about luck — it’s about a systematic approach that combines local relevance, social proof, and multi-channel outreach. The biggest mistake new owners make is trying to do too much at once or giving up after a few failed ads.

Here’s the counterintuitive truth: You don’t need a huge budget. Many of our clients reached 100 customers with less than ৳20,000 total spend. What matters is smart allocation: 60% of efforts on organic and referrals, 40% on paid channels. Build relationships before transactions. Trust in Bangladesh is earned through personal touch and reliability.

If you can provide excellent products and genuinely care about your customers, the first 100 will become the foundation for hundreds more.

⚡ Your Next Step (Do This Today)

1. Write down your top 5 product keywords with Dhaka/Bangladesh modifiers. This takes 15 minutes.
2. Join 3 Facebook groups relevant to your niche. Introduce yourself without pitching.
3. Optimize your highest-traffic product page. Add location keyword in title and description.
4. Set up a referral program using a simple Google Form + manual tracking. Start with 5 beta testers.
5. Book a free strategy call with Rafirit Station to get a personalized plan for your store. Click here to schedule.

💬 Drop “FIRST100” in the comments and we’ll send you our free First 100 Customers Checklist — no email required.