If you’re an early-stage founder, ads are usually not the problem — premature ads are.

Most people don’t need Facebook ads to make their first $1,000. They need clarity on what they’re selling, who they’re selling to, and how to ask for the sale in a way that doesn’t feel forced or awkward.

Before scale comes proof. Before ads comes demand.

This article breaks down how founders make their first $1,000 without ads, using systems you already have access to — time, skill, proximity, and trust.