Want to get more leads online? It all starts with your website.
Think of your website as your best employee—it never sleeps, never calls in sick, and works 24/7. Your goal isn’t to do some giant, scary tech project. It's about making small, smart changes so that when people find you, they know instantly they’re in the right place.
Turn Your Website Into a 24/7 Customer Magnet
Right now, your website might just be a fancy online flyer. It looks nice, but it's not really doing anything. Let's fix that.
The good news? You don’t need to be a computer whiz or a marketing genius. This is all about making your website super simple and helpful for your visitors. You can totally do this, and even the smallest changes can bring in surprisingly big results.
We're talking about getting more phone calls from people who are ready to hire you, all by making your website a little bit better. It’s that simple, and we can help you get it done.
Make Your Message Crystal Clear
Imagine someone lands on your homepage. They need to know exactly what you do in less than five seconds. If they have to click around and play detective, they’re gone. Poof!
The fastest way to fix this is with a simple, powerful headline.
Forget the confusing marketing gobbledygook like "Innovative Solutions for Modern Living." Nobody talks like that! Just be direct.
- For a painter: "Beautiful Interior Painting for Newark, Ohio Homes"
- For a dog groomer: "Gentle & Stress-Free Dog Grooming"
- For a roofer: "Reliable Roof Repairs That Last"
See? Simple, clear, and it talks right to the person who needs your help. Put that headline next to a friendly picture of your team or your best work, and visitors will immediately feel like they’ve hit the jackpot.
Your website's main job is to answer one question for visitors: "Am I in the right place?" A clear headline and a nice photo are the fastest ways to get a big, friendly "YES!"
Show Visitors Exactly What to Do Next
Once they know what you do, you have to tell them what to do next. Don't leave them hanging!
This is where a "call to action" (CTA) button comes in. It's just a fancy name for a button that tells people what you want them to do.
Don't be shy about it. Your visitors want you to show them the way. A good button is like a friendly tour guide pointing them in the right direction. Put these buttons in obvious spots—right under your main headline is a great place to start. If you want to dive deeper into making your website a sales machine, check out our complete guide on lead generation website design.
Here are a few examples that work like a charm:
- "Get My Free Quote"
- "Schedule a Consultation"
- "Download Your Free Guide"
- "Contact Us Today"
By focusing on these two things—a clear message and an obvious next step—you change your website from a boring flyer into an active, lead-getting machine. And the best part? These are simple changes you can make today. You got this!
Create a Clear Path for Website Visitors
Think of your website like a corn maze. If it's a confusing mess with dead ends, people just give up and leave. But if you cut a clean, simple path right through the middle, they'll walk straight to the prize. That's exactly what your website needs to do.
Your job is to be the tour guide. When someone lands on your site, they shouldn't have to guess what to do next. You need to grab them by the hand and lead them from that first click all the way to becoming a happy customer. It's way easier than it sounds.
This is all about getting rid of the clutter and making the next step so blindingly obvious they can't miss it. Let's make it easy for them to say "yes."
Simplify Your Website Menu
The first place anyone looks for directions is your main menu—that list of links at the top. Too many business owners cram every single page they have up there. It looks like a messy closet, and it’s totally overwhelming.
A confused mind never buys. Time to clean out that closet.
A good menu only needs a few key options. For most small businesses, you can get all the leads you'll ever need with just these pages:
- Home: Your website's welcome mat.
- Services / About Us: A simple page explaining what you do and who you are.
- Contact: The page that makes it super easy to get in touch.
- Reviews: A spot to show off how much your customers love you.
That's it. A clean menu is one of the fastest ways to help people find what they're looking for. And a clean path is a profitable path.
Build a Landing Page with One Job
Now, let's talk about a secret weapon for getting leads: a landing page. Don't let the name scare you. It's just a special page on your site with one, and only one, job to do.
Your homepage has a bunch of different links and buttons, right? A landing page is the opposite. It's super focused. Its only goal might be to get someone to download a free guide or sign up for your email list. By taking away all other distractions—like that main menu we just cleaned up—you make the decision incredibly simple for your visitor.
A great landing page is like a room with only one door. The visitor's only choice is to walk through it. You're guiding their decision by making it the only decision.
This visual breaks it down. A great headline grabs their attention, a clear button tells them exactly what to do, and boom—you've got a new lead.
This simple, three-part journey is the secret sauce to getting leads with a focused webpage.
Creating a clear path is one of the most powerful things you can do. For a deeper dive, check out this list of 12 website must-haves that actually generate leads and see how tiny changes can have a huge impact.
By cleaning up your menu and using focused landing pages, you're building a smooth road for visitors to travel. You're getting rid of the bumps and potholes, making their journey easy. This is how you turn casual visitors into happy customers.
Offer Free Stuff People Actually Want
Who turns down free stuff? Nobody. Seriously. One of the oldest tricks in the book for getting someone's email address is to give them something genuinely useful in return.
In the marketing world, we call this a “lead magnet.” Don’t let the fancy term fool you. It’s just a friendly handshake. You offer a small piece of your know-how for free, and they give you permission to stay in touch.
This is how you start building trust. It's your chance to show people you know your stuff and you’re here to help, not just to sell. It's a win-win, and you can create one this afternoon. It's really that easy!
You Don't Need to Write a Book
Most people hear "free guide" and immediately think they need to write a 50-page book. That sounds exhausting, right? Let's just toss that idea in the trash right now.
The best freebies are short, sweet, and solve a very specific problem. Your goal is to give someone a quick win. When you do that, they remember you.
A great freebie isn't about how much information you cram into it. It's about how quickly and easily you help someone solve a problem. Think of it as a helpful shortcut, not a giant textbook.
To get this right, you have to understand the basics of creating compelling lead magnets that actually attract people. The good news? They don't have to be complicated to work.
Here are a few super-simple ideas you could finish in under an hour:
- A Simple Checklist: This is the king of freebies. If you're a painter, it could be a “5 Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Painter” checklist. It’s easy to make and super valuable.
- A One-Page Guide: Are you a landscaper? Put together a “Lawn Mowing Cheat Sheet for a Greener Yard.” It’s just one page of your best tips.
- A Special Discount: This is the easiest one of all. Offer a "10% Off Your First Service" coupon for anyone who signs up. Done.
- A Fun Quiz: If you’re a dog trainer, a quiz like “What’s Your Dog’s True Personality?” is fun, interesting, and gets people on your list.
See the pattern? They're all simple, helpful, and directly tied to your business. This is a key piece of any good digital marketing plan, and if you want to see how it fits into the bigger picture, you should read our super-simple guide to digital marketing.
How to Show Off Your Freebie on Your Website
Okay, so you've created your awesome little guide. Now you need a way to give it out. All you need is a simple form on your website.
Think of it as a little sign-up sheet. You’ll have a headline that says something like, “Get Your Free Painting Checklist!” and a quick sentence explaining what they’ll get. Below that, just ask for two things: name and email.
That's it. Don't ask for their phone number, street address, or their dog's name. The easier you make it, the more people will sign up.
Giving away helpful stuff is one of the smartest things you can do. In fact, helpful content is three times more effective at getting leads than old-school tactics like cold calls. It’s a powerful strategy, with about 72% of companies saying it directly boosts their leads.
By offering a little help upfront, you're not just getting an email address. You’re starting a friendship. You're building trust and showing a potential customer that you’re the expert they’ve been looking for.
And when it’s time for them to hire someone, who do you think they’ll call? The helpful expert who already gave them something awesome for free.
Use Social Media to Make Friends (Not to Be Annoying)
Let's be real. Most social media feels like a giant, noisy shouting match where everyone is screaming, "Buy my stuff!"
But what if you did the exact opposite? What if you just used it to be friendly and helpful to potential customers?
This isn't some crazy, complicated plan. It’s just about being a real person who helps other people. Instead of posting boring ads, you use places like Facebook and Instagram to share helpful tips, funny stories, or a peek behind the scenes.
Think about it. If you're a dog groomer, a video of a fluffy puppy getting a haircut is way more interesting than a "10% off" graphic. It builds trust. It makes people smile. And when they smile, they remember you.
Be the Helpful Neighbor, Not the Pushy Salesperson
The best way to get leads online is to stop trying to get leads. Sounds weird, right? But it works. Your goal is to become the go-to helpful person in your town.
Instead of just posting about your services, share stuff that answers the questions your customers are already asking.
- A roofer could share: A quick video showing how to spot a small leak before it becomes a huge problem.
- A coffee shop could post: A fun poll asking followers to vote on the next seasonal drink flavor.
- A house cleaner could offer: A simple checklist for a "15-Minute Tidy-Up" before guests arrive.
This approach flips everything around. You're not asking for anything; you're giving something helpful away for free. That builds a real connection and makes people like you.
When it's time to hire someone, who are they going to call? The pushy stranger or the helpful friend they already know online? Easy choice.
Make It Easy for People to Raise Their Hand
Okay, so you’re being helpful and friendly. Now what? You still need a way to turn those friends into actual leads.
Good news is, social media sites make this incredibly simple.
Many places, like Facebook and LinkedIn, have built-in lead forms. These are simple forms that let people show interest without ever leaving the app. It's so easy!
A social media lead form is like a sign-up sheet at a friendly neighborhood block party. It's low-pressure, super easy, and people are happy to give you their info because they're already having a good time.
This is a huge deal. LinkedIn, for example, has become a powerhouse for connecting with other businesses. Their Lead Gen Forms have an average success rate of 13%. That’s more than five times higher than the average website page! It means the people clicking are serious, and the site makes it ridiculously easy for them to connect.
Start a Conversation in a Group
Another fantastic, no-cost way to find leads is by joining—or creating—a community group.
If you want to see this in action, check out the story of how a Facebook foodie group grew from zero to over 65,000 members at https://cherubinicompany.com/005-how-chod-yarnelli-grew-a-facebook-foodie-group-from-0-to-65-7k/. The same idea applies to your business.
A local landscaper could start a "Licking County Gardeners" group. It becomes a place to share tips, answer questions, and build a real community of people who love their yards.
You're not selling; you're helping. But when someone in that group needs a new patio built, guess who they'll think of first? It's simple, it's genuine, and it works.
You Got a Lead! Now What? (Don't Mess This Up)
Pop the confetti! Getting that first online lead feels amazing. It’s a huge win. Someone saw your stuff, liked it, and trusted you with their contact info. That’s awesome.
But the real work starts now.
Getting the lead isn't the finish line; it’s the starting line. If you wait too long to respond, that lead goes cold. Fast. Think of it like meeting someone new—if you get their number and wait a week to text, that spark is gone.
The first few minutes are everything. This is where you turn a "maybe" into a customer. And guess what? Most of your competitors are dropping the ball right here.
Be Quick Like a Bunny
Your secret weapon isn't some fancy software or a killer sales pitch. It's speed. Just be fast.
The second someone fills out your form, their problem is on their mind. They're actively thinking about how you can fix it. That's your golden window. A simple, friendly email within five minutes can change the entire game.
So many businesses mess this up. In fact, a study I saw on Exploding Topics showed that 44% of salespeople admit they’re just too busy to follow up on new leads quickly.
This is a massive opportunity for you. Just by being quick, you’re already miles ahead of the competition.
Your Simple "First Contact" Email
Don't overthink it. Your first email has two jobs: say thanks and give them what they asked for. That’s it. No sales pitch. No pressure.
Here’s a simple template you can steal. Just fill in the blanks.
Subject: Here's the [Checklist/Guide] you asked for!
Body:
Hi [Their Name],
Thanks for reaching out!
Here’s the [Name of Your Freebie] you wanted. You can grab it right here: [Link to Your Freebie]
Hope you find it helpful. If you have any questions after you check it out, just reply to this email and ask. I'm happy to help.
Talk soon,
[Your Name]
See? Simple. You’re not a pushy salesperson; you’re a helpful expert. You’re starting a friendship, not closing a deal.
How to Keep Track of New Leads
You don't need a crazy-expensive computer program to manage your first leads. A simple spreadsheet is all you need to get started. Seriously.
Just create a sheet with these columns:
- Date: When did they sign up?
- Name: Who are they?
- Email: Where do you send stuff?
- What They Wanted: Which freebie did they grab?
- Last Contact: When did you last email them?
Every time a new lead comes in, add them. Every time you send an email, update the date. This simple setup keeps people from getting forgotten. It’s your foundation.
Following up is how you turn a click into cash. For more on this, check out these follow-up secrets from "the solar guy"—they apply to any business, not just solar.
It’s a simple process. You can do this. This is how you stop just collecting emails and start building a real business.
Your Simple Lead Questions, Answered
Feeling a little stuck? That's normal. Learning how to get leads online can feel like trying to build a puzzle with a million pieces.
Good news: you only need a few of those pieces to make the whole picture come together.
We get asked the same questions all the time. Here are the straight, simple answers. Let's get you unstuck and ready to go.
How Long Does It Take to Start Getting Leads Online?
That's the million-dollar question! It’s like planting a garden—some seeds sprout overnight, others take a little while.
If you make a simple change to your website today, like adding a giant "Get a Quote" button, you could get a lead tomorrow. Seriously.
If you create a helpful guide, it might take a week or two for people to find it and give you their email.
The most important thing is to just start. Don't get stuck trying to make everything perfect. Every small action is a seed planted. The sooner you start planting, the sooner you'll have something to show for it. You can do it!
Do I Need to Spend a Lot of Money on Ads?
No. Absolutely not.
While ads can pour gasoline on the fire, they are 100% not needed when you're just starting out.
Everything we've talked about—making your website clear, creating a simple checklist, being helpful on social media—is free. It just costs a little bit of your time.
Think of it this way:
- Ads are like renting a megaphone. You can shout your message to a big crowd, but you have to keep paying every time you want to use it.
- Creating helpful stuff is like building your own stage. Once you build it, people can find you for free, forever.
Focus on building your stage first. You can always rent the megaphone later. It’s a smarter, cheaper way to grow.
Don't get distracted by shiny ad campaigns. The foundation of getting leads is being helpful. Master that, and you’ll build a business that actually lasts.
I Am Not a Tech Person. Can I Really Do This Myself?
YES. A thousand times, yes. This guide is for you, not some tech whiz in a dark room.
You don't need to know how to write computer code. Modern website tools are like digital LEGOs—you just drag and drop the pieces where you want them.
If you can write an email or post on Facebook, you have all the tech skills you need. Just take it one tiny step at a time. You can totally do this.
What Is the Most Important First Step I Should Take?
Great question. This one cuts through all the noise.
The single most important first step is to look at your website's homepage and ask one simple question:
"Can a total stranger understand exactly what I do in 5 seconds?"
If the answer is "no," or even a shaky "I think so," that's where you start. Before you do anything else, rewrite your main headline so it's crystal clear.
Instead of vague stuff like "Synergistic Business Solutions," be direct. "Handmade Pottery for Local Cafes."
A clear headline is the foundation for everything. It’s a fast, free fix that makes the biggest difference.
For more ideas, you can always explore these proven methods to boost your lead generation efforts. But trust me, the journey of a thousand leads begins with a single, clear headline.
Feeling more confident? You should be. These aren't complicated secrets; they're simple steps anyone can take. You can do this.
If you're ready to turn your website into a lead-getting machine but want a guide to help you do it right, The Cherubini Company is here for you. We can make it simple. Let's build something great together.
