“Explore 28 strategies to generate leads for local businesses and grow your customer base effectively.”
Lead generation is critical to staying competitive for local businesses. With shifting consumer behavior and the rise of digital platforms, companies need effective strategies to attract potential customers and convert them into loyal buyers. This blog post outlines 28 actionable ways to generate leads for your local business and drive measurable growth.
Generating Leads for Local Businesses Strategy #1. Leverage Local SEO
Optimize your website for local searches to ensure you appear in relevant results. Use geo-specific keywords, claim your Google My Business profile, and encourage satisfied customers to leave reviews. A strong presence in search results increases visibility and attracts nearby customers who are actively looking for your services.
Example: Kerry’s Fresh, a local fruit and vegetable delivery service, enhanced its online presence by investing in Google Ads and Facebook Ads. By focusing on high-intent keywords and targeting specific demographics, they achieved a 77% increase in Facebook followers and significant growth in web transactions. (Uplead)
Tip: Use Wishpond’s landing page builder to create location-specific landing pages that boost local search rankings and capture leads.
Generating Leads for Local Businesses Strategy #2. Engage Through Social Media
Social media platforms are perfect for connecting with your community. Share engaging content, promote special offers, and encourage user-generated content by running photo contests. Responding to comments and messages shows customers you care.
Example: Superdrive Academy, a driving school, utilized social media platforms to connect with their community. They shared engaging content and promoted special offers, resulting in a £7,000 return from their first campaign and hiring 12 new instructors due to increased demand. (Yatter)
Tip: Use tools like Wishpond to schedule posts, run contests, and analyze your social media performance.
Generating Leads for Local Businesses Strategy #3. Run Pay-Per-Click (PPC) Ads
PPC advertising places your business at the top of search results, helping you reach potential customers faster. Platforms like Google Ads allow you to target local keywords and specific demographics.
Example: Zogics, an eCommerce company supplying gym products, implemented a direct mail campaign to re-engage inactive customers. This strategy led to a 500% increase in ROI and a 140% rise in order volume within two months. (Uplead)
Tip: Create eye-catching ad copy and include a clear call-to-action (CTA) to drive clicks.
Generating Leads for Local Businesses Strategy #4. Use Geotargeted Facebook Ads
Facebook Ads allow you to reach users in your area by setting location-specific parameters. Add appealing visuals and focus on pain points your business solves.
Example: To boost in-store visits, IKEA implemented a campaign targeting individuals aged 22-25 within the Cardiff area. The ads promoted store visits and special offers, resulting in a 31% increase in store visits from the targeted age group and an 11% overall increase in-store visits. The campaign achieved a 6:1 return on investment, meaning for every £1 spent on media, there was a £6 return, leading to additional revenue for the local Cardiff store. (Digital Marketing Community)
Tip: Use Wishpond’s social promotions tools to collect leads directly from your ad campaigns.
Generating Leads for Local Businesses Strategy #5. Partner With Other Local Businesses
Collaborations can help you tap into another business’s customer base. Look for companies offering complementary services and create cross-promotional campaigns.
Example: the collaboration between Gold’s Gym and DrinkFit. This partnership began a decade ago and has expanded to multiple Gold’s Gym locations, including Richland, Washington, and Culpeper, Virginia. Through this collaboration, Gold’s Gym offers its members access to DrinkFit’s healthy smoothie options, enhancing the overall fitness experience and promoting wellness. (DrinkFit)
Tip: Feature your partnership on your website and social media to generate buzz.
Generating Leads for Local Businesses Strategy #6. Optimize Your Website for Mobile Users
Many local searches happen on mobile devices. Ensure your website loads quickly, looks great on smaller screens, and provides a seamless user experience.
Example: Domino’s Pizza is an example of a business optimizing its website for mobile users. Recognizing the growing importance of mobile ordering, Domino’s revamped its mobile site and app to streamline the ordering process. The platform allowed customers to customize their pizzas, track deliveries, and complete purchases with a few taps. (Future Platforms)
Results:
- Domino’s reported that over 70% of their global sales came from digital channels, with a significant portion from mobile devices.
- Their focus on a seamless mobile experience contributed to a 16% increase in year-over-year revenue.
Tip: Wishpond’s drag-and-drop editor simplifies the creation of mobile-friendly landing pages tailored to local audiences.
Generating Leads for Local Businesses Strategy #7. Host Local Events
Hosting events like workshops or community meetups boosts visibility and attracts potential leads. Ensure you collect attendees’ contact information for follow-up.
Example: Lululemon regularly hosts community yoga classes and events to engage with local communities and promote wellness. These sessions are often held in their retail stores or nearby locations, allowing participants to experience their products in action and connect with like-minded individuals. Additionally, Lululemon offers online resources and virtual classes for those interested in practicing yoga from home.
For a sample of their yoga sessions, here’s a 45-minute Vinyasa Flow Yoga Class led by Lululemon’s global ambassador, Ally Maz:
Tip: For businesses looking to organize similar events, platforms like Wishpond can help create professional event landing pages and manage post-event follow-ups, ensuring better engagement and lead generation.
Generating Leads for Local Businesses Strategy #8. Collect Leads Through Contests
Contests are an exciting way to engage your audience and capture lead data. Offer an appealing prize relevant to your business.
Example: A real-world example of a business effectively using contests to collect leads is Dove’s “Gorgeous Selfie” Contest. In this campaign, Dove encouraged participants to take a selfie holding a Dove Beauty Bar and submit it in the comments section of their Facebook giveaway post. Participants were also required to nominate a friend to enter the giveaway. The grand prize was a spa experience for two people, aligning with Dove’s target audience, which is interested in beauty and wellness. (Vyper)
Tip: Use Wishpond’s contest tools to collect email addresses while promoting your brand.
Generating Leads for Local Businesses Strategy #9. Implement a Referral Program
Encourage satisfied customers to refer friends by offering discounts or freebies. Word-of-mouth remains a powerful lead-generation tool.
Example: Dropbox’s referral program allows users to earn additional storage space by inviting others to join the platform. For each successful referral, both the referrer and the new user receive bonus storage. Dropbox Basic users earn 500 MB per referral, up to a maximum of 16 GB, while Plus users earn 1 GB per referral, up to 32 GB. (Dropbox)
Tip: Automate your referral program with Wishpond’s marketing tools to track and reward referrals seamlessly.
Generating Leads for Local Businesses Strategy #10. Email Marketing Campaigns
Email marketing remains one of the most cost-effective ways to generate leads. Share newsletters, special promotions, and updates to keep customers engaged.
Example: Charity: water has effectively utilized email marketing to boost donations and engage supporters. The organization crafted a series of personalized emails that shared compelling stories and updates about their projects, emphasizing the impact of recurring contributions. A notable example is their 2012 September Campaign, where they increased email frequency and incorporated compelling video content to connect donors with the impact of their contributions. This strategy led to an $800,000 increase in donations. (Marketing Sherpa)
For a deeper understanding of their email marketing approach, you can watch this video featuring Anthony Aurrichio, charity: water’s Retention Marketing Manager, discussing their strategies:
Tip: Use Wishpond to design, automate, and track the performance of your email campaigns.
Generating Leads for Local Businesses Strategy #11. Use Lead Magnets
Provide something valuable, like an eBook or coupon, in exchange for contact information. Ensure your lead magnet solves a common problem for your audience.
Example: Sweet Cheeks Baking Co., a boutique bakery in San Diego, offers a comprehensive “Wedding Cake Tasting Guide” to assist couples in selecting their ideal wedding cake. This guide provides insights into their unique tasting process, which allows clients to mix and match various cakes, fillings, and frostings to create a personalized flavor combination. (Sweet Cheeks Baking)
Tip: Design high-converting opt-in forms with Wishpond to collect leads effortlessly.
Generating Leads for Local Businesses Strategy #12. Offer Free Consultations
A free consultation lets potential customers experience your expertise, making them more likely to trust and hire you.
Example: Northside Plumbing, a family-owned plumbing service in Indianapolis, offers free in-home consultations to assess plumbing issues and provide repair or upgrade recommendations. This approach builds trust with local customers and has increased conversions and word-of-mouth referrals.
Tip: Create an online booking page with Wishpond to simplify scheduling consultations.
Generating Leads for Local Businesses Strategy #13. Leverage Local Directories
List your business in local directories like Yelp, TripAdvisor, and Angie’s List. Accurate information improves visibility and credibility.
Example: Joe’s Bakery & Coffee Shop in Austin, Texas, is an example of a local business effectively leveraging local directories. Established in 1962, this family-run establishment has maintained a strong presence on platforms like Yelp and TripAdvisor. By actively managing their profiles, uploading high-quality photos, and engaging with customer reviews, Joe’s Bakery has enhanced its visibility and credibility among locals and visitors.
For instance, their Yelp profile features detailed information about their menu, operating hours, and customer reviews, providing potential patrons a comprehensive overview of what to expect. Similarly, their TripAdvisor listing includes traveler reviews and ratings, establishing their reputation as a must-visit spot in Austin.
By maintaining accurate and engaging profiles on these directories, Joe’s Bakery & Coffee Shop attracts new customers and fosters a loyal community around their brand.
Tip: Include direct links to your website on directory profiles to drive traffic and capture leads.
Generating Leads for Local Businesses Strategy #14. Use Customer Testimonials
Showcasing positive reviews builds trust and encourages potential leads to reach out. Video testimonials can be incredibly effective.
Example: Bright Smile Dental, in Los Angeles, California, highlights cheerful customer experiences through a dedicated “What Our Clients Say” section on their website. This section features glowing reviews, creating a personal touch. They also share video testimonials on social media platforms like Instagram and Facebook, where patients share their experiences. This approach has strengthened inquiries and its reputation as a trusted dental clinic.
Tip: Use Wishpond to create landing pages that highlight customer success stories.
Generating Leads for Local Businesses Strategy #15. Run Limited-Time Promotions
Limited-time offers create urgency, encouraging potential customers to act quickly.
Example: The Donut Bar in San Diego, California, is an excellent example of a local business successfully running a limited-time promotion. To celebrate National Donut Day, they offered a free sprinkled donut to everyone who visited on Friday morning. This promotion was advertised through their Instagram page, using a vibrant reel to draw attention and create excitement. The Donut Bar created a sense of urgency by tying the offer to a specific day, increasing foot traffic and social media buzz.
Tip: Use countdown timers on your landing pages to emphasize deadlines.
Generating Leads for Local Businesses Strategy #16. Participate in Local Sponsorships
Sponsor local events, charities, or sports teams to increase visibility in your community.
Example: Joe’s Coffee Shop in Austin, Texas, sponsors the annual Austin Arts Festival, a beloved community event showcasing local artists and performers. As a sponsor, Joe’s Coffee Shop sets up a booth offering free samples of its signature brews and displays its branding on event signage and promotional materials. This sponsorship has significantly increased its visibility in the community and strengthened its connection with residents.
Tip: Use social media to highlight your sponsorships and connect with attendees.
Generating Leads for Local Businesses Strategy #17. Start a Blog With Local Focus
Create content addressing local interests and questions. This positions you as an authority and attracts organic traffic.
Example: Portland Nursery in Portland, Oregon, runs a blog that provides seasonal gardening tips tailored to the Pacific Northwest. One of their popular posts, “November Gardening Tips,” offers advice on preparing plants for winter, managing fallen leaves, and planting spring blooms. This blog attracts local gardening enthusiasts and reinforces Portland Nursery’s reputation as an expert resource for regional gardening advice.
Check out the post here: November Gardening Tips
Tip: Use Wishpond to create blog subscription forms and convert readers into leads.
Generating Leads for Local Businesses Strategy #18. Use Influencer Marketing
Partner with local influencers to promote your business. Their followers are likely within your target audience.
Example: The Local, a neighborhood restaurant in South Austin, Texas, has effectively utilized influencer marketing to promote its offerings. They collaborated with local food influencers who shared their dining experiences and highlighted menu items on social media platforms like Instagram. This strategy has increased their visibility and attracted new patrons.
Tip: Offer exclusive deals to influencers’ followers to track campaign performance.
Generating Leads for Local Businesses Strategy #19. Host Webinars or Live Streams
Virtual events let you showcase your expertise and engage with a broader audience. Record the session and share it for ongoing lead generation.
Example: Blossom, a Portland-based design-and-build firm, actively engages with the community by hosting webinars and live streams on interior design and landscape architecture. These sessions provide valuable insights and practical advice to homeowners and enthusiasts.
Tip: Use Wishpond to create webinar registration pages and follow-up email campaigns.
Generating Leads for Local Businesses Strategy #20. Build an Online Community
Create a Facebook group or forum to connect with potential customers. Share valuable content and engage regularly.
Example: F45 Training, a fitness franchise, is an excellent example of a local business building an online community. They create private Facebook groups for their members, where they share workout tips and success stories and host live Q&A sessions. These groups help foster a sense of community and support among members, which leads to higher retention rates and engagement.
Tip: Add a pinned post in your group directing members to your website or lead magnet.
Generating Leads for Local Businesses Strategy #21. Optimize Your Content for Voice Search
Voice search queries are often local, so focus on conversational keywords and long-tail phrases.
Example: Cleo’s Coffee & More, a café in Vadodara, optimized its online presence by incorporating conversational keywords such as “best coffee shops near me” and “where to find kerbside coffee pickup in Vadodara.” Cleo’s Coffee improved its ranking for local voice search queries by focusing on these long-tail phrases. Additionally, they added an FAQ section on their website addressing common customer inquiries, such as opening hours and dine-in availability, aligning perfectly with voice search behaviors.
Tip: Use natural, conversational language in your content and ensure your Google My Business profile is up-to-date for better voice search results.
Generating Leads for Local Businesses Strategy #22. Invest in Retargeting Ads
Retargeting ads re-engage people who visited your website but didn’t convert, keeping your business in mind.
Example: Airbnb is a clear example of a business using retargeting ads. The company utilizes Facebook and Instagram retargeting ads to bring back potential customers who had previously visited the site but have yet to book. For instance, a user who browsed vacation rentals in a specific location might later see ads featuring those properties, encouraging them to finalize their booking.
Tip: Use Wishpond’s retargeting tools to personalize ads based on user behavior.
Generating Leads for Local Businesses Strategy #23. Build an SMS Marketing Campaign
Text messages have a high open rate, making them practical for promotions, reminders, and updates.
Example: A local business using SMS marketing effectively is Orangetheory Fitness. They utilized SMS to send exclusive invitations for complimentary VIP classes, targeting potential customers. This direct engagement helped attract attendees and convert them into paying members by showcasing their offerings firsthand.
Tip: Use Wishpond to integrate SMS campaigns with your other marketing efforts.
Generating Leads for Local Businesses Strategy #24. Create Seasonal Campaigns
Tailor promotions and events to the time of year. Seasonal themes resonate with customers and create timely engagement.
Example: VioVet, a pet product retailer, is a great example. It runs an educational seasonal campaign focused on pet safety during Bonfire Night (Guy Fawkes Night in the UK). Through emails and social media posts, it shares advice and product suggestions to help customers keep their pets calm during fireworks, blending seasonal relevance with practical value.
Tip: Include festive visuals in your campaigns to capture attention.
Generating Leads for Local Businesses Strategy #25. Develop a Loyalty Program
Encourage repeat business with a program that rewards customers for frequent visits or referrals.
Example: Costco’s Membership Program rewards customers with discounts and exclusive benefits based on their subscription tier. This program fosters a sense of exclusivity and loyalty, turning occasional shoppers into repeat customers by offering significant value for their membership fees.
Tip: Automate your loyalty program with tools from Wishpond to save time.
Generating Leads for Local Businesses Strategy #26. Utilize QR Codes
Place QR codes on flyers, menus, or store signage to direct people to your website or lead magnet.
Example: Starbucks’ integration of QR codes in its mobile app is a well-documented example of using them effectively. Customers can scan QR codes to make payments, earn loyalty rewards, and receive personalized offers, making the process seamless and engaging. This strategy has been crucial in enhancing customer convenience and increasing brand loyalty.
Tip: Track QR code scans to measure campaign effectiveness.
Generating Leads for Local Businesses Strategy #27. Send Personalized Follow-Ups
After capturing a lead, send a tailored message or offer based on their preferences or behavior.
Example: MOO, an online printing service, effectively uses personalized follow-ups to engage with customers after a purchase. In the example shown, MOO sends a customized email to a customer asking for feedback through a quick survey. The email is friendly and conversational, using the recipient’s name and emphasizing the value of their opinion. By including a clear call-to-action—“Complete the survey”—and providing additional support options, MOO strengthens customer relationships and gathers valuable insights for improving its services.
Tip: Use platforms like Wishpond to automate personalized follow-up emails and integrate feedback mechanisms, making engaging with customers and refining your offerings easier.
Generating Leads for Local Businesses Strategy #28. Use Online Reviews as Marketing Tools
Highlight positive reviews in your marketing materials to build trust and credibility.
Example: LobsterGram, a seafood delivery company, is an excellent local business using online reviews as marketing tools. They incorporated a glowing customer review into their holiday email marketing campaign, using it as the centerpiece of their promotional message. By featuring authentic customer feedback, they saved time creating new copy and built trust and credibility with potential customers.
Tip: Thank customers for leaving reviews and encourage others to share their experiences.
Conclusion
Generating leads for local businesses requires creativity, strategy, and adaptability to current market trends. By implementing these 28 proven strategies, from optimizing for local SEO to running limited-time promotions, your business can attract and convert more potential customers while fostering long-term loyalty. The key is to tailor your approach to your unique audience and leverage tools like Wishpond to simplify the process.
Ready to take your local lead generation to the next level? Check out these related articles for even more insights and actionable strategies:
- Local Lead Generation: How to Attract Customers in Your Area
- Lead Generation Strategies: A Comprehensive Guide
Want to see how Wishpond can transform your lead-generation efforts? Book a free VIP demo today to explore all the tools and solutions tailored to your business.
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FAQs
Q: What is the best way to generate local leads online?
A: Focus on local SEO, social media engagement, and targeted ad campaigns. Combine these with personalized follow-ups for maximum impact.
Q: How can I measure lead generation success?
A: Use analytics tools to track website visits, ad performance, and conversion rates. Tools like Wishpond provide detailed insights to refine your strategy.
Q: Should I focus on online or offline lead generation?
A: A combination works best. Use digital marketing for reach and offline strategies like events and partnerships to connect locally.
Q: How can Wishpond help with lead generation?
A: Wishpond offers tools to create landing pages, run contests, automate emails, and track leads, making it easier to grow your business.
