Getting leads for your local business doesn’t have to be a mystery. Some strategies are quick and easy, while others take time and effort. To help you out, I’ve ranked each method on a scale of 1 to 5—where 5 is super easy and 1 is more challenging. Let’s dive in!
1. Google My Business (GMB) Optimization – Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (Easy)
Why It’s Great
- Shows your business in Google searches and on Maps.
- Helps you appear when people search for services “near me.”
- Encourages customer reviews, which build trust.
Downside
- Requires regular updates and reviews.
- Can be competitive in busy areas.
Pro Tip: Keep your profile updated with fresh photos, posts, and offers. Encourage happy customers to leave reviews.
2. Facebook & Instagram Ads – Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (Fairly Easy)
Why It’s Great
- Allows precise targeting based on location, interests, and behavior.
- Works fast—ads can bring leads within hours.
- Budget-friendly—you can start with as little as R100 per day.
Downside
- Requires testing to find the right audience and message.
- Can be costly if not optimized properly.
- Pro Tip: Use lead generation forms directly in Facebook Ads to collect contact details easily.
3. Local SEO (Search Engine Optimization) – Rating: ⭐⭐⭐ (Moderate)
Why It’s Great
- Helps your business rank higher on Google without paying for ads.
- Long-term traffic source once done right.
- Increases trust and credibility.
Downside
- Takes time to see results (months, not days).
- Requires knowledge of keywords, backlinks, and website optimization.
Pro Tip: Focus on “near me” searches and local keywords like “best carpet cleaner in Pretoria.”
4. Referral Partnerships with Other Businesses – Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (Easy)
Why It’s Great
- Free or very low-cost.
- Builds strong relationships with other local businesses.
- Generates high-quality leads through word-of-mouth.
Downside
- Requires networking and follow-ups.
- Might take time to find the right partnerships.
Pro Tip: Partner with businesses that serve the same audience but aren’t competitors. A real estate agent could refer clients to a home cleaning service, for example.
5. Email Marketing to Existing Customers – Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (Fairly Easy)
Why It’s Great
- Keeps your business top of mind.
- Encourages repeat business and referrals.
- Very low cost compared to ads.
Downside
- Requires an email list to start.
- Open rates and engagement can vary.
Pro Tip: Offer a discount or special deal to encourage customers to sign up for your emails.
6. Running a Contest or Giveaway – Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (Fairly Easy)
Why It’s Great
- Attracts a lot of attention quickly.
- Encourages social sharing and engagement.
- Can build your email list or social media following fast.
Downside
- Can attract people who just want free stuff and not real customers.
- Needs a clear follow-up strategy to turn entries into leads.
Pro Tip: Require participants to tag friends or share the post to increase reach. Offer a prize relevant to your business (e.g., free service or discount).
7. Cold Calling & Door-to-Door Sales – Rating: ⭐⭐ (Hard)
Why It’s Great
- Works well for high-ticket services.
- You control the number of people you reach.
- Personal interaction builds trust.
Downside
- Can be time-consuming and emotionally draining.
- Many people don’t like unsolicited calls or visits.
Pro Tip: Focus on businesses or homeowners who actually need your service. A well-researched approach increases success rates.
8. Hosting a Free Workshop or Event – Rating: ⭐⭐ (Hard)
Why It’s Great
- Positions you as an expert.
- Attracts engaged leads genuinely interested in your service.
- Builds trust and relationships.
Downside
- Requires planning, promotion, and execution.
- Can be difficult to get people to attend.
Pro Tip: Partner with a local business to co-host and share the promotional workload.
Final Thoughts About Local Business Lead Generation
If you’re looking for the easiest ways to get more local leads, start with Google My Business, Facebook Ads, and referral partnerships. They’re quick to set up and can bring in results fast.
If you’re up for the challenge, SEO and events can build long-term authority and trust.