How To Get More Customers for Your Small Business in 2025

If your local or service-based business isn’t getting many inquiries right now, you’re not alone. But here’s the truth: clients won’t magically find you just because you have a business. If you’re looking to get more customers for your small business, it will require an intentional, well-rounded marketing strategy, and that’s exactly what we’re diving into today.

As a small business owner myself, I understand the struggle. This post won’t be about gimmicks or quick hacks, but rather practical, effective strategies you can start using right away to attract more leads and build long-term visibility.

Let’s break down five (5) of the most common mistakes holding you back, and how to correct each one.

How to get more customers for your small business:

To get more customers in 2025, small businesses should focus on optimizing their website, using lead magnets, improving local SEO, engaging consistently on key platforms, and following up with leads promptly. These steps help you build trust, increase visibility, and convert interest into inquiries. Let’s start with the first one.

1. Stop Relying Only on Social Media

Posting on Instagram or TikTok might be fun, but social media alone isn’t a reliable lead generation system. It’s just one part of your overall marketing ecosystem. Only relying on social media for inquiries and customers assumes that all your target customers are on social media, and we know that is never the case.

FIX: What should I do instead of relying on social media for customers?

Build a complete lead generation strategy that includes:

• Optimizing your website for SEO
• Listing your business on third-party directories like Yelp or Eventective, to name a few.
• Using platforms like Pinterest and Google Business Profile to drive targeted local traffic

These strategies will help new clients find you on the platforms they’re already searching. Then, more visibility will equal more leads.

Also Read: 100 Places to Market Your Business

2. Fix Your Website So It Converts Visitors into Clients

A great-looking website is a good start, but if it’s not getting you inquiries, it’s not doing its job. It’s important to look beyond aesthetics when it comes to your website, to ensure it’s also addressing the questions your potential customers are trying to get answered.

FIX: How can I make my website convert better?

Review your website with a client’s eye. Ask yourself:

• Is your message clear within 10 seconds?
• Do you have obvious, compelling calls to action (like “Book a Call”)?
• Can someone easily figure out how to contact you?
• Are your services and pricing easy to find?

Confusion leads to lost inquiries. Your website should guide visitors smoothly from landing to inquiry.

Need help figuring out where your leads are dropping off? Get a free Lead Generation Audit and get actionable insights tailored to your business.

3. Start Actively Engaging With Your Leads

Posting and disappearing just won’t cut it in 2025. Whether you’re on social media or vendor directories, engagement is what drives connection, trust, and visibility.

FIX: How can I better engage with leads online?

Spend 15–20 minutes a day engaging where your leads hang out:

• Reply to DMs, comments, and inquiries in real time
• Keep your Google Business Profile fresh with photos and posts
• Update and respond quickly to leads on directory platforms

Staying active tells both the algorithm and your audience that your business is alive and trustworthy.

4. Replace Your Generic Newsletter With a High-Value Lead Magnet

“Join my newsletter” just isn’t compelling enough in 2025. Most people won’t hand over their email for vague updates. Gone are the days of signing up for newsletters just because. An email address is a valuable commodity, and with the increased level of spam, generic newsletter requests will not bring you customers.

FIX: What should I offer instead of a generic newsletter?

Offer something valuable in exchange for their email. For example:

• A pricing or service guide
• A venue tour question guide
• A list of questions to ask your therapists

Then connect that freebie to an automated email sequence. The sequence could look something like this:

• Email #1: Deliver the download
• Email #2: Introduce yourself and how you help
• Email #3: Share a client success story
• Email #4: Offer additional tips and invite them to book a call

This kind of nurturing builds trust and helps leads get to know your brand. And if you’re looking for an email program that can help you automate and deliver your lead magnet, I highly recommend Flodesk (also get 50% off!).

5. Follow Up With Leads Promptly

A lot of businesses lose clients not because they weren’t a good fit, but because they didn’t follow up. The truth is, if it comes down to you and a competitor, all things being equal, the most responsive business usually wins.

FIX: How can I follow up with leads more effectively?

Create a system that keeps you consistent:

• Use CRM tools like HoneyBook or Aisle Planner to automate reminders
• Schedule calendar follow-ups 3 days after sending a proposal
• Use tools like Boomerang to track unanswered emails

Timely follow-ups can turn interest into bookings, without you chasing every lead manually.

Not sure if your current efforts are working? Let me take a look. Request your free Lead Generation Audit and I’ll send you a personalized video breakdown.

6. Bonus Tip: Tap Into Local SEO

If you serve clients in a specific region or city, local SEO is a must. It helps your business show up in “near me” searches where people are ready to buy and actively looking for service providers. Essentially, local SEO helps you target high-intent leads who are actively looking for what you offer.

How do I get started with local SEO?

• Set up or optimize your Google Business Profile (including categories, photos, and a clear service description)
• Use keywords like “[your service] in [City]” on your website and blog
• Submit your business to local directories or industry-specific listings
• Encourage satisfied clients to leave Google reviews

7. Quick Wins You Can Implement Today

The idea of fixing a list of things in your business at once might feel overwhelming. Just remember, you don’t need to overhaul everything overnight. Here are five simple actions you can take right now to get started:

• Add a strong CTA above the fold on your homepage
• Update one old blog post with a clearer offer
• Submit your business to one new directory
• Follow up with three past inquiries
• Post a new photo or update to your Google Business Profile

That’s it. Small actions add up to serious momentum in the long run.

Your Next Step: Get More Customers for Your Small Business

If any of these mistakes sounded familiar, don’t worry, you’re not alone. Every business owner has been there. I’ve owned this business for over a decade, and I also struggled with this. What matters is how you respond to problems in your business. I often remind my clients that marketing is not a one-time task. To stay consistently booked, you do need to always be marketing. If well-known brands like McDonald’s and Walmart still market, then you should too.

If you would like personalized help fixing your lead generation strategy, then grab a free Lead Generation Audit. I’ll send you a custom video showing where you might be losing leads and how to fix it.

Marketing doesn’t have to be complicated, but it does need to be strategic. Let’s fix the gaps in your funnel and fill your inbox with dream clients.

By the way, I’m Jody-Ann Rowe, Founder of the EC, a digital marketing agency. If you need help with SEO, blogging, or lead generation, let’s talk. My team offers done-for-you content marketing for service-based and local businesses ready to grow.