Generating leads remains the lifeblood of any business. In 2025, the landscape keeps evolving, with digital channels expanding and consumer behaviour shifting rapidly. Securing a steady flow of qualified leads demands a clear strategy, practical tactics, and ongoing effort.
This article breaks down ten essential steps to build a strong system to generate leads that works for a wide range of UK businesses. The approach focuses on local presence, targeted content, smart advertising, partnerships, and more.
1. Build a strong local SEO foundation
Many customers want to deal with companies they trust and that are nearby. Your online presence should clearly reflect your location and community involvement.
To get leads for your business, start by optimising your Google Business Profile. Make sure all your details are correct and your categories match what you offer. Add quality photos of your premises, team, or products, and encourage satisfied clients to leave positive reviews mentioning your location.
On your website, create localised landing pages tailored to the areas you serve. These pages should highlight testimonials, case studies, or projects relevant to each location, alongside specific services or offers.
Adding local schema markup on these pages helps search engines associate your business with the right places, boosting your visibility for location-specific searches.
2. Create content that matches buyer intent
Content marketing still drives traffic, but only when it answers questions or solves problems your prospects already have.
Identify common queries related to your product or service by using keyword research tools or reviewing customer FAQs. For example, if you run a cleaning service, look for phrases like “best carpet cleaners in Manchester” or “how often should I clean my office?”
Develop blog posts, guides, and FAQ pages that directly address these topics. Include clear calls to action, such as booking a consultation, requesting a quote, or downloading a helpful resource.
Showcasing your credentials, guarantees, or customer feedback throughout your content builds trust and encourages visitors to take the next step.
3. Use Google Ads for immediate results
Organic efforts take time, but Google Ads allow you to connect with people actively searching for your services.
In 2025, competition for paid search remains high, so focus your budget on keywords with strong buying intent—terms that suggest the user is ready to hire or purchase.
Avoid broad, vague keywords. Instead, opt for specific phrases like “emergency plumbing in Bristol” or “commercial cleaning quotes London.”
Create tailored landing pages for your ads that provide clear, concise information and easy contact options. Regularly monitor performance and exclude irrelevant search terms to maximise your return.
4. Provide useful, authoritative information to build trust and boost SEO
Becoming a reliable source of helpful information positions your business as an expert and improves your search engine rankings.
Create a resource hub or knowledge centre on your website featuring detailed guides, how-to articles, and answers to frequently asked questions related to your industry. Focus on content that solves problems and adds value, not just sales pitches.
Publishing regular, well-researched articles helps your site attract organic traffic from people seeking advice. This increases the chances they’ll turn to you when ready to buy.
Additionally, include data-backed insights, case studies, or industry updates. Linking to reputable external sources and citing your own experience strengthens credibility.
This approach not only drives leads but also builds long-term trust with your audience.
5. Build partnerships with complementary businesses
Collaborations can introduce your business to new, relevant audiences without high advertising costs.
Identify local businesses or professionals whose customers might also need your services. For instance, a landscaping company could partner with a garden centre or a property management firm.
Propose referral arrangements or co-marketing campaigns, such as joint social media posts or combined service packages.
These partnerships increase your credibility and widen your reach through trusted sources.
6. Use direct outreach to target business clients
For companies selling to other businesses, inbound leads may be limited. A proactive approach can fill the gap.
Compile a targeted list of potential clients using directories, LinkedIn, or business databases. Craft personalised emails or LinkedIn messages that focus on the benefits your service offers, supported by relevant case studies.
Follow up consistently but respectfully, keeping communications brief and value-focused. Track interactions in a CRM system to prioritise hot leads.
7. Create effective lead magnets
Lead magnets remain one of the most reliable tools for capturing contact information and nurturing prospects.
Develop valuable content or offers that your audience wants in exchange for their details. Examples include how-to guides, checklists, templates, discount codes, or access to exclusive webinars.
Make sure your lead magnet directly relates to the problems your customers face and positions your business as the go-to solution.
Promote your lead magnets through your website, social media, and paid ads. Once someone downloads or claims your offer, follow up with helpful emails to build trust and move them closer to purchasing.
Tip: Ask ChatGPT for the exact steps for your funnel.
8. Ask for referrals
Satisfied customers are often willing to recommend your services—but they need a nudge.
Implement a simple referral programme or just ask directly after delivering a positive experience. For example, send a polite email thanking the client and inviting them to pass your details to friends or colleagues who might benefit.
Consider offering incentives, such as discounts, gift cards, or exclusive perks, to encourage referrals.
Word-of-mouth remains powerful because recommendations from trusted sources carry more weight than any ad.
9. Make your brand memorable
Standing out helps potential clients remember you when they’re ready to buy.
Maintain a consistent brand style across all platforms — logo, colours, tone of voice, and messaging. Use genuine photos and stories rather than generic stock images.
Ensure your website is mobile-friendly, fast-loading, and easy to navigate. Invest in professional signage if you have a physical location or vehicles.
This consistency builds confidence and keeps your business top of mind.
10. Continuously test and improve
Markets and consumer behaviours shift constantly, so it pays to keep refining your tactics for generating leads.
Experiment with different advertising messages, landing page layouts, lead magnets, and follow-up sequences.
Use analytics tools to measure which channels and campaigns bring the best leads. Drop what doesn’t work and scale what does.
Treat the process to get leads as an ongoing one, not a one-off project.
‘How do I get leads?’ It’s not a trick
There is no shortcut to getting leads for your business. There is no trick. Generating leads in 2025 requires combining online visibility, targeted content, paid advertising, partnerships, and direct outreach. Consistency and adaptability unlock the best results.
By building trust, making it easy for prospects to engage, and following up promptly, your business will establish a strong pipeline of new opportunities, regardless of the industry.
Need help with the process of getting leads for your business?