I have been a business owner for about 10 years. I’ve had many different types of businesses, and with each one of them, I learned many different things. But there is one thing I learned from all of them—no matter the type or size of the business, there is one thing every business needs: LEADS/SALES.

Without sales, a business will eventually close its doors—and no business owner wants that. Fortunately, there are many different ways to get more leads for your business.

There are simple ways and not-so-simple ways. We all know that great things do not come easily, so naturally, the “not-so-simple” ways usually bring better results. But if you need leads right now and don’t have the time or skills to go big, then start with these four simple ways. Once you begin generating more sales, you can invest in a professional to take things to the next level.

I know you probably already have a notepad and pen ready and are excited to start bringing in more leads, so let’s get right to it.

Google My Business

Our first simple way to get leads is through a Google My Business account, which is an amazing tool for local businesses. You probably already have one—you just might not know how to use it to your advantage.

To find out if you have an account, simply Google your business name, just like in the screenshot below.

If you see a box on the right side with your business information, then yes—you already have a Google My Business account.

Now, the next step is accessing it. If you see the “manage this listing” link, click on it. If not, go to: https://www.google.com/business/ and try to sign in (usually using your Gmail or G Suite email and password). If that doesn’t work, you may need to contact Google support for help.

Once you gain access, the magic begins.

The key here is to use all the features available:

  • Fill in all your business information
  • Add business hours and the correct address
  • Upload photos
  • Add your services or products
  • Post updates regularly
  • Enable messaging so customers can contact you easily

When you keep your Google My Business account updated and post consistently (especially using your services as titles), it helps your business show up when people search for those services.

Also, when people find your business listing, they can message you directly—no need to call or email. Isn’t that amazing? We are all looking for ways to make things easier.

If you don’t have an account yet, go to https://www.google.com/business/, create one, and verify it. Google will send you a postcard with a code to confirm your address. Once verified, your business will start appearing on Google, and you can use all the tools mentioned above.

This is a simple step—it doesn’t require advanced skills, but it can bring your business to the most powerful search engine in the world.

SEO

Search Engine Optimization… wait, what? Yes—that’s what SEO stands for. I know, that didn’t help much, right? So let’s break it down.

Search engines are what we use to find everything. I like to call them “everyone’s best friend.” The most widely used search engine is Google, but others include Bing, Baidu, Yahoo, and more.

When you search for something, thousands of websites appear. But how do search engines decide which ones come first?

Google Algorithms

Search engines use algorithms to sort results. Some of the key factors include:

  • Speed – Faster websites rank higher
  • Keywords – Websites that include the searched terms
  • Outbound Links – Links to relevant external content
  • Backlinks – Other websites linking back to yours
  • Third-Party Profiles – Listings on platforms like Google My Business, Yelp, BBB, etc.

I know what you’re thinking… “Yolanda, this is not simple.”
And you’re right. Let me simplify it.

If you have a website, someone had to build it—maybe even you. If you built it yourself, you likely have enough skills to apply what I’m about to suggest. If not, you may want to ask your web developer for help.

And if you don’t have a website at all—my friend, I feel obligated to tell you that your business may struggle to survive long-term without one.

There are many ways to create a free or low-cost website. Just search online and you’ll find options. But if you’re ready to invest in something more professional, I’d be happy to help—just contact me.

How to Improve Your Website for Leads

First, you need keywords.
Keywords are what people type into Google when they are searching for something.

A simple way to think about it is:
Your service + your location

For example:

  • “Pest control in St. George”
  • “Termite exterminator in St. George, UT”

Once you identify at least five keywords, add them to your website content—especially in headings (H1 and H2).

Website Speed

Next, test your website speed. A slow website won’t rank well, and people will leave quickly.

Let’s be honest—no one likes a slow website. I personally close the tab immediately and move on. People don’t have time to wait.

If you use WordPress, you can install plugins like:

  • EWWW Image Optimizer
  • Smush
  • Autoptimize

These help compress images and improve speed. There are more advanced methods, but we’ll keep things simple here.

Citations

Another simple and effective strategy is citations—listing your business on directories.

You can do this manually or use software to distribute your information automatically.

Some popular directories include:
Google My Business, Facebook, LinkedIn, Yelp, YellowPages, BBB, Foursquare, Manta, and many others.

Yes, it can be a lot of work manually—but there are tools that simplify the process, such as:

  • MOZ Local
  • Yext
  • SEMrush
  • BrightLocal
  • Alignable

Alignable

There’s not much mystery with Alignable—it’s a local business networking platform.

Create a profile at alignable.com, connect with other local businesses, and introduce yourself. The free plan allows up to 10 connections per month.

I always send a personalized message when someone accepts my request. I’ve gained many clients through Alignable, and I highly recommend it.

Email Marketing

Lastly, my favorite tool for generating leads is email marketing.

It’s simple: sending offers, promotions, updates, or news to a list of contacts.

These contacts must agree to receive your emails, which can seem challenging—but it’s not as hard as it sounds.

You can build a list by offering a giveaway or promotion. Use tools or run campaigns to collect emails (with permission).

Once you have a list, you can send:

  • Promotions
  • Updates
  • News
  • Special offers

Platforms you can use include:

  • Mailchimp
  • Constant Contact
  • SendGrid
  • GetResponse

When done right, email marketing is one of the most powerful tools available.

Conclusion

I could keep going, but this article is already getting long, and I don’t want to lose your attention.

If this was all new to you—or if it felt overwhelming—I’d say it might be time to get help.

These tools are simple, but sometimes even simple things are not within our reach—and that’s okay.

Feel free to contact me for a free consultation. I will analyze your business, your current situation, and your goals, and create a strategy tailored to you.

I have solutions for every budget. No matter how much you’re willing to invest, I’ll help you find a path that brings results.

And yes—the more you invest, the better and faster the results.