You've got a website. Now what?
A lot of business owners get a website built, put it online, and then wonder why the phone isn't ringing. That's normal — a website on its own doesn't do much. It's like opening a shop on a street with no foot traffic.
The good news? There are a few simple things you can do to change that. None of them require tech skills, and most of them are free.
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1. Claim your Google Business Profile (it's free)
This is the single most important thing you can do. When someone searches "plumber near me" or "best cafe in Richmond", Google shows a map with a few businesses on it. That's your Google Business Profile.
If you haven't claimed yours yet:
- Search your business name on Google
- If you see a listing, click "Claim this business"
- If not, go to business.google.com and create one
Fill in everything. Your hours, your phone number, your services, a short description of what you do. And add real photos — of your work, your shop, your team. People want to see the real thing, not stock images.
This alone can start bringing in calls within weeks.
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2. Ask your happy customers for Google reviews
Think about how you choose a restaurant or a tradie you've never used before. You check the reviews, right? Your customers do the same thing.
The trick is: most happy customers will leave a review if you ask. They just don't think of it on their own.
After a job well done or a great visit, send them a quick text or email:
> "Hey, thanks for choosing us! If you've got a minute, a Google review would really help us out. Here's the link: [your review link]"
That's it. Do this consistently and you'll build up a stack of reviews that makes people trust you before they even call.
And reply to every review — even the good ones. A simple "Thanks, glad you're happy!" shows people you care.
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3. Make sure people can contact you easily
This sounds obvious, but you'd be surprised how many websites make it hard to get in touch. When someone lands on your site, they should be able to:
- Tap your phone number and call you (on their phone, one tap — no copying and pasting)
- Fill out a short form if they prefer not to call (just name, phone or email, and a message — keep it simple)
- See your location so they know you're actually nearby
If someone has to hunt around for your contact details, they'll just go to the next business on Google.
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4. Tell people exactly what you do and where
Your website should answer three questions within the first few seconds:
- What do you do? (e.g., "We build custom decks and pergolas")
- Where do you do it? (e.g., "Serving Melbourne's south-east suburbs")
- How do they get started? (e.g., "Call us for a free quote")
Don't try to be clever or vague. "Crafting bespoke outdoor living experiences" might sound fancy, but nobody searches for that. They search for "deck builder near me." Speak their language.
And if you offer more than one service, make sure each one is mentioned on your site. Google can only send people to you if it knows what you do.
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5. Share your website link everywhere
Your website only works if people can find it. Put the link in:
- Your email signature (every email you send is a chance for someone to click)
- Your Facebook, Instagram, and social media profiles
- Your Google Business Profile (links your listing to your site)
- Your business cards and flyers (yes, even printed ones)
- Online directories like Yellow Pages, True Local, or industry-specific ones
The more places your website appears, the more chances people have to find you — and the more Google trusts that your business is real.
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6. Post your work on social media (and link back to your site)
You don't need to become an influencer. Just share what you're already doing:
- A before-and-after photo of a job
- A quick shot of your team at work
- A happy customer's feedback (with their permission)
Add a line like "Visit our website for a free quote" with your link. This drives people from social media to your website, where they can actually contact you.
Even posting once or twice a week makes a difference over time.
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7. Keep your information up to date
Nothing kills trust faster than outdated info. If your hours change, update them. If you add a new service, put it on the site. If you move location, change your address everywhere.
And make sure your details match across Google, your website, and any directories you're listed on. If Google sees different phone numbers or addresses in different places, it gets confused and may not show you in search results.
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That's really it
No fancy tricks. No expensive ads. Just:
- Get on Google (Business Profile + reviews)
- Make your website easy to use (clear message, easy contact)
- Be visible (share your link, stay active)
- Stay consistent (keep info up to date, keep asking for reviews)
Do these things and your website will go from a digital business card collecting dust to something that actually brings in work.
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