The Online Fundamentals Every Business Needs to Win More Enquiries

For most customers, the journey to choosing a business starts online. Whether they find you through Google, social media, or a recommendation, your online presence often decides whether they contact you — or move on to a competitor.

Covering the fundamentals doesn’t require a huge budget or complex systems, but it does require consistency, clarity, and a focus on what customers actually need when they are ready to enquire.

1. A clear, professional website

Your website is your digital shopfront. It should quickly answer three questions:

• What do you do?
• Who do you help?
• How can someone contact you?

A good website loads quickly, works well on mobile devices, is easy to navigate, and clearly explains your services. Clear calls to action — such as enquiry forms, phone numbers, and email links — make it simple for potential customers to get in touch.

2. Search engine visibility (SEO)

Search engine optimisation ensures your business appears when people actively search for the services you provide. This includes:

• Targeting the right keywords for your services and locations
• Well-structured pages with clear headings and content
• Fast page speeds and mobile-friendly design
• Accurate business information across the web

Strong SEO helps you attract high-intent enquiries — people already looking for what you offer — before they find your competitors.

3. Social media that supports your business

Social media isn’t just about posting regularly; it’s about reinforcing trust. Consistent, professional content shows potential customers that your business is active, credible, and approachable.

This can include showcasing recent work, answering common questions, sharing reviews, and reminding people how to contact you. When someone checks your social profiles after finding your website, they should see a business that looks established and responsive.

4. Paid advertising for faster results

While SEO builds long-term visibility, paid advertising can generate enquiries quickly. Platforms such as Google Ads and social media ads allow you to target specific locations, services, and audiences.

Well-managed paid ads place your business in front of potential customers at the exact moment they are searching or ready to act — helping you compete effectively, even in crowded markets.

5. Professional imagery and content

High-quality photography and visual content can make the difference between a visitor staying on your site or leaving. Professional images build trust, set expectations, and help your business stand out.

Whether it’s staff photos, completed projects, products, or premises, good visuals support every part of your online presence — from your website to social media and advertising.

Consistency is the real advantage

Many businesses lose enquiries not because they are bad at what they do, but because their online presence is incomplete or inconsistent. When your website, search visibility, social media, and advertising all work together, customers are far more likely to contact you first.

How I can help

I work with businesses to establish and maintain a strong, joined-up online presence that generates enquiries and supports growth. My services include:

• Web design: clear, fast, mobile-friendly websites built to convert visitors into enquiries
• SEO: improving search visibility for your services and locations
• Social media management: consistent, professional content that builds trust
• Paid ads management: targeted campaigns designed to deliver measurable results
• Professional photography: high-quality imagery that strengthens your brand

By covering the fundamentals properly and managing them consistently, I help businesses attract more enquiries, grow sustainably, and ensure potential customers contact them before they contact their competitors.

Bonus Tips

If you've made it this far, here are some bonus tips as a reward!

Google My Business Page

1. Claim your listing or create it if it doesn't exist already to establish a presence on Google Maps.
2. Make sure as much information is filled out as possible with a unique business description that isn't copied and pasted from your website. Avoid wild claims of "being the best" and over-selling yourself. Keep it accurate and informational rather than focusing on self-promotion.
3. Add plenty of quality photos and your logo.
4. Encourage customers to review your business by sharing the invite URL via email or even have a QR code for customers to scan in your shop/restaurant/bar etc.
5. Respond to ALL reviews as soon as possible.

Social Media

1. Use quality imagery.
2. Post in different formats: Photos, videos, reels.
3. Vary your messages: promotions, news, reviews, use humour where appropriate, engage with your customers.
4. SHARE TO LOCAL AND RELEVENT FACEBOOK GROUPS - the biggest tip I can give to maximise your exposure for free.

Website

1. Make sure it loads fast.
2. Make sure it's easily legible on mobile devices (usually websites are visited from a phone more than 80% of the time).
3. Make sure your contact details are always on display either in the header or footer or as floating side buttons.
4. Keep information brief and use quality imagery.

Paid Ads

1. For Google, research what your potential customers search for online to target those keywords.
2. Use "specific match" keywords rather than "broad" keywords to avoid your budget being eaten up from people not specifically looking for your product or service.
3. Use quality imagery.
4. Use engaging, positive language and keep your message brief.