From Quiet Days to Daily Leads: How We Helped a Sheffield Damp Proofer Shine Online

Running a small business is a bit like keeping a fire going – you’ve got to keep feeding it to stay warm. For Mark, a damp proofing expert in Sheffield, that fire was flickering. His work was spot-on – fixing leaky walls, saving homes, making customers happy – but his website was more like a damp patch than a roaring blaze. Barely any calls, no buzz, just frustration.

I’m not here to throw around big promises or techy buzzwords. I just want to share how we helped Mark turn his website into a lead-generating machine, bringing in enquiries every day. If you’re a small business owner wondering why your website’s not pulling its weight, here’s what we learned from Mark that might spark some ideas for you. 

A Chat Over a Virtual Cuppa

We got to know Mark through a video call, made dead easy by the brilliant accessibility tool from SignLive Ltd (@SignLiveLtd on LinkedIn). It let us dive straight into his business without any faff. Mark was the real deal: years of experience, a proper passion for damp proofing, and a knack for putting customers at ease. But his website, built by a mate with good intentions, was letting him down. 

“It’s like nobody knows I exist,” he said. His site had photos of his work and a contact form, but it was slow to load, clunky on phones, and invisible when you searched “damp proofing Sheffield.” I’ve felt that sting myself – pouring your heart into a business and not getting the traction you deserve – so we got to work.

With a few straightforward tweaks, Mark’s site went from ghost town to buzzing with daily leads. Here’s the story of how we did it, with three tips any small business can try. 

Tip 1: Show Up Where Your Customers Look

Mark’s website had all the right pieces – his services, a bit about his team – but it was like a shop with the shutters down. If locals couldn’t find him on Google, he was missing out on people who needed his help. 

We focused on getting his site to pop up when folks searched “damp proofing Sheffield.” That meant making it load faster (nobody sticks around for a slow page) and weaving in local keywords so Google knew he was the go-to guy in Sheffield. We also polished his Google My Business profile – that box on maps with your address and reviews – to make him stand out. 

A few months later, Mark’s site was on Google’s first page, and his phone was ringing with enquiries. The takeaway? Your website needs to be where your customers are searching. Try Googling what you do plus your town – if you’re not near the top, that’s your starting point. 

Tip 2: Make Your Site Feel Like a Warm Handshake

Mark’s old site was a bit of a slog to use, especially on mobiles. Forms were fiddly, and the design didn’t scream “trust me.” Customers want a website that’s easy to navigate and feels like the person behind it cares about their problem. 

We gave his site a refresh: crisp photos of his damp-proofing jobs, a clear “Get a Quote” button, and a layout that worked just as well on a phone as a computer. We added a few lines about his experience and some happy customer reviews to show he was legit. It wasn’t about making it flashy – it was about making it feel like Mark’s business: honest, reliable, ready to roll. 

Your website’s your first impression. It doesn’t need to be a masterpiece, but it should be simple to use and show why you’re the one to call. Pull up your site on your phone – if it’s a hassle to navigate, it’s probably pushing customers away. 

Tip 3: Let Your Expertise Shine

Mark was a damp proofing pro, but his website didn’t show it off. Customers want to know you’re not just another tradie – they want someone who gets their problem. 

We started sharing a short post every month on his site – stuff like “How to Tell If Your Sheffield Home Has Damp” or “Why Spring Leaks Catch You Out.” These weren’t novels, just quick tips that proved Mark knew his stuff. They also helped his site climb Google’s rankings because search engines love fresh, helpful content. 

You don’t need to be a wordsmith. A simple post about what you do – like “5 Signs Your Plumbing’s About to Pack In” if you’re a plumber – can build trust and bring in more clicks. Share a bit of what you know, and customers will start seeing you as their go-to. 

Why We Do This

Helping Mark was a proper reminder of why I started Leads Nurtured. Small businesses like his are what make Sheffield special – real people, real graft, real impact. Seeing his website go from silent to buzzing with leads wasn’t about some fancy trick; it was about small changes that let his hard work shine through. 

If your website’s feeling more like a chore than a help, don’t stress. Ask yourself: Is it showing up on Google? Is it easy for customers to use? Does it show why you’re brilliant? If the answer’s no, there’s room to grow. A quick trick: search for your business like a customer would and see what you find. If it’s not what you’d hope, you can fix it. 

At Leads Nurtured, we’re all about helping businesses like Mark’s get found by the right people. If you’re curious about how we can give your website a lift, check out our services or drop us a line. And if you’ve got a website niggle driving you up the wall, leave a comment below – what’s the one thing holding you back? I’ll share a quick tip to get you moving. 

Here’s to firing up Sheffield’s small businesses, one lead at a time.