Why Your Small Business Website Isn’t Getting Traffic (And How to Fix It)

Shaun Sadlier • 3 April 2025

You’ve poured your heart into your small business—maybe you’re a plumber in Bristol, a café owner in Leeds, or a retailer in Manchester. You’ve even got a website up and running, but there’s a problem: no one’s visiting it. You check your analytics (if you even know where to look), and the numbers are dismal. It’s frustrating, isn’t it? I’ve been there myself, staring at a screen wondering why my hard work isn’t paying off.

At Leads Nurtured, we’ve helped countless small businesses turn their websites from ghost towns into bustling hubs of activity. In this blog, I’ll walk you through the most common reasons your small business website isn’t getting traffic—and, more importantly, how to fix it. From poor SEO to outdated design, we’ll cover it all, with practical solutions you can start using today. Let’s get your website the attention it deserves.

The Pain of a Website That Doesn’t Work

I’ll never forget working with Mike, a plumber in Bristol. He’d built a website for his business a few years back, hoping it would bring in new customers. But when we met, he was at his wit’s end. “I’ve got this website, but no one’s calling,” he told me over a cuppa. “I might as well not have one at all.” Mike’s story isn’t unique—many small business owners feel the same way. You’ve invested time and money into your site, but if it’s not getting traffic, it’s not doing its job.

The good news? There are clear reasons why this happens, and they’re fixable. At Leads Nurtured, we helped Mike turn things around with a fresh website and some simple SEO tweaks, and within a few months, his phone was ringing off the hook. Let’s dive into the reasons your website might be struggling—and how you can fix it.

Reason 1: Your Website Isn’t Optimised for SEO

Search engine optimisation (SEO) is the process of making your website more visible on search engines like Google. If your site isn’t optimised, it’s like having a shop in the middle of nowhere with no signs pointing to it. One of the biggest SEO challenges is link building—41% of SEO experts say it’s the toughest part of their job (HubSpot, 2013). Without links from other websites pointing to yours, Google doesn’t see your site as trustworthy, and it won’t rank well.

How to Fix It:

Start with On-Page SEO: Make sure your website includes keywords your customers are searching for, like “Bristol plumber” or “Leeds café.” Add these to your homepage, service pages, and blog posts.
Create Regular Content: Blogging is a fantastic way to boost SEO. Each blog post is a new page for Google to index, and it can attract links naturally. All our packages at Leads Nurtured include blog creation—1 blog/month with Pulse (£150/month), 2 with Surge, and 5 with Nova. We helped Mike by writing a blog on “How to Spot a Leaky Pipe Before It’s Too Late,” which brought in new visitors searching for plumbing tips.
Build Links: Reach out to local directories (like Yell or Yelp) or partner with other local businesses to get links to your site. This signals to Google that your business is legit.

Reason 2: Your Website Design Is Outdated

Let’s be honest: if your website looks like it’s from the early 2000s, customers will click away faster than you can say “dial-up.” An outdated design isn’t just about aesthetics—it affects how Google ranks your site, too. If your site isn’t mobile-friendly or takes ages to load, Google will push it down the search results. Over 50% of web traffic comes from mobile devices (Statista, 2024), so if your site isn’t responsive, you’re losing half your potential visitors.

How to Fix It:

Refresh Your Design: A modern, clean design can make all the difference. With our Pulse package, we’ll build you a Duda website with up to 10 pages, optimised for mobile and local SEO. After 12 months, the website is yours to keep—no strings attached.
Improve Load Speed: Use tools like Google PageSpeed Insights to check your site’s speed. Compress images, enable browser caching, and remove unnecessary plugins to make it faster.
Make It Mobile-Friendly: Test your site on your phone. Can you navigate easily? If not, it’s time for an update. We include mobile optimisation in all our packages, ensuring your site looks great on any device.

Reason 3: Your Website Lacks Fresh Content

Google loves fresh content—it’s a sign your website is active and relevant. If your site hasn’t been updated in years, or if it’s just a static “brochure” with your contact details, you’re not giving Google (or your customers) a reason to visit. Regular content, like blog posts, can attract new visitors and keep them coming back.

How to Fix It:

Start Blogging: Write about topics your customers care about. A café could blog about “The Best Spring Coffee Recipes,” while a plumber might write “5 Tips to Prevent Frozen Pipes in Winter.” We helped Mike the plumber by adding a monthly blog to his site, which brought in new visitors searching for plumbing advice.
Update Existing Pages: Refresh your homepage or service pages with new photos, testimonials, or seasonal offers. Our Nova package (£500/month) includes two hours of monthly content updates, so we can keep your site fresh for you.
Add a Blog Section: If your site doesn’t have a blog, it’s time to add one. Our Pulse package includes 1 blog/month, helping you attract more traffic and rank higher on Google.

Reason 4: Your Website Isn’t Secure

Security is a big deal for both Google and your customers. If your website doesn’t have an SSL certificate (you’ll know because the URL starts with “http” instead of “https”), Google will flag it as “not secure,” and visitors might see a warning before they even reach your site. This can tank your traffic and scare away potential customers.

How to Fix It:

Get an SSL Certificate: An SSL certificate encrypts data between your website and your visitors, making it secure. All Leads Nurtured packages include a free SSL certificate, so you don’t have to worry about this.
Display Trust Signals: Add badges like “Secure Checkout” or “SSL Protected” to your site to reassure visitors. This builds trust and encourages them to stay.
Keep Software Updated: If your site runs on a platform like WordPress, make sure plugins and themes are up to date to prevent security issues. Our web maintenance (included in all packages) handles this for you.

Reason 5: You’re Not Promoting Your Website

Even the best website won’t get traffic if no one knows it exists. Many small business owners make the mistake of launching a site and then… doing nothing. You need to promote your website actively to drive traffic and get noticed.

How to Fix It:

Use Social Media: Share your website link on platforms like Instagram, Facebook, or Twitter. Post about new blogs, promotions, or events to drive clicks. We can help amplify your social efforts with our Surge package (£300/month), which includes Google My Business management.
Leverage Email Marketing: Send a newsletter to your customers with a link to your site. For example, “Check out our new spring menu on our website!” Our Nova package includes AI tools to automate email marketing.
Add Your URL Everywhere: Put your website link on your business cards, email signature, and even your shop window. Every little bit helps.

Reason 6: Your Website Isn’t Localised

If you’re a local business, your website needs to reflect that. Customers searching for “hairdresser near me” or “plumber in Bristol” want to see businesses in their area. If your site doesn’t include local signals, Google won’t show it in local search results.

How to Fix It:

Add Your Location: Include your city or area in your homepage title, meta description, and content (e.g., “Bristol’s Best Plumber”).
Create Local Content: Write blogs about local events or news, like “Top 5 Things to Do in Leeds This Spring.” We can help with this through our blog creation services.
Optimise for Local SEO: Our Pulse package includes local SEO for one area, ensuring your site ranks for searches like “near me.” We did this for Mike, helping him rank for “Bristol plumber” and bringing in more local calls.

A Checklist for Website Updates

Ready to turn your website around? Here’s a quick checklist to get started:

Optimise for SEO: Add relevant keywords to your pages and start blogging regularly.
Refresh Your Design: Update your site with a modern, mobile-friendly design.
Improve Load Speed: Use tools like Google PageSpeed Insights to make your site faster.
Add an SSL Certificate: Ensure your site is secure with “https” (included in all Leads Nurtured packages).
Create Fresh Content: Add new blogs or update existing pages with seasonal offers.
Promote Your Site: Share your website on social media, in emails, and on your business cards.
Localise Your Site: Include your location in your content and optimise for local SEO.

How Leads Nurtured Helped Mike the Plumber

Let’s go back to Mike, the Bristol plumber. When we started working with him, his website was outdated, not mobile-friendly, and nowhere to be found on Google. We used our Pulse package to build him a new Duda website, optimised for local SEO with keywords like “Bristol plumber.”

We added a blog section and wrote a monthly post to attract new visitors. We also ensured his site was secure with an SSL certificate and promoted it on his Google My Business profile (a service in our Surge package). Within three months, Mike’s traffic had tripled, and he was getting more calls than ever. He told me, “I actually had time to take my lad to footie practice last week—thanks to you lot taking the stress off!” That’s the kind of impact we want for every small business we work with.

Why Choose Leads Nurtured to Boost Your Website Traffic?

At Leads Nurtured, we’re not just about building websites—we’re about building your business. Our Pulse package (£150/month) is the perfect starting point: a mobile-friendly Duda website with up to 10 pages, local SEO, a free SSL certificate, and 1 blog/month to boost your traffic. After 12 months, the website is yours to keep. Ready to get more visitors to your site? Let’s have a natter—no pressure, just a friendly chat about how we can help.

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5 Simple Ways Stoke-on-Trent Businesses Can Attract More Local Customers Online

by Shaun Sadlier • 22 April 2025

Grow your Stoke-on-Trent business with 5 simple online tips! Boost local SEO, get reviews, and shine online. Free guide from Leads Nurtured.

Local SEO: Why the Long Game is Worth it for SEO

by Shaun Sadlier • 22 April 2025

In the dynamic landscape of digital marketing, local SEO has become an essential strategy for businesses aiming to enhance their online presence and visibility in search results. Unlike general SEO, which targets a broader audience, local SEO focuses specifically on optimizing your business for local search queries. This article delves into the significance of local SEO, its long-term benefits, and strategies that can empower small businesses to flourish in their respective markets. What is Local SEO and Why is it Important for Small Businesses? Understanding Local SEO and Its Benefits Local SEO refers to the process of optimizing a business's online presence to attract more customers from relevant local searches. This includes utilizing local keywords and ensuring your business is accurately represented in local listings. The importance of local SEO for small businesses cannot be overstated; it is a crucial part of any effective marketing strategy . By optimizing for local search, small business owners can increase their visibility in search results when potential customers are looking for products or services nearby. This not only drives foot traffic but also enhances brand recognition within the community. How Local SEO Boosts Your Visibility in Search Results When it comes to local search, search engines like Google prioritize businesses that have a well-optimized online presence. By implementing a robust local SEO strategy, businesses can significantly improve their ranking in local search results. This increased visibility means that when local customers search for relevant services, your business is more likely to appear at the top of the results. This visibility is crucial, especially since many consumers tend to choose one of the first few listings they see. Therefore, investing in local SEO is not just about being found; it’s about being found first. Common Local SEO Mistakes to Avoid Even with the best intentions, many small businesses fall into common pitfalls when it comes to local SEO. One major mistake is neglecting to claim and optimize your Google Business Profile. Without a complete and accurate listing, your business may struggle to appear in local search results. Another common error is failing to use local keywords in your content. Keywords should be tailored to reflect local search behavior. Additionally, ignoring customer reviews can be detrimental; they play a significant role in local SEO ranking. Avoiding these mistakes is essential for optimizing your local search visibility and achieving SEO success. How Can I Optimize My Google Business Profile for Better Local Search Ranking? Essential Elements of an Effective Google Business Profile Your Google Business Profile is a critical component of your local SEO strategy. To optimize your profile effectively, ensure that all business information is accurate, including your name, address, phone number, and business hours. High-quality images showcasing your products or services can significantly enhance your profile’s appeal. Moreover, including a detailed business description with relevant keywords can help improve your local search ranking. Regularly updating your profile with posts about promotions or events can also keep your audience engaged and inform search engines of your active presence. Tips for Optimizing Your Business Profile to Increase Visibility To further increase visibility, consider using Google Posts to share updates directly on your business profile . This feature allows you to communicate with potential customers in real-time. Additionally, utilizing the Q&A section can help address common inquiries, providing valuable information to searchers and demonstrating your commitment to customer service. Engaging with customers through responses to reviews not only boosts your profile's credibility but also enhances local SEO rankings. Ultimately, the more information you provide and the more interactions you foster, the better your visibility in local search results. How to Use Customer Reviews to Enhance Your Local SEO Customer reviews are a powerful tool in local SEO optimization. Positive reviews enhance your business’s credibility and can influence potential customers' decisions. To leverage reviews effectively, encourage satisfied customers to leave feedback on your Google Business Profile. Responding to reviews, both positive and negative, showcases your excellent customer service and can strengthen your relationship with your audience. Additionally, Google considers the quantity and quality of reviews in its ranking algorithm, making it imperative for businesses to actively manage their reputation online. What Are the Key Strategies for Local SEO Optimization? Keyword Research Techniques for Local Businesses Keyword research is a fundamental aspect of any effective SEO strategy, particularly for local businesses. Start by identifying local keywords that your target audience is likely to use when searching for your services. Tools like Google Keyword Planner can help discover relevant keywords with significant search volume. Incorporating these local keywords into your website content, blog posts, and Google Business Profile can enhance your optimization efforts and improve your chances of ranking higher in local search results. How to Create High-Quality Content for Local SEO Creating high-quality content is vital for local SEO success. Businesses should focus on producing valuable content that addresses local interests and queries. This can include blog posts about local events, how-to guides that relate to your services, or community stories that highlight your business's connection to the area. High-quality content not only engages your audience but also encourages backlinks, which are essential for improving your overall SEO ranking. Consistent content creation that aligns with local search intent can set your business apart from competitors. The Importance of Backlinks in Local SEO Backlinks play a crucial role in the effectiveness of your local SEO strategy. They signify to search engines that your website is a reliable source of information. Building relationships with local businesses and organizations can lead to opportunities for backlinks from reputable sites. Local news outlets, blogs, and community forums are excellent platforms for earning backlinks. The more high-quality backlinks you acquire, the more authoritative your site becomes, which ultimately improves your ranking in local search results. Why is Local SEO Considered a Long Game, and How Can I Measure Its ROI? Understanding the Long-Term Benefits of Local SEO Investing in local SEO is undoubtedly a long game, but the benefits are worth the wait. Unlike traditional advertising methods that deliver immediate results, local SEO requires consistent effort and time to build momentum. However, once your business establishes a solid online presence, the returns can be substantial. By continually optimizing your local SEO strategy, you build brand awareness, customer loyalty, and a steady stream of organic traffic, all of which contribute to sustainable growth over time. Metrics to Track the Success of Your Local SEO Efforts To measure the ROI of your local SEO efforts, it’s essential to track various metrics that reflect your progress. Key performance indicators include increases in website traffic, improvements in local search rankings, and the volume of customer inquiries or foot traffic attributed to your online presence. Tools such as Google Analytics can provide valuable insights into user behavior and traffic sources, helping business owners understand which strategies are most effective in driving local engagement. How to Adapt Your Marketing Strategy Based on SEO Results Being flexible and willing to adapt your marketing strategy based on SEO results is crucial for long-term success. Regularly reviewing your metrics enables you to identify what works and what doesn’t. If certain local keywords are not generating traffic, consider revising your content strategy to incorporate different terms. Similarly, if customer reviews are lacking, implement strategies to encourage more feedback. SEO is a long-term game, and adapting your approach based on data will ensure that your local SEO strategy remains effective and relevant. How Can Digital Marketing Enhance My Local SEO Efforts? Integrating Social Media with Local SEO for Increased Visibility Digital marketing and local SEO go hand in hand. Integrating social media into your local SEO efforts can significantly enhance your visibility. By sharing your content on social platforms, you can reach a broader audience and drive traffic back to your website. Engaging with followers through local events, promotions, and community involvement can create a sense of connection and loyalty. This engagement not only boosts your brand’s visibility but also contributes to your SEO efforts by generating interactions and potential backlinks. Using Mobile-Friendly Techniques to Improve Local Search Ranking In today’s mobile-driven world, having a mobile-friendly website is crucial for local SEO success. A significant portion of local searches are performed on mobile devices, making it essential to optimize your website for mobile use. Ensure that your website loads quickly and is easy to navigate on smaller screens. Implementing responsive design and optimizing images can enhance user experience, leading to lower bounce rates and improved search rankings. A mobile-friendly approach is not just beneficial; it’s imperative for staying competitive in local search. Leveraging Local Listings to Boost Organic Traffic Local listings are another vital component of your local SEO strategy. Ensuring your business is listed on relevant online directories can help improve your visibility in local search results. Consistency in your business information across these platforms is crucial; discrepancies can confuse search engines and hinder your ranking. Additionally, leveraging local listings can enhance your credibility and provide valuable backlinks to your website. By actively managing these listings, you can significantly boost your organic traffic and attract more lo cal customers.