DEV Community: Webdevamin

The Web Design Client Trap: Stop Chasing Businesses Without Websites

Webdevamin — Wed, 17 Jun 2026 22:27:00 +0000

A lot of developers and web designers fall into the same trap when they start looking for freelance clients. They open Google Maps, search for local businesses, and try to find companies that do not have a website. At first, it feels like the perfect strategy. If a business has no website, and you build websites, then there must be an opportunity there.

The problem is that “no website” does not always mean “good client.” Some business owners do not have a website because they are already fully booked through referrals. Some use Instagram, Facebook, WhatsApp, or Google Maps and feel like that is enough. Some are not interested in growing. Some are inactive, too small, or simply not ready to spend money on anything digital. So even though they look like a good lead from the outside, they may not actually be worth your time.

That is why I think the better question is not, “Which businesses do not have a website?” The better question is, “Which businesses would actually benefit from a better online system?” That one shift changes the way you look at web design clients. You stop selling websites as digital brochures, and you start looking for businesses where your work can solve a real problem.

A missing website is only a signal, not the full opportunity

When you sell a website to a business owner, the biggest challenge is usually not the design or the code. The biggest challenge is making the value obvious. If the owner thinks a website is just a homepage, an about page, and a contact form, it becomes very hard to charge properly. To them, it feels like a nice-to-have expense.

But if the website helps them receive bookings, collect better quote requests, show previous work, explain service packages, build trust, or get found in nearby cities, the conversation becomes different. Now the website has a job. It is not just there to look professional. It supports the business in a way the owner can understand.

This is where developers have an advantage. We can build more than static pages. We can create booking flows, custom quote forms, service-area pages, image galleries, email notifications, small dashboards, and lead-tracking systems. These features do not always need to be complicated, but they can make a simple website feel much more valuable to a local business.

Barbershops: booking and trust are the real offer

Barbershops can be a great niche because many of them already understand online attention. They post haircuts on Instagram, collect Google reviews, share short videos, and often communicate with customers through WhatsApp or social media. So the problem is usually not that they are completely offline. The problem is that their online presence is scattered.

A useful barbershop website can bring everything together. It can show prices, opening hours, services, location, reviews, photos, social links, and appointment booking. For a barber who already works with bookings, this is easy to explain. Instead of customers constantly sending messages to ask for availability, the website can guide them directly to the next step.

Not every barbershop needs the same thing, of course. Some prefer walk-ins and do not want a booking system. But even then, a clean website can help with trust, local visibility, and making the business look more established. The key is not to sell “a website for barbers.” The key is to sell a better way for customers to find, trust, and book them.

Handymen: the quote request form matters more than the homepage

Handymen are interesting because many still rely on referrals, phone calls, local Facebook groups, WhatsApp, and Google Maps. Some of them may not have a strong website or even a strong social media presence, but customers still need to understand what they do and how to request help.

For this niche, the real value is often in the quote request process. A customer does not just want to send a generic message. They usually need to explain the problem, share the location, describe how urgent it is, and maybe upload a photo. That means a custom quote form can be more useful than a pretty homepage.

As a developer, that gives you a stronger offer. You can build a simple website that collects the right information, sends a clean email to the owner, and helps them respond faster. You can also create service pages for different jobs and location pages for nearby areas. This is still a website, but it feels more like a practical tool for managing inquiries.

Cleaning services: recurring customers make the website easier to justify

Cleaning services are another strong niche because many of them depend on a steady flow of leads. A cleaning company might offer home cleaning, office cleaning, deep cleaning, end-of-tenancy cleaning, move-in cleaning, or recurring weekly services. Each of those services can have a different type of customer and a different search intent.

A good website for a cleaning business can explain packages, collect quote requests, show reviews, describe service areas, and separate residential cleaning from commercial cleaning. This makes the website much more useful than a simple contact page. It helps visitors quickly understand what kind of cleaning they can book and what information they need to provide.

The interesting part is that cleaning work can become recurring. If a website helps a cleaning business land only a few regular clients, the value of the website becomes much easier to understand. That makes this niche attractive because you are not just helping the business get one random inquiry. You are helping them create a channel for ongoing work.

Painters and small contractors: proof is everything

Painters and small contractors are also worth looking at because their work is visual and trust-based. People do not want to hire someone blindly to work inside their home or property. They want to see proof. They want to know the person has done similar work before and that the result looks good.

That is where a project gallery, before-and-after photos, reviews, service pages, and a proper quote form can make a big difference. For this niche, the website should help answer one simple question: “Can I trust this business to do the job properly?”

A quote form is also very useful here because every project is different. The visitor may need to explain the size of the job, the type of work, the location, the timeline, and possibly upload photos. This gives the business owner better context before calling back, and it gives you a clear feature to sell beyond just design.

Mobile car wash and detailing: packages and booking sell the service

Mobile car wash businesses and car detailers can be surprisingly good clients because their services are visual, appointment-based, and easy to package. Many already use Instagram or Facebook to show before-and-after photos, but the customer journey is often messy. People have to scroll through posts, send messages, ask for prices, and wait for a reply.

A website can make the offer much clearer. It can show packages, add-ons, prices, locations served, before-and-after photos, and a booking or request form. For example, a detailer might offer interior cleaning, exterior washing, polishing, ceramic coating, odor removal, or premium detailing packages. When these are presented properly, customers can compare options without asking the same questions over and over again.

This is a good example of a niche where the website does not need to be huge, but it does need to be useful. A clear package structure, strong photos, and an easy booking flow can make the business look more professional and help customers take action faster.

The better niche is the one with a clear problem

The real lesson is not that every developer should target only barbershops, handymen, cleaning companies, painters, contractors, or car detailers. The real lesson is that a niche becomes interesting when the problem is easy to understand.

If the business needs appointments, the website can help with booking. If the business receives messy inquiries, the website can help with quote forms. If the service is visual, the website can help with proof. If the business serves multiple locations, the website can help with local pages. If customers compare packages before buying, the website can make those packages easier to understand.

That is a much better way to choose web design clients. Instead of searching only for missing websites, look for missing systems. Look for businesses where customers need a smoother path from discovery to contact. That is where your offer becomes more valuable.

How this changes your outreach

This also changes the way you approach business owners. A weak pitch sounds like, “I noticed you do not have a website. I can build one for you.” That might work sometimes, but it is easy to ignore because it sounds generic.

A stronger pitch is more specific. For example, you could say, “I noticed customers probably need to send photos before getting a quote. I build simple websites for local service businesses that make quote requests easier to manage.” That feels more relevant because you are talking about how the business actually works.

The more specific your offer becomes, the less you sound like every other web designer. You are no longer just selling pages. You are selling a small system that saves time, improves trust, and helps the business receive better inquiries.

Final thought

If you are a developer or web designer trying to find clients, do not only ask, “Who has no website?” That question can still be useful, but it is not enough. A missing website might show you where to look, but it does not tell you whether the business is a good client.

A better question is, “Where would a website actually help this business get more bookings, better quote requests, more trust, or clearer customer communication?” That question leads you toward better niches, stronger offers, and more meaningful conversations with business owners.

I wrote this article from the angle of developers and freelancers, but if you want a deeper breakdown of the local business niches and the specific website features that fit each one, you can read the full guide here: Top 5 Best Niches for Web Design Clients

The main takeaway is simple: the best web design clients are not always the businesses without websites. They are the businesses where a website has a real job to do.

How I’d Generate Website Development Leads Without Wasting Hours

Webdevamin — Fri, 05 Jun 2026 14:44:58 +0000

One thing I learned after working around web design and development is that getting clients is not always the real problem.

The bigger problem is often this:

You are talking to the wrong businesses.

A lot of freelancers and small agencies try to get website clients by doing more of everything.

More cold emails.
More LinkedIn posts.
More DMs.
More random business lists.
More “Hi, I build websites” messages.

But after a while, that becomes exhausting. Not because outreach never works, but because most outreach starts from a weak place.

You are trying to convince a random business that they need a website or a better one, without first checking whether there is an actual reason they might care. That is where I think most website lead generation goes wrong.

Start With Businesses That Already Show a Problem

If I wanted to generate leads for website development today, I would not begin by searching for “small businesses near me” and sending them all the same message. I would first look for visible signals. For example:

Businesses with no website
Businesses using only Facebook or Instagram as their main online presence
Businesses with old-looking websites
Websites that are slow, broken, or hard to use on mobile
Local businesses with good reviews but a weak online presence
Service businesses that clearly depend on trust, bookings, or inquiries

That last one is important. A bad website is not always just a design problem. Sometimes it is a trust problem. Sometimes it is a conversion problem. Sometimes it is making the business look smaller or less serious than it actually is.

And when that gap is visible, your outreach becomes much easier. You are no longer saying:

Hey, do you need a website?

You are saying something closer to:

I noticed your business has strong reviews, but your website does not really reflect that yet.

That feels more relevant.

Good Leads Make Better Outreach Easier

A lot of people think outreach is only about writing better messages. Yeah course, the message matters. But the quality of the lead matters even more. If the business has no obvious problem, your message needs to work too hard. You have to create the pain, explain the value, build interest, and convince them all at once. That is difficult. But if the business already has a clear issue, like no website or a poor mobile experience, the conversation starts from a more natural place.

You can mention what you noticed.

You can explain why it matters.

You can suggest a simple next step.

That is much better than sending generic pitches to everyone.

I Would Focus on Local Niches First

Personally, I think local niches are underrated.

Not because they are easy, but because they are easier to understand.

A restaurant, barber, dentist, taxi company, electrician, cleaning company, or fitness studio usually has very clear website needs.

They need trust.
They need visibility.
They need calls, bookings, leads, or visits.
They need people to understand what they offer quickly.

That makes your offer easier to position. So instead of selling “a modern website,” you can sell something more specific:

More direct inquiries
A cleaner booking flow
Better local search presence
A more trustworthy first impression
A website that does not depend only on social media
A faster way for customers to contact the business

That is much more interesting to a business owner than just talking about design.

The Workflow Matters More Than Motivation

Another mistake I see is relying too much on motivation. Some days you search for leads. Some days you send messages. Some days you forget to follow up. Some days you have 20 tabs open and no idea who you already contacted. That is not really a system. A better workflow is simple:

Pick a location and business category
Find businesses with visible website problems
Check if they are actually worth contacting
Find the best contact method
Write a personalized message
Track the outreach
Follow up when it makes sense

It is not that fancy. But the value is in repeating it. If you can run that process every week, your pipeline becomes less random.

Personalization Does Not Mean Writing an Essay

I used to think personalization meant writing a completely custom message for every single business. That can work, but it is not always realistic. For me, useful personalization means showing that the message was not sent blindly.

Something like:

Mentioning their business category
Mentioning a missing website
Mentioning their strong reviews
Mentioning that their current website is hard to use on mobile
Mentioning that their competitors have a stronger online presence
Mentioning a specific opportunity, like bookings or local search

You do not need a long message in fact, shorter is usually better. The business owner does not need your life story. They just need to quickly understand:

Why are you contacting me?
What did you notice?
Why does it matter?
What is the next step?

Different Leads Need Different Angles

A business with no website should not get the same message as a business with a bad website. They are different situations. If a business has no website, the angle is usually about credibility, visibility, and ownership.

Something like:

Right now, people can only find you through third-party platforms. A simple website could give your business a more professional place to send customers.

If a business already has a website but it looks outdated, the angle is different.

That is more about trust, conversions, speed, mobile experience, or making the business look as good online as it does offline. This is where a lot of outreach becomes lazy. People send the same message to every lead, even though every lead type has a different problem. Better targeting makes better messaging possible.

Do Not Only Collect Leads, Track What Converts

Finding leads is only the first part. The real improvement comes from tracking what happens after that for example:

Which business categories reply most often?
Which cities or local areas perform better?
Do no-website businesses reply more than redesign prospects?
Which message gets actual conversations?
Which contact channel works best?
Which leads turn into serious opportunities?

After a few weeks, you start seeing patterns. Maybe barbers reply more than restaurants. Maybe dentists are harder to reach but better clients. Maybe businesses with outdated websites convert better than businesses with no website at all. You cannot know that unless you track it.

My Simple Takeaway

If I had to simplify website development lead generation, I would say this: Do not start with outreach. Start with the right business. Find businesses where the website problem is already visible. Then use that problem as the reason to start a conversation. That approach feels more natural, more personal, and honestly less annoying for everyone involved. Because you are not just saying:

I build websites.

You are saying:

I noticed something that might be holding your business back, and I may be able to help.

That is a much better starting point. I wrote a more complete breakdown of the actual workflow here, especially around how to qualify leads and avoid wasting time on poor-fit prospects:

How to Generate Leads for Website Development

But even if you keep it simple, the main idea is better leads create better outreach. And better outreach usually starts before you send the message.

A Platform to Find Web Design Leads & Businesses Without Websites in a Few Clicks

Webdevamin — Tue, 19 May 2026 22:50:02 +0000

Recently, we wanted to announce not only the application itself, but also the fact that we have upgraded it to version 2. The application is called Webleadr.

Webleadr is a platform where you can find web design leads and businesses without websites in just a few clicks. On top of that, there are many more features included to make the process of finding and contacting potential clients much easier.

Why We Built Webleadr

The main reason we developed this application was originally for our own agency. We wanted a tool that could help us find potential clients faster and in a more organized way.

But after building it, we also wanted to make it available for other agencies, freelancers, and professionals who could benefit from it as well.

Even though Webleadr is tailored a bit more towards website development, it can still be useful for many other professions. Whether you are a web designer, web developer, SEO specialist, marketer, salesperson, freelancer, or agency owner, the platform can help you discover potential leads more efficiently.

Built for Web Designers, Developers, Agencies, and More

The reason it is now useful for more professions instead of only web designers and web developers is because of the other features included inside the platform. For example, with Webleadr, you can search for your ideal leads from a specific area. Let’s say you want to search in London, and you want to find barbers. You can select the location, choose the business type, and fetch a maximum number of leads, for example 50. After that, you will be taken to a dashboard where you can see up to 50 barbers from the selected area.

Ranked Leads From Best to Worst

These leads are ranked from the best possible leads to the least relevant ones. The best leads are businesses that do not have a website at all. These are usually the strongest opportunities for web design and development services.

The second-best leads are businesses that use third-party platforms instead of having their own dedicated website. For example, some businesses only use a Facebook page, or they might use a third-party appointment booking service that acts like a website, even though it is not a real dedicated website. These businesses are also potential clients.

Website Design Score and Health Score

After that, Webleadr also looks at businesses that already have a website, but where the website has a poor design score. This is another feature of the platform. Webleadr can score the design and styling of a website from 0 to 10. So, for example, if a website looks extremely outdated, it might receive a score around 2, 3, or 4. Thus turning themselves into a potential client.

There are also other useful features, such as a website health score. The platform can detect how long it takes for a website to load, and all of this information is available directly inside the dashboard.

Contact Leads Directly From the Dashboard

You can also contact businesses directly from the platform. You can call them, send them an email if their business email is detected online, or visit their social media links.

Webleadr detects and fetches social media platforms based on the business information and places those links inside the dashboard, so you can reach out more easily.

From an Internal Tool to a Public Platform

We have spent a lot of time developing Webleadr. As mentioned before, it was mainly built for ourselves at first, but now we are making it available for everyone to use.

We are also planning to extend it even further with more features in the future.

Demo Video Available

Thank you for reading this article. Hopefully, you will enjoy using Webleadr and find it useful for your own lead generation process.

There is also a demo video available, which is linked in this article. You can watch it to see how the platform works and decide whether it might be interesting for you as well.

Guide Starting With Web Design Clients

We also published an article on our platform about how to find local web design clients. We emphasize "local" because, as one of our members noted (and we completely agree), starting locally is the best approach, no matter the what time we are in. Check out our full guide for tips on winning local web design clients.

Idea's Come From Silence

Webdevamin — Thu, 01 Jan 2026 23:19:03 +0000

My experience

From my own experience as a software developer, some of my most brilliant ideas emerge when I engage in a simple yet effective practice: lying down, doing nothing, and allowing my mind to wander freely for an hour or so.

I’ll sit or lie down for an uninterrupted hour, completely disconnected from the digital world. Sometimes, I simply stare at the sky, observing the clouds.

Problem with modern society

Most people haven’t sat down quietly for even 30 minutes in years. We’re constantly consuming content, noise, and other people’s opinions, never allowing our own minds to respond.

Initially, it feels strange and even uncomfortable. However, as the mental clutter subsides, ideas begin to emerge real idea's.

Many of my most insightful thoughts about software, products, business, and even life have come from these quiet moments. It may seem boring on the surface, but my experience has shown that it works.

So, if you feel stuck, overwhelmed, or creatively blocked, try this: sit down, turn off everything, and let your mind breathe for a while. And in today’s fast-paced world, we all need it.

How To Get Web Development Clients

Webdevamin — Sun, 16 Mar 2025 13:41:41 +0000

Getting web development clients can be tough, but remember that over 35% of businesses still lack a website. Here’s a quick overview of how to tap into that market:

Create a Portfolio Website: Showcase your best work and include testimonials.
Boost Your SEO: Make your site mobile-friendly and optimize for speed and keywords.
Use Social Media: Share your projects and engage with potential clients.
Network: Attend events, ask for referrals, and collaborate with complementary businesses.
Try Tools like Webleadr: Find and contact businesses needing websites.
Join Freelance Platforms: Use sites like Upwork and Fiverr for project opportunities.
Market Smart: Use email campaigns and online ads to attract clients.
Refine Your Sales Skills: Personalize your pitches and follow up consistently.

Tips for Selling Websites to Local Businesses

Your online presence matters—it's your first impression!

Design Your Portfolio or Agency Website

Your website is your showcase. Include these sections:

A beautiful homepage
An about section to tell your story
A gallery of your projects to showcase your experience
Client testimonials for credibility
Clear descriptions of your services
Easy-to-find contact info or contact form

Enhance SEO

Focus on organic traffic with these strategies:

Mobile Responsiveness: Ensure your site looks great on all devices.
Page Speed: Optimize images and clean up your code.
Keyword Use: Naturally integrate relevant keywords.

Use Social Media

Social media can help you connect with your audience. Consider joining niche groups (like dentists) where potential clients hang out.

Maintain consistent branding.
Share updates and tips.
Engage with followers and link back to your portfolio.

Grow Your Network

Building your network helps you land clients naturally.

Attend Industry Events

Meet potential clients and stay informed on trends:

Local Meetups: Great for making local connections.
Conferences: Gain exposure and learn from experts.
Workshops: Showcase your skills.

Ask for Referrals

Referrals are important for new clients. Here’s how to make it easier:

Set Up a Referral Program: Reward clients for bringing you business.
Ask Soon After: Timing is key—do it right after a successful project.
Provide Shareable Tools: Give clients easy materials to refer you.

Collaborate with Other Services

Partnering with marketers, designers, or consultants can help you reach more clients.

Use Online Tools

Leverage platforms to find clients.

Freelance Platforms

Sites like Upwork and Fiverr can help you discover projects. Make sure your profile stands out!

Lead Generation Tools

You can use lead generation platforms to identify companies that might need a website or web application. For instance, Webleadr is tailored specifically for finding and contacting web design leads. It makes the process easy and hassle-free, helping you reach out to businesses without websites effortlessly. There is also a demo video available to watch:

Start Marketing Campaigns

Once your online presence is set, marketing can draw clients.

Create Useful Content

Blog about common client questions to showcase your expertise. Ideas include:

Case studies
Design tutorials
Industry trends

Build Email Lists

Use email marketing to maintain relationships:

Welcome Emails: Introduce yourself.
Weekly Tips: Share insights and updates.
Case Studies: Highlight your successes.

Use Online Ads

Paid ads can quickly boost your visibility. Target specific audiences on Google and Facebook.

Improve Your Sales Process

After generating leads, refine your sales pitch.

Tailor Your Pitches

Personalize proposals for each client by:

Understanding their problems
Outlining your solutions
Including proof of past successes

Create Clear Proposals

Break down challenges, outline your plan, and present pricing options.

Follow Up

Staying in touch matters! Here’s a simple follow-up schedule:

Thank clients after meetings.
Check in after a few days.
Revise proposals based on their feedback.

Conclusion

By using these strategies, you can build better client relationships and grow your web development business. Always aim to provide value and build genuine connections.

For more tips, check out the detailed blog on my website!

How To Write a Terms & Conditions Page on Your Website

Webdevamin — Fri, 31 Jan 2025 16:39:09 +0000

Recently, I developed a web application software that serves as a web design lead generation platform. During the development process, I realized that having a Terms and Conditions (T&C) page is essential for an application of this level. So, I created one, and I’d like to share my insights with anyone interested in learning how to create a T&C page for their own website or web app. I’ll also include a link to my web application as an example for inspiration.

What is a Terms & Conditions

A Terms and Conditions page (also called Terms of Service or Terms of Use) is a legal document that defines the relationship between a business's website and its users. It outlines the rules, guidelines, and expectations for using the service, application, or platform. It also sets the rights and responsibilities of both the business and the user.

Why is it Needed

Having a T&C page on your website, application, or software protects your business in a legal way. It sets clear expectations and explains the functionality of core features, which can help prevent misuse and resolve disputes with users.

For example, let’s say you want your users to be able to request a refund only within 14 days of purchase. Without explicitly defining this rule on your T&C page, users may assume they can request refunds at any time. In this case, it’s important to include such rules on your T&C page and make the page easily accessible (e.g., via a link in the footer section of your website).

Pro Tip: To ensure users read and agree to your refund policy before making a purchase, include a checkbox on your checkout page labeled something like, “I have read and agree to the Terms and Conditions.” Require users to check the box before completing their purchase. This best practice can protect you from refund requests that violate your stated policy.

What Should the T&C Include

Keep in mind that not all of the points are necessary to include in the T&C. For example, if your application does not have a payment system, then the "Payments, Refunds, and Subscriptions" section is not mandatory. The points listed below are the most commonly included ones.

Introduction A quick overview of what your website or app does and a note that by using it, users agree to the terms.
User Responsibilities and Restrictions Mention what users can and can’t do. This includes no hacking, spamming, or breaking laws while using your platform.
Payments, Refunds, and Subscriptions (If Applicable) Explain how payments work, refund rules, and subscription details. Be clear on whether subscriptions (if you have a subscription based payment system) renew automatically and how users can cancel.
Intellectual Property Rights Make it clear that your content, logos, and software belong to you. Users can’t copy or use them without permission.
Limitation of Liability Say that you’re not responsible for any issues users might have while using your app, like data loss or service interruptions.
Termination of Accounts Outline reasons why you might ban or suspend users, like breaking the rules or engaging in fraud.
Privacy Policy Reference If you collect user data, link to your Privacy Policy and briefly explain how you handle their information.
Dispute Resolution and Governing Law Let users know how disputes will be handled (like arbitration or legal action) and which country or state laws apply.
Updates and Changes to Terms Mention that you can update the terms whenever needed and that users should check back for changes.
Contact Information Provide an easy way for users to reach you—email, phone, contact form, or whatever works best.

Best Practices for Creating a Terms and Conditions Page

Include a Table of Contents: Use a table of contents to help users navigate your T&C page easily. Each item in the table should link to specific sections of the page.
Display the Last Updated Date: Indicate the date when the T&C page was last updated. This document should be treated as a living document, updated whenever the functionalities of your application change in a way that may affect the existing terms.
Be Transparent: Clearly explain the functionalities, responsibilities, and rules of your application. Transparency builds trust with your users and ensures they understand your policies.
Position the Link Strategically: Ensure the T&C page is easily accessible, such as placing a link to it in the footer of every page.

Provide a Way for Users to Contact You

It’s essential to include a section in your T&C page that tells users how they can contact you. Whether it’s for resolving disputes, clarifying terms, or seeking help, users should have a way to reach you easily.

Here are some common ways to offer contact options:

Email Address: This is often the most convenient option. Include an email address like support@yourdomain.com for user inquiries.
Phone Number: If possible, provide a phone number for direct communication.
Contact Form: Offer a simple contact form on your website where users can submit their questions or comments.
Physical Address: In some cases, especially for businesses dealing with formal legal matters, including a mailing address might be necessary.

Make sure the contact information is clear, accurate, and easy to find. A dedicated “Contact Us” page or a section in your T&C document works well for this purpose. Not only does this improve user experience, but it also demonstrates your commitment to transparency.

Do You Need a Lawyer?

If you’re running a simple website or app, you can probably write your own T&C page without much hassle. But if you’re dealing with payments, user-generated content, sensitive info (like personal or medical data), or anything that could get you into legal trouble, it’s worth having a lawyer take a look.

Sure, there are tools and templates that can help, but at the end of the day, a solid T&C page is there to protect your business. If you’re not sure whether yours covers all the legal bases, getting some professional advice isn’t a bad idea.

Creating a T&C page doesn’t have to be complicated, nor do you always need a lawyer to draft it. By being clear and transparent about your application’s functionalities, responsibilities, and rules, you can write an effective T&C page on your own.

Example

Use this T&C page from a lead generation platform I developed as inspiration for your own. Be sure to make necessary changes so it aligns with your website or app.

How to find businesses without websites

Webdevamin — Sun, 20 Oct 2024 18:58:47 +0000

Not all businesses spend their time investing in a digital presence. Some may be small mom-and-pop shops, local service providers, or simply not as digitally inclined as some of the younger generation.

Fortunately, there are still ways to get clients for your web development or web design business. Whether you're targeting a local bakery tucked in the corner or a niche, tailor-made service, you have to make the effort. If you want to stand out, here are 6 strategies I’ve used (and one I’m still using, mentioned at the end) to find businesses that need websites.

Ask around in your community

Yes, the old-fashioned way still works: word of mouth. Ask your neighbors, friends, or family if they know of any local businesses without an online presence. Alternatively, take a walk around areas with local businesses and ask if they need a new site. I recommend using a more personal tone since local businesses are likely to appreciate a friendly, direct approach, unlike larger enterprises.

Attend business events and visit the chamber of commerce

Business events and chambers of commerce can be goldmines for finding long-term clients, especially if you focus on building strong networks. Attend local business events and maintain relationships with professionals in your area. While this approach may take more time and effort, the insights and connections you gain are always up-to-date and valuable.

Leverage social media

Many local businesses rely on platforms like Facebook or Instagram instead of having a dedicated website. Often, they either don’t have the time or haven't considered building one. I’ve had some success using Facebook to find leads by searching local community groups (e.g., "Handypersons in London") and checking if their Facebook Page has a "website" field filled in. If not, it’s a good opportunity to reach out and offer your services.

Use old-school directories

You’ve probably heard of Yellow Pages (which is now online), local newspapers, and city directories. Many businesses still list themselves in these directories, making it easy to find contact information, business hours, and more. This gives you a direct way to reach out and offer web design services.

Explore Google Maps

Consider this scenario: if you type a keyword like 'plumbers near me' into Google Maps, you’ll see a list of local plumbers. For each business, check for a website by looking for the globe icon. If it’s missing, that’s a potential client. The downside is the repetitive clicking, scrolling, and checking, which can be time-consuming. However, there is a more efficient and automated solution, which I’ll discuss next.

Webleadr

Webleadr is a platform that helps you fetch web design clients effortlessly from anywhere in the world. For example, if you want to get dentists in a specific city with/without websites, Webleadr allows you to scan them in one go and you just call them right away with just one click of a button. It also shows you if each company has a dedicated website or is relying on third-party platforms like Facebook, Instagram or even any kind of third-party services for example a booking site. They can be considered as web design/development leads as well.

Webleadr saves you the hassle of manually scrolling through endless lists of businesses in search of leads. Instead, it automates the process and provides you with a well-organized dashboard that lists businesses without websites or those using non-dedicated platforms. Plus, it comes with many additional features to make your client search more efficient. In terms of social media, using Facebook is arguably the best platform to find these kinds of companies. To cover more about this, Check out this article to learn more about using Facebook and other platforms to find businesses without websites.

In case you're interested in how it works, there’s a blog written specifically about it.