Not enough enquiries? Here’s why your site is quiet – and how to turn it into your hardest working team member.
Most UK small business websites fail to generate enquiries because they aren’t mobile-friendly, don’t show up in local searches, or use unclear messaging. Fixes include updating your content, improving SEO, speeding up the site, and adding clear calls to action. Tools like SEO audits, blog writing and local SEO services help businesses get found and chosen online.
If you’re tired of a website that never brings enquiries, our SEO help for small business owners is designed to fix exactly that.
Why Aren’t People Contacting You?
You’ve launched a website. It looks decent. But the inbox is gathering dust, and the phone’s quieter than a church pew on a Tuesday morning. What gives?
Here’s the truth: your website might look fine, but it probably isn’t doing its job.
According to the Lloyds Bank UK Business Digital Index 2023, 40% of small UK businesses still operate without a clear digital strategy – and many don’t realise their site isn’t pulling its weight until months have passed.
At the same time, StatCounter GlobalStats UK reports that 63.1% of UK web traffic now comes from mobile. If your site isn’t mobile-friendly, you’re missing over half your potential visitors.
And that’s just the start.
No Enquiries from Website UK? Common Causes vs Practical Fixes
Website not showing on Google
Issue: Search engines can’t crawl or understand your pages
Fix: Run an SEO Audit UK
Poor local visibility
Issue: You’re missing out on “near me” searches
Issue: Visitors can’t easily reach you
Fix: Add mobile-first forms with clear CTAs
Site not mobile-friendly
Issue: Over half of visitors bounce due to bad mobile experience
Slow loading pages
Issue: People don’t wait more than a few seconds
Outdated or thin content
Issue: Doesn’t build trust or rank well
No homepage call-to-action
Issue: Users don’t know what to do next
Fix: Add clear calls to action above the fold
No localised landing pages
Issue: You’re invisible to nearby searchers
Fix: Create pages targeting towns, cities, or counties you serve
What Drives Website Enquiries for Small Businesses in the UK?
Let’s cut to the chase: your website should be like a well-run café on the high street – easy to spot, easy to enter, and you know what they’re offering before you’ve even sat down.
The secret isn’t fancy animations or stock photos of people high-fiving. It’s:
- Being found (via Google, not luck)
- Being trusted (via testimonials, clarity, and consistency)
- Being clear (so users don’t need to scroll three times to figure out what you do)
- Being fast (users won’t wait more than 2–3 seconds)
- Being local (because 46% of all Google searches have local intent – Google)
Have you tested your site on a mobile lately? Or checked your ranking for “[your service] near me”?
Case Study: A Leicestershire Plumber Boosts Enquiries by 45%
Before:
Tom, a local plumber in Leicestershire, had a static website built by a mate five years ago. It worked on desktop but was clunky on mobile. His Google Business Profile hadn’t been updated in over a year, and most of his local competitors were outranking him for “[emergency plumber near me]”.
After Working with GYWS:
- We revamped the site with responsive design
- Created local landing pages for Loughborough, Quorn, and Mountsorrel
- Added structured CTAs and fixed his mobile menu
- Optimised his Google Business Profile
- Blog content focused on local emergency plumbing tips
Results:
- Enquiries up 45% in 60 days
- Average time on site improved by 38%
- Now ranks in top 3 for “[emergency plumber Loughborough]”
Tom’s Words:
“I thought my old site was alright – turns out, it was losing me work. Lisa and Simon showed me what needed fixing, and honestly, I wish I’d done it a year ago.”
How SEO Services Help UK Small Businesses Get More Enquiries
SEO isn’t just about ranking. It’s about getting chosen.
Think of it like signage on the A-road. You don’t need to be a motorway service station – but you do need to be visible.
Key Benefits of SEO for UK SMEs:
- Get found for what people actually search
(e.g. “affordable wedding photographer Leeds”) - Appear in local search results and maps
- Build trust through helpful content and consistency
- Outrank competitors by offering value, not tricks
Search Engine Journal reports that organic search still delivers over 50% of all trackable web traffic globally, and it’s no different in the UK.
Explore SEO Services UK for Small Businesses
What is Search Intent Optimisation? (In Plain English)
Search intent optimisation is making sure your website answers the exact question someone types into Google.
For example:
- Someone types “small business SEO tips UK”
- We write a blog titled “10 Ways to Boost SEO for Small Business”
- Google shows it – because it matches what the person wants
It’s not magic. It’s just common sense – done consistently.
Mini Case: From Zero to 20 Calls a Week – A West Yorkshire Turnaround
Business: A sole-trader roofer in Wakefield
Problem: No enquiries in months – despite decent traffic
Website Issues:
- Mobile menu broken
- Homepage had no contact button
- Google Business Profile lacked any recent reviews or photos
GYWS Fix:
- Rebuilt header for mobile clarity
- Added localised pages for Leeds, Wakefield, and Castleford
- Wrote three blog posts focused on “roof repairs before winter”
- Added real images and encouraged Google reviews from past clients
Outcome:
- 0 to 20+ weekly enquiries within 6 weeks
- 4 local first-page keyword rankings
- Organic traffic doubled in 45 days
“It’s not rocket science, but it was beyond what I could do myself. Worth every penny.” – Dan, Wakefield Roofer
What Our Clients Say
“Our enquiries tripled within 3 months. I didn’t realise how invisible we were online until GYWS showed us.”
– Michelle, Family Solicitor, Devon
“We used their affordable SEO small business plan and saw results faster than our old agency ever delivered.”
– Raj, Shopfitter, Birmingham
“Lisa and Simon’s blog writing is the only thing that’s ever made Google take notice of our website.”
– Tracy, B&B Owner, Norfolk
FAQs – Why Isn’t My Website Working?
Why am I getting traffic but no leads?
Your content may not be clear, your calls to action may be buried, or your site doesn’t match searcher intent.
What’s “local SEO for small businesses”?
It’s optimising your site and profiles so that local people find you – not someone three counties away.
Learn how local SEO helps
Are blog posts really worth the time?
Yes. Especially for small businesses. They help you show up for long-tail keywords and build authority.
Here’s how blogs improve SEO
What’s the best first step?
Run a free SEO audit UK to spot the issues holding you back.
Final Thoughts – Your Website Can Do More
A small business website shouldn’t sit there like a dusty leaflet in the glovebox. It should be working like a full-time team member – visible, reliable, and converting visitors into enquiries.
Whether you’re running a B&B in Devon, a café in Glasgow, or a cleaning service in Derby, the rules are the same: get seen, get clear, and get chosen.
Start with a free audit or explore our content-first, results-driven SEO services today.
Get Your Free SEO Audit
Explore Content Writing Services UK
See How SEO Works for Small Business
About the Author
Simon Batchelor is an SEO strategist, copywriter, and former IT business owner with over 20 years in tech and publishing. Now co-running Get Your Website Seen with his wife Lisa, he helps UK small businesses build websites that drive results – not just visits.
“A good website should be like a friendly corner shop: easy to find, well laid out, and open when you need it.”