Where My January Enquiries Came From (And How You Can Get More leads of Your Own!)
Let’s talk enquiries, because if you’re running a service-based business, getting a steady, regular stream of high quality leads is everything. This January, I had eight aligned potential clients reach out, and I want to show you exactly where they came from so that you can start making this happen for yourself.
Spoiler: It wasn’t from spending hours sending DMs on social media or throwing spaghetti at the wall with marketing tactics. It all came down to having a strong brand and website that worked for me behind the scenes.
Here’s where my enquiries came from—and how you can set yourself up to attract more of your dream clients.
Quick disclaimer before we kick off: not all of these enquiries will book with me, nor would I expect them to. My studio runs at about 60-70% conversion from discovery calls so realistically I expect between 4 or 6 to book with me. So far, 3 have, so I’m right on track.
1. Instagram – 3 total Enquiries
Instagram isn’t just about posting pretty pictures of my current design projects and hoping for the best. It’s about building real and lasting connections with my audience. I show up consistently (posting just 3x a week is more than enough for me), engage regularly and authentically in DMs, and interact with my audience’s content. And guess what? Three potential clients slid into my inbox this month, already warmed up and feeling ready to work with me.
🔹 What this means for you:
If you’re just posting and ghosting, you’re leaving money on the table. People buy from brands they trust, and trust comes from consistency.
2. Email Marketing – 2 Enquiries
I send just one email per week to my list of just over 100 subscribers - not exactly a huge audience, but the results? Solid. My emails are storytelling-based, often linked to an existing blog post or a freebie (yay to not reinventing the wheel with every new piece of content) with the occasional hard sell thrown in. Most of my subscribers have come from social media, so they’re getting to know me in two places and I’m staying relevant in their minds. And guess what? Two people hit reply this month, inspired by my writing, and ready to work with me.
🔹 What this means for you:
Email marketing doesn’t have to be hard. Your subscribers signed up because they want to hear from you. The more you nurture them with stories, insights, and personality, the easier it is to turn readers into clients.
3. Google/Search – 2 Enquiries
SEO (that’s search engine optimisation if you’re new to it) is magic when it’s done right. My website is built from the ground up to be search-friendly (just like all the websites I design for clients), I blog weekly, and I regularly share my previous work and case studies. This all goes to showing potential clients I know what I’m doing and I am the real deal. And this month? Two new clients found me entirely through search. No social media, no networking - just good ol’ Google doing its thing.
🔹 What this means for you:
A website designed with SEO in mind (and backed by regular content updates) can work for you, bringing in highly qualified leads on autopilot.
4. In-Person Networking – 1 Enquiry
Networking is a sloooow burn, but it’s a slow burn that works when it comes to building building relationships. This month, I had one enquiry from someone I met at a past event. And that enquiry converted to a paid booking the quickest of all of them, as we already have that established relationship. In-person connections help you become the go-to person in your field, even if results take a little longer to land. And remember, just because a person isn’t likely to buy from you, doesn’t mean they won’t refer your services to friends, family and colleagues in need.
🔹 What this means for you:
Showing up in real life makes you memorable, but your website and branding still need to do the heavy lifting when someone looks you up later.
The Big Picture when it comes to getting new leads & enquiries for your small business 🎯
You need to be in multiple places if you want a steady stream of enquiries. And having a strong, recognisable brand and website makes that 1000x easier - for you and for your potential clients.
Instagram? Your brand should be instantly recognisable - show your face, stick to brand colours and fonts and share a strong, clear message.
Emails? Your website should back up everything you say to your list - share links to blogs, case studies and encourage your subscribers to check out your services.
SEO? Your website needs to be built for searchability right from the very start - SEO can take 6-12 months to start showing results so working with a pro is a great way to start strong.
Networking? Your brand identity should be clear, memorable, and professional so that your new found business pals can find, enquire, and recommend you to others with ease.
If your marketing feels like a chore because you’re constantly reinventing the wheel, it might be time to revisit your branding and website. When those foundations are strong, every other marketing effort becomes so much easier.
Want a brand and website that does the heavy lifting for your business? Let’s chat!
My Design Party Days and custom website projects are built to help you create something that works for you, not against you.
Get in touch for latest branding and website design availability.
