How to Find and Convert Local Leads into Web Design Clients

Looking for local leads to pitch your web design services? Here's a simple, effective process to get you started:

1. Use ChatGPT for Lead Generation

Start by using ChatGPT to generate a list of businesses in your area. For example, try a prompt like:

“Find 5 plumbers and 5 electricians in Santa Monica, California with their websites and contact information."

Double-check the data to ensure accuracy, as free GPT models might have inconsistencies.

2. Evaluate Their Websites

Once you have a list, check out their websites. Chances are, many small businesses have outdated or poorly designed sites. This is where you can make your pitch by offering a redesign.

For example: heres Bossplumbing.com, from the GPT search query

Outdated, poor accessibility you get the point. It could use an update.

'But my parents already have a guy. Plumbers/electricians don't convert customers from their website.'

You'll probably get a few responses of this nature…

Yes, there is merit to this. But its 2024, the New generation, our generation, is chronically online. We look at a restaurants instagram page before going or looking at the menu. This tech oriented population is only growing, and as a former University student living in Los Angeles, when choosing services I always opted for the ones that appeared, design wise, more professional. Its how the human brain is wired to perceive the unknown; through its appearance.

& thats you angle!
The changing times and the increasing importance of adhering to the next generation of people looking for plumbers, electricians and other local services.

Additional Tip: Narrow your search to neighborhoods near Colleges. It will strengthen your Persuasive argument.

3. Create a Sitemap and Wireframe (in seconds)

You can use tools like Relume to create a sitemap or wireframe of their existing website. This shows potential clients that you've already analyzed their site and are prepared to offer a better alternative.

4. Personalize Your Pitch

Go the extra mile by recording a personalized video using Screen Studio. Introduce yourself, explain why you’re reaching out, and share the wireframe or sitemap you’ve created. This personalized touch can set you apart from others.

5. Send Your Emails

Craft and send your emails with a scheduling link from Cal.com to streamline follow-ups. If you invest a few hours, you could potentially send 30-100+ proposals, targeting local businesses.

This step could be an article of its own as there are plenty of tools and methodologies to cold emailing, calling etc.

However, its important to focus on what you can do best right now. Don't spend time creating a super complex system with multiple emails flows etc. Start small, scale from there.

6. Focus on One Niche

It’s easier to build a reputation when you focus on a specific niche, like plumbers or architects. People in the same industry often refer each other to services they trust, so delivering a quality website can lead to more clients in the same niche. Include a small “made by” tag at the bottom of the website to get more exposure when their competitors visit their site.

Nothing puts a small businesses in a bigger spending mode than when they see they're competitors making moves.

7. Be Mindful of Pricing

Local businesses, often family-run, may not have huge budgets. Adjust your pricing accordingly to build relationships and generate future referrals.

Remember, the design requirements are more standardized. They are not looking to innovate on what landing page will convert more. They are looking for something simple, professional and with a proven track record to work.

Thats the #1 priority for small businesses - something that works! - Their X investments will bring Y amount of leads or Z amount of Revenue. Reluctant and unwilling to take risks - "If it ain't broke, don't fix it mentality"

Closing statement

This strategy is just scratching the surface of what can be done with the help of AI.
AI will either steal your job or enhance it, its all up to you.

Don't only rely on online leads. So much money is left on the table by ignoring local businesses. In comparison with designing a website for a Software product, local businesses are lower lift, faster turnaround and much easier to convert from a lead to a customer. Also, software products usually prefer to have an in house design team as their needs are constantly evolving.


Another Example of using AI could be automating this lead generation process and emailing through a software like make.com or zapier.com.

Maybe we should publish an article on how to do that! Subscribe and we'll let you know when!

Disclaimer: Written by a Human

This article was written by a human. As such, please always DYOR - Do your own research. No paid sponsorships are included in this article.