1. Google Business Profile’s Messaging Feature
Most business owners claim their Google Business Profile and then forget about it. Big mistake. In 2025, Google’s chat feature lets potential customers message you directly from your listing, and if you’re not responding, you’re losing leads to your competitors who are.
Why it works: It reduces friction. People don’t want to fill out a form or call, they want quick answers. Plus, Google tracks your responsiveness, which can improve your ranking in local search.
✅ Pro tip for local biz owners in Hendersonville and Asheville: set up auto-responders and download the Google Business app to never miss a lead.
2. Call Tracking with Dynamic Number Insertion (DNI)
If you’re running ads, Facebook, Google, print, anything, but don’t know which source is generating phone calls, you’re marketing in the dark.
Call tracking with DNI swaps your business phone number dynamically depending on where the visitor came from. That means you can finally answer the question: Which of my ads are actually working?
Why it matters: More insight = smarter ad spend. We’re seeing local businesses save thousands just by cutting underperforming channels.
3. Facebook Lead Ads (Properly Setup)
Still boosting posts? You’re missing the boat.
Facebook Lead Ads let people submit their info without ever leaving Facebook or Instagram. When done right, with good creative and a solid offer, they outperform boosted posts and traditional landing pages.
Why it’s underused: Most business owners don’t set them up correctly or follow up fast enough. Speed is key, leads go cold in under 15 minutes.
✅ Local service businesses (like painters, roofers, and pest control) see huge returns from well-targeted Lead Ads. Especially with a 1-click follow-up strategy.
4. Website Popups that Don’t Suck
Yes, popups. When done tastefully, like a subtle exit-intent popup or a 5-second delay, they can boost your leads by 10% or more.
What works: Simple offers: “Get a quote,” “Grab our free local homeowner guide,” or “Sign up for exclusive discounts.” Keep the design clean, don’t be annoying, and make the CTA obvious.
5. Text Message Follow-Up Automation
People don’t check email like they used to. But they do check texts. If you’re capturing leads and only following up by email or phone, you’re leaving money on the table.
What to use: Tools like Zapier + Twilio can automate a fast “Hey, thanks for reaching out, we’ll be in touch shortly” message. It’s personal, fast, and builds trust.
✅ Text follow-up has boosted appointment bookings for service-based clients in WNC by as much as 35%.
Final Thoughts: Small Tweaks. Big Results.
You don’t need to overhaul your marketing to see results, just use the tools that are already at your fingertips. Most small businesses we work with aren’t maxing out the platforms they already have access to, especially when it comes to local SEO and lead capture.
If you’re in Western North Carolina and want help implementing any of these strategies, we’d love to talk. At 828 Biz, we help local businesses show up, stand out, and convert leads into real paying customers.
Need help getting your lead-gen tools firing on all cylinders?
Let’s talk strategy: Schedule a call with us
