Are you wondering how you can generate more leads online from your website in 2026 and beyond? Digital marketing offers so many different avenues that vary in complexity and difficulty, sometimes it is hard to know where to begin. Today I’m here to provide 5 simple, easy-to-understand takeaways that can provide a great foundation to do just that.
1) Use a High-Quality Call to Action
A call-to-action is something on your website that tells people what to do next. For example, if you are trying to generate leads for your manufacturing company, you might have an image of a machine part you sell with the words “Find Out More” underneath it. This could be considered a high-quality call to action because it entices the reader to click and find out more information about something specific. A low quality call-to-action is a misnomer because generally, these websites have no call-to-action at all. It may sounds weird but this is unfortunately very common – it’s usually a website that shows items and tells what the company does, but never specifically calls attention to what you want the visitor to do. These type of website very often fail to engage and drive leads – make sure this doesn’t describe your own website!
Call-to-actions are not just limited to images either, there can be text, buttons, or even forms that you use as a call-to-action. It is important for businesses who want leads online because it tells people what they need to do to get involved with whatever is being sold.
To have a high-quality call-to-action, it needs to be something that the reader will want. Based on your knowledge of your clients and prospective clients, think about what they need and how you can provide them with just that by using your website as a tool for online marketing success.
2) Use Engaging Website Copy, Especially on Your Home Page
When you are looking to build leads, the content on your website is extremely important. You need something that will draw people in and make them want to stay there for a while so they can see what else it has to offer. The best way to do this is by using engaging web copy. Web copy comes from words that have been carefully selected to entice people into your website. This could be through words, images, or videos that are compelling enough for the reader to want more information about what you have to offer.
If you don’t have engaging web copy on your site yet, then it is important for businesses who want leads online to start thinking of ways they can do this. The best way to make it stand out is by using interesting words or phrases that people might not be expecting but will want more information about – and it doesn’t have to be large unintelligible words, it can be something funny or statistical. These types of things are also engaging for readers.
When you are looking for leads online through your website, making sure the copy on there can capture attention and keep them interested in what you have to offer goes a long way towards that goal.
3) Use Unique Images, Not Stock Imagery Whenever Possible
Another thing that is particularly important for businesses who want leads online to learn about are images. When you use unique, high-quality images on your website it can make a significant difference in how people view the site overall. A lot of times when websites have low quality or bad stock imagery, they end up looking unprofessional and readers will be turned off by it.
An example of awful generic ‘unity’ stock photo of a team
A much more modern stock photo or idea for a photo of your own team
Many businesses who want leads online are starting to use unique, high-quality images of things that will make people interested in what they have to offer and inspire them to click on the website link and find out more information. For example, if you own a bakery shop then having an image of some delicious desserts in the window would be a great idea. Increasingly a younger generation of buyers will be super turned off by the old school ‘generic’ stock imagery of old. Try to use imagery more akin to Facebook or Instagram – that shows what looks like real people taking part in some activity that goes along with what your business is all about. Or if you do need a classic team pose, use one like the image above – we all know it is shot as a team photo but at least it isn’t cringe like the example above. Always stay away from cringe as much as possible.
It is important to remember that when you are looking to gather leads online, this affects how people view your company as well! Make sure whatever images you use have been carefully selected so they can stand for what it is your business does and make them want more information about it.
4) Don’t Hide Your Phone Number or Lead Forms
When you are looking for leads online, it is important to remember that people often do not want to go through the hassle of getting in touch with your company. This is why whenever possible having a phone number (especially on mobile devices) and lead-capture forms such as contact forms or email opt-ins can be greatly beneficial. Having these items easily visible on your website allows you to engage with the reader before they leave your site.
People are often more likely to give out their contact information if it is easy for them to, rather than having to go through a bunch of hoops just to get in touch with someone about whatever product or service you have. This means that when businesses who want leads online are looking to build a relationship with someone via their website, they don’t have to worry about losing out on potential business because people can easily get in touch with them.
Another thing businesses who want leads need to remember is that you never know where the reader might be when viewing your site. So, it’s important for these items to always be easily visible.
5) Share Your New Content on the Social Media Platform That is Best for Your Business
When you are looking for new leads online, it’s important to remember that many people still discover businesses through social media platforms. But here’s the thing: you don’t need to be everywhere. The businesses that generate real leads from social media are the ones that pick one or two platforms and actually show up consistently, rather than spreading themselves thin across every app that exists.
So where should you be? For B2B and industrial companies, LinkedIn is still the heavy hitter. It’s where decision-makers spend their time, and sharing a blog post, a project photo, or even a quick update about your team can keep you top of mind with the right people. If your business is more consumer-facing, Facebook and Instagram are still strong options, especially if you’re posting real photos of your work, your team, or your customers rather than generic marketing graphics.
The other big shift worth paying attention to is short-form video. You don’t need to become a TikTok star, but platforms like Instagram Reels and YouTube Shorts are increasingly how people discover new businesses. A 30-second clip of a finished project, a quick tip related to your industry, or even a behind-the-scenes look at your process can go a surprisingly long way. It doesn’t need to be polished. In fact, the less produced it feels, the better it tends to perform.
The bottom line is this: when you create new content for your website, don’t just let it sit there. Share it where your audience actually hangs out, and don’t be afraid to experiment a little with how you present it.
6) Put Your Reviews and Testimonials Front and Center
Here’s something a lot of businesses overlook: before someone fills out your contact form or picks up the phone, they’re almost certainly going to look at what other people have said about you. Google reviews, testimonials on your website, even case studies all play a huge role in whether a visitor decides to take that next step or bounce to a competitor.
If you have great reviews, don’t bury them on a page nobody visits. Put a few of your best testimonials right on your home page or next to your calls-to-action. If someone is on the fence about reaching out, seeing that other real businesses have had a great experience with you can be the thing that tips them over the edge. And if you don’t have many reviews yet, now is the time to start asking your happy clients to leave one. It doesn’t have to be complicated, just a simple ask after a project wraps up goes a long way.
Think of reviews as your 24/7 sales team. They’re working for you even when you’re not, and in 2026, buyers expect to see them.
These are just a few of the many options businesses can use to make sure they have an engaging website that is designed for lead generating success.
Looking for help generating leads? The Sharp Guys’ team may be able to help. Reach out today to chat with one of the members of our Indianapolis-area team.
