7 basic +3 more advanced out of the box ways to get more calls {Organic & Paid}

Despite your efforts, the number of customer calls remains low. You are not alone in this. As you can see, there are many people with the same problem as you.

You invest in marketing, print shiny new brochures, try to activate your network and buy and showcase your fancy new equipment. And yet, the needle doesn’t move, and your clientele book doesn’t expand.

So, what else can you do to make the phone ring with new leads and clients? Nothing seems to be working!

The truth is, it’s not just about working harder; it’s about working smarter. In this guide, we will walk you through some actionable strategies to increase call volume with high-quality leads and show you tactics and tools like call tracking to take your common strategy to the next level!

Let’s jump into it.

1. Turn your landing page into a call-generating machine

Your website is perhaps the most crucial tool in driving phone calls.

A well-optimized landing page does much more than just inform visitors about your products and services. It should compel them to pick up the phone. Make them want to.

Here’s how to craft a landing page that will turn users into callers.

Clear CTA: Include a prominent, clickable “Call Now” or something relevant button at the top of the page and throughout. For mobile users, make the button sticky for easy access.

Strong copywriting: Use persuasive language that encourages action. Highlight urgency or exclusivity, like “Limited-time consultation slots available—call now.”

Phone number visibility: Display your phone number prominently and ensure it’s clickable for mobile users.

Social proof: Add testimonials that emphasize how helpful and responsive your calls are.

Speed: Optimize page loading speed. A slow-loading page will lose potential callers.

Do	Don’t
✅ Experiment with different button placements, colors, and CTA text to see what drives the most calls.	❌ Clutter the page with excessive content—focus on simplicity and clarity.
✅ Ensure the page is mobile–friendly, as most calls originate from mobile devices.	❌ Use vague language or hide your phone number behind multiple clicks.
✅ Use call tracking to identify which landing page elements are driving the most calls.	❌ Neglect analytics—track call conversions and adjust the page accordingly.

Let’s see some good and bad landing pages, side by side.

I don’t think I need to explain which is the good example and which is the bad one.

The landing page from OfficeFurniture looks like something that came straight from the 1990s. Back when the internet was a much wilder place and concepts like UX and customer experience were alien to most. Cluttered design, filled with menus, text, and noise. So much noise. Please, someone, add white space in there.

On the other hand, Vivint offers a much cleaner design. They display their phone number twice, in the header and then as a CTA in their hero section. The number doesn’t get lost among a multitude of images and texts, like in OfficeFurniture, but is at the forefront. If someone wants to call, they can do it right away with a click.

Okay, the first comparison was clear-cut. Now, I will make it a bit more difficult.

In this case, the “bad” example is Multitouch’s landing page. At first glance, it doesn’t seem so bad. But, there are some issues with it.

First of all, the image is generic. Like a stock photo. A man in a suit touching a screen. Doesn’t really signify anything. The headline is a bit bland and doesn’t explain how will MultiTouch simplify marketing. The graphs and data are hard to read and the features are kinda buried under tired graphics and empty headlines.

BBQGuys features front and center their product, along with an enticing benefit. 0% APR financing. But, their hidden gem, which in my opinion should be more prominent, is their “Ask an Expert” CTA at the top of the page. It doesn’t just say a plain “call us” or “get in touch”, but “ask an expert”, which implies that all your questions will be answered meaningfully.

2. 97% of customers search online—is your Google Business Profile ready to shine?

• 97% of users learn about local companies online
• 64% of consumers use Google Business Profiles to find contact information
• Only 16% of GBP listings receive more than 100 calls per month (more about that below)

Another reason the number of calls you receive is low could lie in the way you present your business online.

A Google Business Profile is like a digital window display for your business. Keeping it well-maintained can be the difference between having plenty of quality leads and your phone staying silent for long periods.

When people search for your services, your GBP is usually the first point of contact.

Check out Fontan Architecture’s GBP for example. A short yet complete description of the business, loads of pictures from projects, address, phone number, and reviews. Everything a good GBP needs.

Remember that 16% we mentioned above? Don’t let the low number dissuade you. It’s because most businesses don’t bother or don’t know how to optimize their GBP correctly. Thus, there is lots of space for your business to grow and capture leads from the competition!

Here’s how you can turn your Google Business Profile into a lead catcher as well.

1. Complete every section: Fill in all the details, including your business name, address, phone number, hours of operation, and website link.
2. Select the right categories: Choose primary and secondary categories that accurately describe your services to increase visibility in relevant searches.
3. Add keywords: Incorporate relevant keywords into your business description to improve search rankings.
4. Use the Click-to-Call feature: Ensure your phone number is prominently displayed and clickable, especially for mobile users.
5. Activate messaging: Enable the Google Messaging feature so potential customers can text you directly from the profile.
6. Add photos and videos: Upload high-quality images of your products, team, or completed projects. Videos showcasing your process or customer testimonials can add even more credibility.
7. Ask for reviews: Encourage happy customers to leave positive reviews on your profile, as these can significantly impact your credibility.
8. Respond promptly: Reply to all reviews—positive or negative—to show that you value customer feedback and engagement.

3. Create social media ads that bring customers to your doorstep

There are places in the world, where access to social media is more secure than fresh water.

Platforms like Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, TikTok, X, and many more have billions of active users. And these people not only interact with posts and each other, but as they do that, they are algorithmically categorized by these platforms, according to their interests, demographics, and profiles. In short, social media offers an unparalleled opportunity to reach the target audience that best fits your business.

There is of course the organic approach, but in this article, we will deal with social media ads and how you can craft them in a way that will drive customer calls to your business.

Many business owners believe that there is no reason to bother too much about copywriting, images, graphics, etc in their social media ads.

They are wrong of course. Effort matters! No, you don’t need Hollywood-level production, but still, use someone accustomed to image editing to design your graphics, instead of your 12-year-old niece.

Even traditional businesses, like home services or blue-collar professions, can benefit immensely from well-designed ads. Look at our examples below.

The first one is from a moving company. Look how nicely they have infused their ad with their brand color. Their copy is simple yet full of value and clear. The phone number is featured at the bottom, but is visible and there is CTA for messages.

Accordingly below. A cooling and plumbing business. They are running a special offer for tankless water heaters. I have no idea what this is, but their copy and the video make me wanna know more. Notice that the video doesn’t have any grand visual effects or top-notch acting. It’s casual, something that you could actually have your 12-year-old niece do. The important aspect is the message that the owner wants to convey and that’s why they use captions with colors to make it stand out. And the phone number is also visible, with a nice little emoji to accompany it.

Effort doesn’t have to mean that you need to rent entire studios for a Facebook ad. Just follow these simple tips:

Target the right audience: Use detailed targeting options to focus on demographics, interests, behaviors, and even life events that align with your ideal customer profile.

Create compelling ad copy and visuals: Your ad needs to grab attention and convey value quickly. Use bold visuals and concise, action-oriented copy that emphasizes the benefits of calling you. Use high-quality images or videos relevant to your product or service, as shown in the examples above. Include phrases like “Call Now for a Free Consultation” or “Speak to an Expert Today.”

Optimize for local reach: If your business operates locally, geo–targeting ensures your ads are shown to people within your service area. Pair this with local-centric messaging, such as “Serving [Your City] for Over 10 Years!”

Track and adjust: Use analytics tools to monitor the performance of your social media ads. Metrics like click-through rates call conversions, and cost-per-call will help you understand what’s working and where to improve. Add call tracking numbers in your social media ads for better marketing and lead attribution.

4. Traditional marketing still packs a punch

The world might be becoming ever more digital, but that doesn’t mean that offline marketing has stopped working.

• 7/10 drivers make purchasing decisions while driving. You can understand what this means for billboard ads.
• TV ad spending in the USA was 69 billion dollars in 2024, up from 64 from the previous year.
• Radio advertising spending is expected to remain stable until the end of the decade at least, to a rate of around 28 billion dollars. We will talk more about it in another section.

As you can see, there is still plenty of meat on the table for your business to grab.

And offline marketing is not only about traditional or brick-and-mortar businesses. Check out the example below. This billboard belongs to Artisan, an AI company.

For businesses in high-traffic areas, billboards and outdoor advertising can generate significant visibility and phone calls.

• Keep the design simple and readable from a distance. Use large fonts and bold colors.
• Include your phone number and a brief, compelling message like “Need a Ride? Call Us Now!”
• Choose locations strategically to target your ideal audience (e.g., near highways, shopping centers, or residential areas).

As you can see, Artisan checks out all these boxes. But, here is an example from a more traditional business as well. Prominent phone number, clear and short message, and interesting design. All boxes checked!

Now, TV ads are a bit more demanding. They require a higher budget and the leeway for testing and experimentation is smaller. But, if you get them right, they will be a powerful marketing tool, since most people associate TV ads with strong brands.

Check out this example from Marmite. They were running a promotion campaign and people who wanted to participate had to text the number. In your case, you can do something similar but with phone calls instead of texting.

Besides TV ads and billboards, there are more strategies as well.

Event sponsorships: Sponsoring local events like fairs, festivals, or sports games can boost your brand visibility and generate calls.

Or

Car wraps: A branded vehicle wrap is like a moving billboard that advertises your business wherever you go. Include your phone number in bold, easy-to-read text. Add a catchy tagline like “Plumbing Problems? Call Us Anytime!”. Ensure your design aligns with your branding for a professional look.

In any case, make sure to use call tracking numbers to monitor, track, attribute, and analyze all incoming customer calls.

5. Create urgency and build trust with exclusive phone offers

People love incentives, especially when they involve little to no action on their behalf.

This is the main reason many customers avoid the phone. Although it usually leads to a faster resolution of any issues or problems, for many, phone calls are a burden. They are shy, they don’t want to engage for more than a couple of minutes, etc. This is especially true for the generation of Millenials and beyond. I would know.

To increase the number of calls, it would be a good idea to give customers something in exchange now and then. Say, a call-only discount.

Why do they work?

Creates urgency: Limited-time offers or exclusive deals available only via phone make customers act quickly.

Builds trust: Speaking to a real person adds a personal touch that builds confidence in your business.

Simplifies decision-making: Customers can get immediate answers to their questions during the call, making them more likely to commit.

To properly set up call-only discounts:

Create a compelling discount that’s enticing enough to prompt action. Examples include:

• “Call now and get 20% off your first service.”
• “Call us today for a free consultation and $50 off your next purchase.”
• “Exclusive phone offer: Get a free upgrade when you book today.”

Use multiple channels to spread the word about your call-only deal: social media, Google ads, website pop-ups, etc

Make the phone number easy to call: Ensure your phone number is clickable on mobile devices and displayed prominently across all promotional materials. Also, use call tracking numbers, so that you know which marketing source drove the call.

6. Collaborate with influencers to increase customer calls

69% of consumers trust influencers’ suggestions.

45% of European GenZers trust influencers more than celebrities.

TikTok is increasingly being used as a primary search engine, chipping into Google’s share. 75& of people go on social media for purchasing advice.

All these stats point in a single direction. Influencer marketing.

Influencer marketing is not just about gathering likes or shares like they are rocks on a beach. It’s about leveraging trusted voices to talk on your behalf. If your number of calls is low, an influencer partnership can change that. The key is to select the right people and trust them that they will encourage their followers to pick up the phone.

It doesn’t need to be flashy, but the campaign should be done in a way that matches the influencer’s profile. People don’t go to travel bloggers to see them sitting home and reading books. And they won’t listen to a make-up artist’s advice about electrical installations.

7. Radio advertising isn’t dead: here’s how to make it work for your business

Radio might seem like a relic from the past. True, the radio has left its heydays in the past. But still:

One in five US adults gets local news from radio stations. Prime real estate for local businesses, if you ask me.

59% of radio journalists feel a strong connection to their audience. Remember what we said about influencer marketing?

Radio ads remain a highly effective way to make your phone ring. With their ability to reach diverse and localized audiences, radio ads are particularly powerful for businesses targeting specific demographics or geographic areas.

Here’s how to create effective radio ads:

• Focus on a strong call-to-action (CTA)
• Keep it short and memorable. Radio ads are typically 30 to 60 seconds long, so make every word count. Use a memorable tagline or jingle to make your phone number stick in the listener’s mind.
• Include a time-sensitive offer. Example: “This week only, call [phone number] for $50 off your first service!”
• Speak directly to your audience. Example: For a home repair service, “Tired of leaky faucets? Call us today at [phone number] and let us take care of it!”
• Choose the right station and time slot. Match your ad placement with your audience’s listening habits. For example:
  • Morning drive-time slots (6–10 AM) for working professionals.
  • Midday slots for retirees or stay-at-home parents.
• Use call tracking numbers on your ads to attribute calls to radio campaigns and gather data and analytics for optimization.

Let’s bring out the big guns

If the strategies above aren’t quite moving the needle for you, or if you’re looking to take your efforts to the next level, these advanced tips can provide that extra push. Think of them as powerful add-ons to supercharge your foundational efforts. Whether you want to enhance your visibility, bring back undecided prospects, or optimize your marketing for long-term success, these methods are designed to help you get even better results.

These advanced techniques aren’t just for businesses that are struggling—they’re for anyone who wants to ensure their marketing is as effective and efficient as possible. Let’s explore how these next-level strategies can help make your phone ring with high-quality leads.

Advanced tip #1: High visibility, low maintenance: the Local Service Ads advantage for service businesses

Local Service Ads, or LSAs are an ad format designed by Google specifically for service businesses that target a local market. Unlike traditional Google Ads, LSAs focus on generating direct leads, such as phone calls or messages. Customers can find your business quickly, and you pay per lead, instead of per click.

Why use LSAs?

High Visibility: LSAs appear above traditional ads and organic search results, making them one of the first things customers see.

Call-Driven Results: LSAs are optimized to encourage direct customer actions, like phone calls. Notice the prominent “Get phone number” button.

Trust Signals: Businesses with LSAs are Google Guaranteed or Google Screened, boosting customer confidence. I don’t know about you, but I find the “Google Screened” headline above the ads, very comforting.

Local Targeting: LSAs connect you with customers specifically in your service area. You can adjust it however you want.

Local service ads are ideal for generating more customer calls. They are easy to set up and optimize and require little maintenance, although you still should monitor them.

How LSAs work

1. Set up your profile:
   • Provide business details, including services offered, hours, and contact information.
   • Verify your business with Google to earn the “Google Guaranteed” badge.
2. Bid for leads:
   • Unlike traditional PPC campaigns, LSAs charge per lead, ensuring you only pay for real inquiries.
3. Customers find you:
   • Your ad appears when local customers search for the services you provide. For example, a plumber might show up for “emergency plumbing near me.”
4. Receive calls directly:
   • Customers can call your business directly from the LSA, leading to high-quality, intent-driven inquiries.

The bottom line is that LSAs can be a huge game changer for businesses looking to generate local leads and increase phone calls. They have a cost-effective pay-per-lead model and focus on direct customer connections. If you are a service business and aren’t leveraging LSAs yet, now is the time to start.

Advanced tip #2: Use retargeting to bring customers back and boost calls

Not all customers are ready to call you after interacting with your business. If your phone isn’t ringing, it might be because interested prospects are slipping through the cracks after visiting your website, viewing an ad, or interacting with your content. Retargeting helps bring them back, guiding them toward that critical phone call.

• Retargeting can boost conversion rates by up to 150%, making it a highly effective tactic for turning potential customers into actual buyers.
• Customers returning to a business through retargeting campaigns tend to spend 67% more on subsequent purchases.
• Approximately 70% of marketers use retargeting to increase brand awareness, and 60% utilize it to drive social engagement.

Here’s how retargeting works:

Stay top of mind:

• Retargeting keeps your business visible to prospects who may have been distracted or undecided initially.
• For example, someone who visited your site searching for “emergency plumbing” might see a follow-up ad saying, “Still need help? Call us 24/7 at [phone number].”

Address hesitations:

• Use retargeting ads to address common objections or provide additional value.
• Example: “Book today and get $25 off your service. Call [phone number] now!”

Create urgency:

• Incorporate time-sensitive offers to push prospects toward action.
• Example: “Limited slots available this week—call us at [phone number] to reserve yours!”

Some best practices for retargeting ads:

1. Segment your audience, create multiple retargeting ads based on your audiences
2. Use personalized messaging
3. Include a clear call-to-action
4. Leverage multiple platforms
5. Track and optimize using call tracking tools

Advanced tip #3: Use AI, automations and algorithms to boost marketing efficiency

At the end of the day, marketing is all about playing the long game. You can set up the best ad campaigns or partner with the greatest influencers, but it won’t matter if your effort doesn’t have consistency. You need to always monitor your campaigns, collect data, analyze them, and optimize for better results.

Something that works now, might not be working in a month or two. The best way to do all that is by utilizing automated marketing tools, algorithms, and AI. We do live in the Golden Age of AI anyway, so why not partake in it?

When it comes to ads, you can train Google’s and Microsoft’s algorithms to target better-suited users for your business. And since we are talking about increasing the number of calls here, the best tool for that is call tracking.

You can create automations that will score leads in real-time and then share those leads with your CRM and ad tools. This way, your ad tools will be “fed” with data from high-quality leads and thus optimize their algorithms to target users with similar prospects.

In the example above, we have created an automation that scores leads coming from a Google ad campaign that promotes a plumbing business’s bathroom renovation services. We have included call duration as a criterion, to root out wrong calls and also specific keywords that showcase interest and intent.

Then, the automation will rate the lead, tag it as “High Quality” and share it with a CRM and Google Ads. Quick and easy, as it should be.

You can create multiple automations and combine dozens of criteria with your own personal experience and expertise, to create lead-scoring mechanisms that will take a huge burden from your arms, speed up your work, and help you optimize your marketing.

Takeaway

If your phone isn’t ringing, don’t lose hope—it’s not always a sign of failure but a call to pivot. Success lies in working smarter, not harder, by leveraging a combination of proven strategies and innovative tools. From optimizing your website and crafting compelling social ads to leveraging call-only discounts and influencer partnerships, there are countless ways to drive high-quality leads and encourage customer engagement.

Take advantage of advanced techniques like Local Service Ads (LSAs), retargeting, and automation to streamline processes, improve lead generation, and ensure you never miss an opportunity. The key is consistency: continuously analyze data, refine strategies, and embrace tools that align with your business goals.

Remember, making the phone ring isn’t just about visibility; it’s about creating a seamless, engaging experience that motivates your audience to take action. The tools and tactics are at your fingertips—it’s time to make them work for you.

FAQ