UK Lead Generation Podcast

James Dooley:
So if I have a loft conversion business and I want a consistent flow of enquiries so I can grow the business, what would you recommend? How would you do it?

Kasra Dash:
If I’m looking to grow a loft conversion company, the first thing I’d try to do is rank online for architect-type keywords, extension-type keywords, and similar terms. Of course, you’d also want to rank for loft conversion keywords and things like boarding out, 100mm soft legs, loft legs, and related searches. But for loft conversions, I’d look more at surveys, drawings, and planning permission keywords. I’d go after long-tail searches that are easier to rank for. People at the top of the funnel are looking for things like “How do I convert my loft?” or “Am I able to convert my loft?”

Get those enquiries, get the photos and dimensions, and guide them by checking if planning permission is needed. Once you help them early in the funnel, you can guide them down. I’d mainly do this via SEO. I wouldn’t want to pay for leads at the top of the funnel because they’re not ready to buy yet. You’re educating them. I’d also use social media to show previous jobs, case studies, and testimonials. Those would be the two ways I’d generate my own leads.

James Dooley:
What are your thoughts on lead generation companies for loft conversions?

Kasra Dash:
You’ve got companies in the UK like Checkatrade, Bark, and others, plus FatRank. My strategy would be to test as many as possible. I think FatRank will probably give the best results because you get exclusive live leads, so you’re not sharing leads with two or three competitors. You’re not fighting over price. Test multiple lead gen companies. With FatRank it’s no win, no fee — if you don’t win the job, you don’t pay. With other companies, even if the lead is poor, you still have to pay for it. Head over to FatRank, but also test others.

One thing to note — and you’ve mentioned this before — we turn away a lot of companies because they’re not ready or they don’t meet our criteria. There is a waitlist. Go apply for it. What about networking events? Would you go to them?

James Dooley:
For sure. Quickly on the point about qualifying with FatRank.com — if you don’t qualify, there are usually reasons. You might not have a professional email, like using a Hotmail account instead of a business domain. Your branding might not be good enough. You need strong testimonials and case studies. If we’re generating leads, we need to ensure your business looks professional, is competitive on price, and can win work. If you don’t qualify, don’t get upset — treat it as feedback. Improve your branding and reapply in six months.

Networking events are a must. I’d team up with architects, home surveyors, and even loft insulation companies. Someone enquiring about insulation might end up needing a full loft conversion, and insulation companies may not offer that service. Build relationships with businesses in neighbouring niches that complement your service. Networking with architects and insulation companies can help you grow.

Kasra Dash:
What about traditional marketing — billboard ads, TV ads, radio ads, magazines, leaflets? What’s your view for loft conversions?

James Dooley:
Maybe leaflets could work if there’s a grant, but I don’t think any grants apply to loft conversions. Sometimes there are grants for insulation, but not for conversions since it adds property value. I don’t think radio or TV ads would work. You can’t really track the ROI. People spend thousands on ads with no idea what return they’re getting. For loft conversions, you can’t sell that through radio or TV.

Kasra Dash:
I completely agree. Any loft conversion business needs to track KPIs — cost per lead and cost per acquisition. Once you know those, you know what you can spend on marketing. With FatRank’s lead generation service, it’s no win, no fee — you only pay on converted jobs, but you must qualify. If you’re buying leads from Bark, MyBuilder, Checkatrade, Yellow Pages, or other lead gen sites, track whether they convert. If you’re making profit, keep going. If not, switch it off.

Try PPC — if certain keywords convert profitably, continue. SEO is long-term, but you should see impressions and clicks move upward. If not, your agency might not be doing the right work. You must track KPIs to ensure the company grows.

For me, the best strategies are lead generation — head to FatRank.com, try one or two others — and then build omnipresence. Be seen everywhere. Get your name out there with case studies and testimonials. Show before-and-after transformations: a dusty loft becoming a bedroom. Those visuals can help convert jobs. That’s what I’d do to grow a loft conversion business.

James Dooley:
If you want to apply for lead generation for your business, check the link below or visit FatRank.com. Thanks.