Online lead generation is the process of attracting potential customers and encouraging them to show interest through contact forms, calls, WhatsApp messages, or emails. For small businesses, this means creating clear offers, valuable content, and easy ways for customers to reach you. Effective lead generation connects traffic with action. Whether through search engines, social media, or paid ads, every channel should guide users toward a clear next step. When done correctly, online lead generation creates consistent opportunities for growth without relying solely on walk-in customers or referrals.