Do you own and operate your own business? If you do, it is likely you already know the importance of lead generation. Lack of leads can ruin your business. This article is chock full of insights on how to get lots of new leads.
Look to affiliate marketing to generate leads and even customers. Why do all the work for leads when you can have others do it for you on commission? Affiliate programs are a very effective way of introducing your product to new audiences. In fact, you’ll see a lot of content created around your product or service. That’s very effective.
Know going in that lead generation is a time consuming and ongoing process. It’s not a set it and forget it situation. You need to work at it. It takes building trust and thought leadership in the markets in which you sell. Be patient and work hard and you’ll really reap the rewards.
Set time every week to follow up with potential leads. It usually takes more than one touch point to turn a potential qualified lead into a real hot lead. SO after you’ve made first contact, set time a week or two later to touch base again. It’s about frequency here to make this person into a customer.
Do not pre-judge your lead gathering technique. Though you may think you are not going to get great results, or you are overly confident about the success, you cannot be sure. The only way to know if your lead generation is working is to put it into action without preconceived ideas about results.
Talk to business owners in related industries. They may be willing to share leads with you, by sending their customers your way. For example, if you own a shop where you sell balloons, talking to a florist about a joint venture is a great way to get leads from another business.
Obviously, when generating leads, you are working according to a budget and cannot pursue every venture. That is why it’s important that you do have a set budget and that you are always paying attention to discount opportunities when it comes to promotion. This being said, make sure the money is being spent wisely.
Do not underestimate the power of customer referrals in lead generation. If you’ve got a well-established customer base to begin with, referrals should be simple and painless, because your happy customers will naturally refer their friends and family. As an added incentive, give them a discount for sending others your way and watch your leads grow exponentially!
Don’t be afraid to pick up the phone. A lot of people get scared of making a call to generate a lead. They think it’s akin to annoying telemarketing. But if you’ve got a solution to a problem a company is having, you’ll definitely get phone time with someone. Even if it’s not a long call, pitch it and get a meeting to continue the conversation.
If you want to build your business, focus on lead generation. A stagnating business withers and dies, and you do not want that to happen. The advice learned here is a great way to not run into these sorts of problems.
