One of the most important elements of building a successful business is having a consistent flow of qualified sales leads.
A sales lead is a prospective buyer of a service or product. There are hundreds of strategies that can generate leads, but deciding which ones to use for your business can be pricey and overwhelming. These are five tried and true strategies proven to be some of the most effective ways to generate quality leads today.
Online Advertising
Create a website or landing page that allows prospects to engage with your products or services. Provide an easy-to-navigate design with informative content and the option to sign up for email ads. A blog is also a great tool to build relationships with buyers that can lead them to subscribe and follow your social media links.
Email Campaigns
Email marketing is considered one of the preferred methods of generating sales leads because of its simplicity and access. On your website or blog, offer prospects the option to learn more information or receive promotions by leaving their email address. It’s an effective way to build relationships with clients and update them on your business or service.
Search Engine Marketing
Reach new customers with search engine marketing on major networks like Google, Yahoo! and Bing. Decide if standard search, call only, shopping, or app install ads are best to bring new prospects to your business. With this approach, you can customize the type of ad you need and combine it with your other strategies for a well-rounded marketing plan.
Direct Mail Campaigns
The key to a successful direct mail campaign is to research your customers’ interests. Grab their attention with a clear and relevant headline. Offer a valuable promotion such as a discount or coupon, and detail how prospects can redeem the offer. Follow up with another mailer, email, or phone call to close the deal.
Networking
Connect with like-minded prospects by attending conferences, seminars, trade shows— or host your own. This classic approach brings you face-to-face with key figures and influencers that may be able to benefit from your business or service. It’s an opportunity to create brand awareness, drive traffic to your online content, and generate new leads.
The solution
By implementing these five proven marketing solutions into your business plan, you’ll be on the right track to building solid lead-generating strategies. But, the work doesn’t stop there. Once you’ve reached new prospects, it’s important to nurture those relationships and follow up with quality products or services.