12 Lead Generation Strategies to Boost Your Reach
Whether you’re the Apple of the world or a startup working from your living room, there’s one thing we all have in common; the desire for more customers.
Because, in the words of The Greatest Showman, it’s never enough. There are always more audiences we could tap into. Different consumers we could be reaching. Further leads we could be generating.
Lead generation is a cost-effective, results-driven way to capture interest that converts into sales.
It’s simple. Leads = customers = profit.
Well, not quite. Much like your favourite houseplant, your leads need nurture and nourishment to stop their leaves from wilting. Attention, care and, most importantly, value.
So how do you generate new leads?
There are many a way to capture active leads for your business. These range in levels of time and commitment, dependent on your end goal.
I’ve pulled together 12 of my favourite ones. Read them and prosper.
1. Start a lead-swapping relationship.
Is there a company or individual that complements (but doesn’t compete) with what you do? Set up some unofficial lead-swapping with them and boost your lead pool in an instant.
Even better, get them to make personal introductions to the lead for you. There’s nothing better than a referral, after all.
2. Create an incentive based referral scheme
When it comes to referrals, a little extra encouragement goes a long way.
Consider offering an incentive for all referrals. This could be something as easy as a discount, or an actual gift posted to them. Tie it in with your brand and you’ve automatically got a unique new addition to your marketing strategy.
3. Make sure your website is rich and up to date
A well maintained website expertly build for SEO is an absolute lead magnet. Your website is your portfolio. It’s your online business card. The more people you can bring there – and the more you can impress them once they do arrive – the better for your business.
4. Don’t rely on organic social
Social media paid advertising is an effective, tailored way to guarantee your content gets in front of your desired audience.
You don’t have to pay the earth to generate results. If you use the ads carefully and intelligently, you can get very far for very little.
You can even add buttons driving your leads directly to your dream spot; whether that’s a workshop event page, your newsletter signups or your services. The world is your oyster, my friend.
5. Consider different forms of advertising
With the rise of podcasts on every subject under the sun, you’ve now got a brilliant form of broadcast advertising to let you tap into your niche audience.
Take a look at who is running popular podcasts for your perfect clientele and get in touch with them to find out about their advertising packages. Hey presto, new interest, new leads.
6. Offer valuable Lead Magnets
Lead Magnets are an unbeatable way to add subscribers to your marketing list.
Basically? Give the people what they want. Look at your services and what you can neatly package up and offer it for free with all signups. Your Lead Magnet could be:
A worksheet
A “How-to” guide
An e-course
An exclusive article never before seen (oo-er!!)
A discount code
A content upgrade
A trial of a service
A physical gift
And SO many more.
Lead Magnets are top notch for skyrocketing your mailing list, so jump onboard.
7. Have an active, useful newsletter
Once you get those subscribers, you sure as hell want to keep them.
So make sure your newsletter is INTERESTING. Make sure it ADDS VALUE.
No one wants an email in their inbox sprouting sale after sale after sales tactic. They want a varied, visually pleasing, engaging piece of content that they’re actually going to connect with.
Your newsletter is your tool to pique their interest and gain their trust. After that, it’s all systems go.
8. Make use of influencers
Influencers are now the mecca when it comes to reaching your ideal audience.
Are there any individuals who appeal instinctively to your niche clientele? Use them. Build a relationship with them.
The right influencer (who is prepared to truly engage with your brand and support your mission) can work wonders for you. Just be sure to select them wisely.
9. Run a social media contest
Offer up something super desirable (either a physical prize or a free service) on social media whereby individuals have to follow your page, like or share your post and tag in a friend to enter.
It’s easy. It’s effective.
These competitions run a treat and can be done in a whole host of ways.
But remember: always check your country’s social media contest guidelines and rules before going live.
10. Create a “private” community
Add an extra layer to your marketing strategy with something more exclusive.
Private Facebook or Instagram groups are a great way to gather people together who might not already be engaged with your content to create longterm relationships.
You should serve a purpose with the group; something NEW and not necessarily part of your obvious sales strategy.
It could be a place for advice or guidance on your industry. Or a Meetup-style community for your niche audience.
Once you’ve got your members in, you can impress them with your wonderful wit and tantalising charm. And then, who knows what might happen?
11. Host a virtual event
Free online seminars or video workshops are an excellent lead generator. Not only will you add subscribers to your mailing list, but you’ll also show them your skills and experience free of charge (promoting your super kind, super helpful side) with the aim of acquiring future paid work.
12. Hold an IRL event
Even better – get your leads together in real life.
Workshops, networking events, seminars, presentations and Meetups are the ultimate way to build authentic human connection with your potential customers.
There’s nothing that beats seeing firsthand the passion someone has for their work. It’s infectious.
And if you get the chance to show them a taste of what you can offer, your chances of securing long-term work will go through the roof.
