Lead generation is both challenging and time-consuming, but if there is one thing we know, lead generation is necessary if you want to build and grow a business. After reviewing multiple lead generation surveys, we know a few things:
- B2B companies with mature lead generation processes enjoy 133% more revenue than average companies.
- 91% of marketers say that lead generation is their most important goal
But we also know that:
- 68% of B2B businesses struggle with lead generation
- 79% of marketing leads never convert into sales
- 65% of B2B businesses have no established lead nurturing processes
So, how do we make things easier for those who engage in lead generation? Maybe you already have a lead generation strategy that is producing excellent results. Perhaps you need help with lead generation and could use a few pointers on creating a more effective lead generation strategy. Or, maybe you’re new to lead generation and need help getting started. Whichever category you fall under, the following five tips will help make your lead-generation efforts a lot easier and save you time, money, and effort.
Tip #1. Know Your Target Audience
Targeted lead generation is essential because it forces marketing and sales teams to look at their current customer base. Gathering information about their current client’s demographics, company information, social media activity, and personal information allows you to create an ideal customer profile. A profile you can use to target new customers. If you don’t know who you should sell to, you’ll have a tough time building and growing your business.
Tip #2: Email Is Your Friend
Email continues to be the primary driver of customer acquisition and retention, with 53% of marketers saying emails are the most effective channel for early-stage lead generation. Plain and simple, email delivers results, but it takes time and testing to get the right message to the right person at the right time.
You must also follow some email best practices regarding subject lines, messaging, calls to action (CTAs), and send times. Doing a little research will give you a better chance of getting your emails opened and read.
Tip #3: Automate Your Outreach
Here’s some stat that will blow your mind. 77% of companies using automation software are converting more leads than those not using automation software. In fact, stats show that Using marketing automation software can increase qualified leads by as much as 451%. You save time, money, and effort by automating your email outreach.
Tip #4: Time To Go Social
Social media is a fantastic way to target, connect with, and qualify leads. Social media allows you to run paid/sponsored ads, collect organic leads, and promote your business with content. Plus, you get the added benefit of constantly connecting with an audience that needs or is interested in your products and services.
Statistics show that 66% of marketers use social media to generate leads, and most say LinkedIn is their top social media platform for generating B2B leads. You can also connect and grow your business on other social media channels like Facebook, Youtube, TikTok, and Instagram.
Tip #5 Create High-Value Content
Did you know that blog posts are one of the most valuable forms of content? Businesses with blogs get 55% more visitors than those that do not have blogs. As the saying goes, “content is king,” but high-value content takes it to an entirely new level.
Outside of blog posts, you can create other effective content like ebooks, guides, white papers, case studies, graphics, or videos. Valuable content like this sent to the right people can help you build brand awareness, position you as a leader in the industry, and keep you top of mind. Plus, people will download and share your content with like-minded professionals in your industry.
Instituting these 5 tips will not only increase your leads substantially, but they will also get you the leads you need to grow your business. I’m talking about targeted, qualified leads that need what you sell. Once you’ve got them hooked, you can nurture and pull them down the buyer’s journey. Before long, you’ll be calling them a client.