Finding new business leads can be a challenge but it’s essential to the success of any online business. Some business owners resort to buying email lists but this can be costly and there is no guarantee that the list is accurate or that the leads are any good. Plus they are not targeted. You want hot, targeted leads.
Fortunately, all it takes is a little time and effort to get qualified leads online. I’m talking about leads that are interested in your products and services and very likely to purchase from you. Here are a few ideas:
1. Build A Mailing List
Visitors to your website are potential customers. Ask your visitors to sign up and provide their contact information. Names and email address should be enough, since most people will balk at providing more information. Let your visitors know that they will be receiving more than advertising emails. They should also be able to get special offers, discounts, etc.
2. Write Great Articles
Articles that are interesting and informative will attract potential customers. Make sure they have the right keywords for SEO so that people will find them easily. Submit these articles to various websites for publication. Be sure to include a link to your website.
3. Create And Post Informative Video Clips
Videos posted on YouTube can be viewed by thousands, if not millions, of people. Create a great description of your video and include keyword phrases so that your video will show up in searches related to your topic. Be sure to include your URL in the video description so that people can find you.
4. Join Forums Your Customers May Be Part Of
Find out what your prospective customers want and are interested in. Participate in the discussion but never make blatant references to your product or service. Establish yourself as an expert, gain your prospective customers’ trust, and build a rapport with them. This is the best way to promote your business and get more leads online. When posting to forums, remember to include your contact information and URL.
5. Search Engine Optimization
Obtain quality leads online by attracting targeted prospective customers to your website or blog. An expert on SEO can help set up your site so that people who are searching for your product or service will be able to find you easily.
6. Social Media
Networking through social media is an excellent way to come in contact with people who might be interested in your products. Twitter, Facebook and Linkedin can help you meet people, make friends, and start networking with them.
7. Give Out Free Reports
Free content in the form of informative reports as a “thank you” to visitors who leave their email address is an effective way to attract qualified leads. This is also a great way to start establishing yourself as an expert. Make sure the information or tips you give are what your target market wants to know about.
8. Use Your Website Or Blog
Your site or blog should play an active role in generating leads. Provide an option – prominently displayed – where visitors can leave their contact information. At the same time, make it easy for people to contact you. Publish your email address, phone and fax numbers.
9. Pay Per Click Advertising
Google’s AdWords allows businesses to place targeted ads on search engine results. The amount you pay varies depending on the keywords/phrases. You only pay when a visitor clicks on your link. Facebook Ads is another place where you can buy targeted traffic. I’m experimenting with this now and will let you know more about my results soon.
10. Provide Full Contact Details In Your Email’s Signature
This is a simple yet effective way to obtain leads. Make your full contact details visible on all your emails so that when someone forwards an email from you to any of their contacts, that person will be able to get in touch with you easily. I just started experimenting with Wise Stamp and so far I like it…check them out.
So what do you think? Do you do any of these things? Or maybe you do something else. Let us know in the comments below!
For me blogging and forums have been the biggest places I find leads. Blogging mostly because I’m able to draw people in with my great information, which gets them on my list where I can offer them more great information.
Everyone of these have been helpful to me, but I haven’t done Google Adwords for quite some time; however, I am now considering some paid advertising options.
At the moment I am working on providing useful and interesting content. I hope that people feel engaged enough that they would like to subscribe to my list.
Everything is trial and error, which makes it both fun and sometimes frustrating. The fun part is what keeps you going.
Nice list of 10, Lisa. It’s never just one thing but a combination of a lot of them.
I agree with Victoria. It’s trial and error to find out what works best for you. I do love experimenting with Facebook ads because I can totally see the results and if it’s working or not.
I agree those two are great ways to get more leads! When I’m looking around for info, I always sign up to lists where I’ve gotten some great free content first. This is a great model to follow.
Have you done Facebook Ads yet? I played around with them last year…but just started back again. It’s fun! I’ll have more on that soon.
Providing great content is necessary and something I’ve seriously lacked doing on a consistent basis. But NO MORE…I’m on a mission… 😉
So true that it’s NEVER about one things but a combination. Agreed – you have to find what works best for you. Right now I am focusing on what’s fun for me FB ads and video. We shall see how that goes! 😉 OH and with my hubby’s candle biz…I have to learn all about Pinterest ugh that seems like a big undertaking. Got any pointers?
I feel like the blogging gods drew me to this valuable post! I have recently launched a new website/blog and list-building strategies are number one on my to-do list. Thanks for the comprehensive article. I plan to use many of your suggestions.
At this time I am focusing on creating quality content that is relevant to my target audience of people who are interested in trying to learn more about living a healthy, green and natural lifestyle despite the challenges. I am using social media sharing primarily. I’ve added the RSS feed and I am planning to create a compelling subscription offer and an enewsletter soon.
Of course I also plan to network with others in my target markets.
Hi Deborah! Love your blog! Sounds like you are heading in the right direct. Just know that it’s NEVER too soon to start collecting emails! 😉