Referrals, networking, auctions and contests – these are all tried and true methods of getting the word out about your business and attracting new customers to your business. But the world has changed, and companies have a wide variety of options when it comes to lead generation. And let’s face it – for many organizations, contests and giveaways may not fit their brand.
Although we typically use this space to talk about technical issues and managed services, today we are here to explain some of the many innovative ways that our clients can bolster their business moving ahead.
Lead Generation 2020 and Beyond
Lead generation has always been about proving expertise and building trust and rapport, and it still is. The only difference is that the methods are now primarily online and often operate behind the scenes to attract new customers and prospects.
- Search Engine Optimization (SEO)
What is the first place people look for any information, product or service that they need? For the vast majority of people, that answer lies in a Google search. SEO provides organizations with the necessary tools to connect qualified prospects and interested parties to your website or content. Handle SEO in an expert manner, and you’ll find yourself on their short list of options. - Advertising with Pay Per Click
If you have ever worked on a website, you’ve no doubt heard about the importance of using keywords to draw the right people to your site. The search engines crawl your site to look for the words the clients are searching for. While this can happen organically, Pay-Per-Click gives your company more control over the most relevant keywords for your organization. You are essentially vetting clients who search for specific words, and only pay when they click on your link to view your content. - Website Designed for Lead Generation
Many professional websites simply aren’t designed for lead generation. They look slick, have beautiful videos, and tell your company story – but they don’t necessarily provide an impetus for the prospect to click around and become a client. Revising your website to clearly share your value proposition, give instant answers or allow for easy ordering may vastly impact your sales and revenue. - Social Media Networking
Every company has a different voice, a different personality and a message to promote. Which social media platform is best adapted to that message may vary from company to company. So whether Facebook, Instagram, or LinkedIn best fits your company image and goals – they are all best utilized when you are making meaningful connections with your audience. With the right time and attention, you’ll find that your chosen network(s) are generating leads in the same manner as old-school networking and referral networks. - Video Marketing
These days, people are so inundated with information that you have to vie for attention. It has been proven that it is easier to garner attention with a moving, colorful image than with a paragraph, no matter how well written So although you need written content for SEO purposes, video marketing can be a dynamic addition for lead generation efforts. Video content possibilities are endless, from testimonials, to tours of your facility, to showcasing your products in action. - Online Newsletters
Online newsletters which offer high-quality content will grab their interest. When they subscribe, you collect their email, and thus have a new pool of potential buyers interested in what you have to say. Not only that, but newsletters are a great way to keep past clients in the loop and let them know about new products and services they may be interested in. Just be sure to offer relevant and useful information, not simply sales pitches – or you’ll see your unsubscribe count rise rapidly. - Blogging
Some people get discouraged with blogging because they don’t see direct leads coming in from the blog posts. But blogging is actually one of the most important things you can do to maximize your online presence, albeit indirectly. A well-written blog is chock full of keywords and searchable terms relevant to your business, and should boost your Google ranking and drive people to your site. So although you don’t see it the clicks on your blog, the blog is doing its job. Every company working on optimization should have a blog hosted on their website, and updated weekly.
These marketing techniques are proven to help businesses up their game with prospecting – but with more traffic comes additional hardware requirements, the need for advanced telecommunications equipment and more need for cyber security measures. It doesn’t have to be an overwhelming task, however. Call Alliance IT today to discuss your current hardware and software setup, and to discuss how we can help to take you to the next level.
