One thing we see fairly frequently as we talk to business owners is a tendency to glom “SEO” and “lead generation” into one big category. The reality is that search engine optimization is one tool in the lead-generation arsenal. There are many other ways to generate leads online that you may not have heard of or thought about … yet. Let's look at how to generate leads using a few of these unconventional methods.
Case Studies: The Ultimate Social Proof
Show that you walk the walk, not just talk the talk. And this doesn’t pertain only to case studies. You also need to get the word out anytime your business is nominated or wins awards. There’s no better way to demonstrate that you are a valued resource and that you know your stuff.
Be a Guest on Radio — or Distribute Your Own Podcast
Some people like to read; some like to watch. Still others prefer to listen. This all goes back to making yourself available everywhere your target audience lives. People who would never read your blog post just might be listening — and that opens up a whole new audience for you.
Thank ‘em … and then Make Another Offer
You have an offer out there; something people can download or opt in to view online. Great. You probably have some way set up to thank them as well, with a “thank you” page or email. Beautiful. Do you make another offer as part of that “thank you”? You should. That is a hot prospect, and you have their undivided attention. Make them an offer that’s complementary to the one they just accepted but that draws them deeper into your funnel.
Are you B2B? You May Want to Publish on LinkedIn
Did you know you can create an actual blog post on LinkedIn right from your personal home page? This could be a great way for new prospects to find you in a setting where you present yourself as an expert on your topic. And, while we’re talking about LinkedIn, check into their Saved Search option. You can search on LinkedIn and save the results. After that LinkedIn will continue to look for people who fit those parameters and send you a list via email. Incredibly useful stuff.
Talk Up Your Clients
Anytime you give your clients exposure you also give yourself additional exposure. And chances are it will be exposure to a group of people who do not know about you or your services … yet.
There are lots of other ways to get found by new groups of prospects. Can you think of any? Let us know what great ideas come to mind!
Deborah is a reformed tennis bum and inbound marketing strategist whose main professional purpose is to support local business owners, experts and entrepreneurs by helping them understand the impact and importance of online marketing. She is one happy camper when she can help clients be more visible on the Internet, increase their own customer base and become more profitable. How can she help you?
Topics: Lead Generation
