Tips For Generating Business Leads

By Author: Sam Magdalein
Total Articles: 4762
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Everyone knows that any business needs sales to survive. While sales may be the thing that determines if a business survives in any economy, marketing is the thing that will determine how many sales leads are generated. It is too important to any business to ignore, and with these tips, the small business owner should find generating new business simpler and easier to do. Tried and true methods are included, as well as some newer, more innovative opportunities afford by the Internet. These aren't the only ways to create new clients, but they will give you a place to start, both online and off.

Online Lead Generation

The Web has expanded business owners' opportunities to reach prospective clients. And they can do so without being Internet savvy, hiring an IT department or even having a website. (Setting up a website can be very useful to lead generation, and some would say it is essential for any business today to have a "web presence," but potential clients can be reached without one.) All it takes is a little time, creativity and the ability to follow directions.

Leads Through Blogging - Whether you choose ...
... a traditional blog or the new "microblogging" offered by sites such as Twitter and Facebook, a blog is a free way to generate sales leads for your business. Blogging gives your business the appearance of freshness, as new content is added regularly. Free blogs can be set up in just a hour or so through services such as blogger.com and others. A business blog need not be fancy or photo-filled, although photos of your products, your staff, your facilities and whatnot, as well as your business logo, will go a long way toward making your blog more appealing to the reader. Use your blog as a way of keeping customers and potential customers up-to-date on what's happening with your business. Sales, discounts, special promotions, staff changes, product updates and much more can be topics for blog entries. News items from within your industry or field of service are also good choices. A blog can add credibility to a new business, freshness to an established firm and another tool for any business seeking new customers.

Leads Through Articles - There are many opportunities for a business owner to generate new customers through article writing and placement. Many online sites exist that publish articles on any topic. Online newsletters within your industry or service field also offer chances to publish content-rich pieces. Adding your name, business name and other pertinent contact information such as a website, blog URL or telephone numbers gives readers an opportunity to reach out to you if they are interested in learning more about you, your business or your products. Articles need not be lengthy or academic sounding. They don't need to take up a lot of time, either. You can even expand on a blog entry, rewriting it a bit and submit it for publication. Make yourself sound and look like an expert, even if you're the new guy on the block.

Leads Through Video Marketing - YouTube.com, blogging and Facebook.com all offer you the chance to not just get your name in front of potential clients, but also your face. Creating a short video presentation on your business, a product or service, or even just presenting helpful hints to clients is another fairly easy, inexpensive and effective way to gain interest and create sales. Be sure to include all your contact information - website, phone number, address, etc. The video doesn't need to be a fancy, professionally crafted production. It merely needs to be interesting, informational and lead customers to you and your business.

Traditional Lead Generation

You don't have to be plugged in to generate new sales for your business. There are many proven methods for growing your customer base that don't involve technology. You may already be doing some of them. You may have considered some of them too old fashioned to bother with, but let me assure you that they do still work.

Leads Through Networking

The term networking has taken on a whole new meaning with social media sites on the Internet. Good old face-to-face meetings, however, are still a good source of potential sales. Trade and business associations, chambers of commerce, community groups and charitable organizations all afford the business owner occasions to mingle with potential customers. A good deal has been said and written about the benefits of personal connections and businesses and it still holds true, even in today's high tech world.

Leads Through Trade Shows

Trade shows and business fairs are another great chance to greet and meet new customers, especially if you have something to offer other business owners. Having the chance to spend two or three days displaying and speaking about your products or service to those looking for new providers is an opportunity too good to pass up. Add in a sign up for a free giveaway, free newsletter or other goodie is an excellent way to create a mailing list, even an email list.

Leads Through Advertising and Publicity

Traditional marketing still works. Newspapers, radio and television still account for nearly 40% of all advertising in the US. Direct mailings account for another 30%. That's 7 out of every 10 people who can be reached through traditional sources. Have you considered press releases? While technically not advertising, regular press releases can generate a great deal of interest in and for your business. Most marketing experts agree that a monthly business-related press release can bring in more revenue than a monthly sales campaign. And press releases are free, making them a great return on investment. Promotions are another way to keep your name and business in front of people. While advertising and promotions do cost money, they are still a good choice when considering how to generate new business for your small business.
About Author:
Lead Hot Line.com generates annuity sales leads for financial professionals. We are not affiliated with any marketing group or agency, so you can use the program today without changing any of your business contracts. Visit us online at http://leadhotline.com/ today.