Lead generation is central to a vast number of online businesses. In many cases, however, marketers fall back on the same techniques that offer only variable results. SEO and paid traffic from the popular platforms are effective, but the competition levels can often greatly reduce ROI. Finding the leads that are both cheap to acquire and profitable for your business involves looking at all possible avenues. Oftentimes, the tactics you least expect to work can be the drivers of your marketing efforts. The following tactics can easily become a central focus of your lead generation strategies, offering the ability to target people in a wide array of niches.
Affiliate Program
If you sell a product or service, there is the potential to add an affiliate program. You may find the numbers don’t add up if you are earning minimal profit per sale, but it is worth investigating. Recruiting a number of quality affiliates reduces the burden of finding leads, and many top marketers having responsive email lists or popular blogs. To make the most of an affiliate program, calculate the lifetime value of each customer; this allows you to pay a commission that is competitive.
Podcast
Podcasts started as primarily niche-oriented content channels, but their popularity has increased rapidly. Major networks are getting into podcasting, with the opportunity to tap into large audiences on SoundCloud and iTunes. Your podcast could discuss topical news, provide training, or interview industry experts. A good podcast can improve branding, but be sure to send listeners to a targeted landing page.
Public Events
While most industry conferences and events won’t reach a huge audience, there is much value in speaking publicly. Speaking at a popular conference will improve your standing as an industry expert, removing the initial barriers many people have towards you. The networking opportunities also make joint venture partnerships far easier. Additionally, the leads you gain from a conference will be highly targeted, making them valuable and likely to convert to sales.
Social Media Quiz
Social media is a great way to engage followers, but you need a process for growing your audience and moving them into a marketing funnel. A social media quiz can generate interest, offer value, and find targeted leads. It is important to offer an incentive that will be of specific interest to your target audience; avoid general prizes that reach untargeted prospects. The contest could be a sweepstake, quiz, or caption competition that encourages people to compete, without requiring too much effort.
Video Tutorials
Because video tutorials offer something of real value to people, they allow you to start the relationship on a positive note. When you have immediately provided something useful, leads will be eager to see what your premium content is like. Video of any kind can be popular, but focusing on helpful content is a way to avoid untargeted leads who are primarily interested in entertainment or distractions. Ensure you add a call to action within the video and in the description section, thereby directing viewers to an optimized landing page.
Comprehensive FAQ
Most niches have various questions that are asked on a regular basis. These questions are typed into search engines, asked on forums, and discussed on social media. Creating a comprehensive FAQ will provide a resource section for anyone searching for clear answers. You can reference the page on the appropriate platforms and try to rank it in Google, but other readers will naturally link to it if the quality is high. You can capture leads with a free download of the FAQ or a similar opt-in offer.
These lead generation tactics can work across a variety of niches, encompassing businesses of all sizes. In many cases, a single technique can become your primary method of generating new leads. You may find they only produce a small amount of traffic, but the engagement and relevance mean the leads convert well. The days of focusing exclusively on Google are done, and limiting the platforms you promote on is risky. Instead, broaden your focus, find the pockets of traffic that produce results, and build a number of productive streams. The result will be a consistent flow of leads into your marketing funnel.
