“No matter what business you are in, you need prospects. You need people to market to, in the hopes of turning those leads into customers. Businesses both online and off can benefit from the following 7 ways to generate more leads to fill your sales funnel, build your email list and leverage to turn into cash-paying customers.”
1 – Start a Podcast
It seems everyone has a blog, but few marketers have podcasts. Video and audio podcasts can engage your audience much better than a text-based approach.
2 – List Your Business on Online Directories
A business directory is the perfect online medium to showcase your products and your services 24/7. Find directories that allow a link back to your website. Post on directories that will share your listing. Niche directories can be valuable in that they do not typically have millions of listings so you have a better chance of standing out. When others visit the site to list their business, they search the categories that interest them and/or they are considering being listed in. If your business is listed, you will be seen.
Submitting your business to online directories allows potential customers to access all kinds of information about your business. This can include the products and services you provide, your hours of operation, website and social media links, photos and even testimonials. Online directories can be a great way to publicize your site for FREE or even for a small fee. It is especially good for those who are just starting out in business. Submitting to online directories like HER BUSINESS DIRECTORY Listings is a cost-effective way to get more traffic to your website.
3 – Publish Information on a Regular Basis
Imagine these two scenarios. You have 2 almost identical websites offering similar products and services. It looks like either site can help with your situation. One website publishes an informative blog post, videos and a podcasting episode every week. The second site rarely updates its content. Which one will you do business with?
Adding information to your blog or website frequently, and on a regular schedule, improves your chances of connecting with your audience.
3 – Harness the Power of Information Databases
Data.com is just one of many websites where you can find potential leads for your business. You have access to company contact information and other relevant data which allows you to target exactly the businesses and individuals who are the perfect prospects for what you are offering. Also check out the National Archives InfoUSA and ExactData.
4 – Expand Your Presence on LinkedIn
You already know that LinkedIn has more than 500 millions of regular users. Maximize the real estate LinkedIn provides by making sure your bio is fully developed. Add pertinent information. Be sure to include education, certifications, publications. Don’t just add the names, tell what they are about. Include links to your website whenever possible. Add thought provoking articles to LinkedIn Posts. Share how-to videos. Share informative content your followers want to read. Participate in high-level, active groups. Find places on LinkedIn to play so everyone gets to know your name and what you do!
5 – Answer Questions on Q & A Sites
People online flock to websites like Quora, Yahoo Answers, Slant Answeree BlurtIt and WikiAnswers to ask questions about any and all topics. This is a way to prove yourself as an informed leader in your field. The search engines on these sites allow you to target a particular question or topic, and when people see your answers, you can lead them back to your website.
6 – Record Educational Videos
There are hundreds of video sharing sites that attract millions of frequent users. YouTube and Vimeo are just two of the many web properties where you can host videos where you solve real problems in the lives of your prospects. Video “connects” with your target market much better than text-based content.
7 – Host a Contest
Contest-hosting sites such as RaffleCopter, WooBox and PageModo help you run a simple contest on social media sites. When people think they have a chance to win a valuable prize, they will sign up to your email list or newsletter. A veteran strategy here is to offer consolation prizes to everyone who does not win a main prize.
Be sure and get your women-owned business listed on HER BUSINESS Directory Listings today! Standard and Premium listings available. Must register to list your business. And its worth it. Shared on social media and email marketing and more!