15 Effective Lead Generation Strategies (+Types)

Let’s face it: getting people to visit your website is only half the battle. You need those visitors to become leads – folks interested enough in what you offer to hand over their contact details.

That’s where lead generation and effective marketing strategies come in.

Whether you’re starting from scratch or looking to level up your lead gen game, these strategies will fill your sales funnel with high-quality qualified leads, ready to become paying customers.

Sound good? Let’s dive in!

What is a Lead Generation Strategy? 

Lead generation strategy is your game plan for attracting and converting prospective customers into leads. Think of it as the bridge between your marketing campaigns and your sales process.

A killer lead generation strategy does more than just generate leads and collect names and email addresses. It:

• Identifies your target audience: Who are the people most likely to be interested in what you’re selling?
• Attracts potential customers: How are you going to get their attention and make them want to learn more?
• Captures their information: What can you offer them that’s valuable enough for them to share their contact details?
• Nurtures lead: How are you going to build a relationship with those leads and move them down your sales funnel?

Nail these steps, and you’ll have a steady stream of qualified business leads, knocking on your door, eager to hear what your sales team has to offer.

15 Top Lead Generation Strategies

Ready to take your lead generation efforts to the next level? Here are 15 effective lead generation tactics and strategies you can start using today:

1. Set up Target Audience

First things first — who are you trying to reach? Knowing your target audience is the foundation of any successful lead generation campaign.

When you understand your ideal customer’s pain points, interests, and online behavior, you can create valuable content and offers that speak directly to them. 

This not only helps you attract potential customers but also ensures that the leads you generate are more likely to convert into paying customers. 

So, take the time to research your target audience and create detailed buyer personas. 

2. Use Remarketing Campaigns

Ever visited a website, left without buying anything, and then seen ads for that same website following you around the internet? That’s remarketing in action.

Retargeting is like a boomerang for your lead generation strategy. It lets you reconnect with those website visitors who showed interest but didn’t quite seal the deal. By showing them targeted ads, you can reignite their curiosity and lure them back to your website.

Here’s the play-by-play:

1. Craft a compelling facebook ad: Design an ad that’s so enticing it practically screams “Click me!” and directs people to a specific blog post or landing page.
2. Target like a pro: Focus your retargeting efforts on people who’ve visited your site in the last month or two. They’re already familiar with your brand and more likely to convert.
3. Watch the magic happen: Run your retargeting campaign and watch your cost-per-click (CPC) plummet compared to other advertising methods. It’s like getting laser-targeted traffic on a budget!

3. Create Valuable Content

Content marketing is still the MVP when it comes to lead generation. But here’s the kicker: You can’t just slap together any old content and expect it to work wonders. You need to create valuable, relevant content that your target audience actually craves.

Think of it this way: Your content marketing strategy is like a magnet. If it’s not strong enough, it won’t attract those precious leads.

Here’s your content creation checklist:

• Solve problems: What are your audience’s biggest pain points? Create content that offers solutions and makes their lives easier.
• Answer questions: What are they curious about? Anticipate their questions and provide in-depth answers.
• Educate and entertain: Share your expertise and insights in a way that’s both informative and engaging.

The more value you pack into your content, the more likely those readers, viewers, or listeners are to become loyal leads.

4. Use Lead Magnets for Prospective Customers

Ready to turn those website visitors into leads? It’s time to break out the lead magnets.

A lead magnet is like a golden ticket – a valuable offer you give away for free in exchange for a visitor’s precious contact details. Think of it as a win-win scenario: they get something awesome, and you get a new lead. Everybody wins!

Here is a perfect example of the best lead magnet:

Here’s the deal:

• Ebooks: Pack your expertise into a downloadable guide on a topic your audience craves.
• Checklists: Make life easier for your potential customers with a handy checklist they can use.
• Templates: Save them time and effort by providing ready-made templates for common tasks.
• Webinars: Host an exclusive online event packed with valuable insights and information.
• Free Trials: Let them experience the awesomeness of your product or service firsthand.

The key is to offer something that your target audience finds incredibly valuable and relevant to their needs.

Don’t be afraid to experiment with different types of lead magnets to see what resonates best with your audience. You might be surprised at what works!

5. Apply Lead Scoring for Potential Customers

Let’s be honest: not all leads are created equal. Some are red-hot and ready to buy, while others are just casually browsing. That’s where the magic of lead scoring comes in.

Lead scoring is like having a crystal ball for your sales team. It allows you to rank your potential customers based on their level of interest and engagement with your company.

Lead scoring is like assign points for specific actions:

• Visiting key pages on your website
• Downloading lead magnets
• Opening your emails
• Clicking on links in your emails

The more points a lead accumulates, the hotter they are.

By identifying your hottest sales leads, you can focus your sales efforts where they’ll have the biggest impact. It’s like a heat-seeking missile for sales success!

6. Optimize Lead Generation Landing Pages

Your landing pages are like the welcome mat to your website. They’re often the first impression a potential lead has of your brand, so it’s crucial to make them count.

A well-optimized landing page is like a well-choreographed dance, guiding website visitors towards a specific action – filling out a lead gen form or downloading a lead magnet.

SproutSocial can be a good example to show:

Here’s your landing page optimization checklist:

• Visual appeal: Make it eye-catching with a clean design and high-quality images.
• Easy navigation: Keep it simple and intuitive, so visitors can easily find what they’re looking for.
• Clear value proposition: Spell out the benefits of your offer in plain English.
• Strong call-to-action: Tell them exactly what you want them to do (and make it easy for them to do it!).

Remember, the goal of landing page is to capture leads, not confuse them. So, keep your landing pages focused on the one thing you want visitors to do.

7. Use a Simple Lead Generation Form

Okay, you’ve got a killer landing page, and your visitor is ready to become a lead. But wait! Don’t scare them off with a long, complicated lead gen form.

Remember, the more fields you have on your form, the higher the friction, and the less likely people are to complete it. Keep it short and sweet.

Here’s what to ask for (and what to skip):

✔️ Must-haves: Name and email address (the bare minimum)

❌ Nice-to-haves: Phone number, company name, job title (you can gather this info later)

Pro Tip: Test different form lengths to see what works best for your audience. You might be surprised at how a few tweaks can make a big difference!

8. Promote Positive Customer Reviews

People trust other people more than they trust brands. That’s why social proof, like customer reviews and testimonials, is so powerful for lead generation.

Think about it: When potential customers see that others have had a fantastic experience with your company, they’re more likely to hop on board and become leads themselves.

Here’s how to make it happen:

1. Encourage reviews: Gently nudge your happy customers to leave reviews on platforms like Google, Yelp, or Facebook.
2. Showcase the love: Feature those rave reviews on your website,  landing pages, pricing page, and social media.
3. Let your customers shine: Share customer success stories or case studies to show how your product or service has made a real difference in their lives.

Here’s how WiserNotify displays reviews from Capterra on their pricing page to highlight the tool’s impact, building trust with potential customers.

9. Host Online Events for Potential Customers

Want to engage your target audience and generate high-quality leads? Try hosting online events like webinars, workshops, or Q&A sessions.

Think webinars, workshops, Q&A sessions – anything that lets you flex your expertise, deliver massive value, and forge connections with potential customers.

Here’s why virtual events are a lead generation powerhouse:

• Show off your smarts: Share your knowledge and establish yourself as an industry thought leader.
• Provide real value: Offer practical tips, actionable strategies, and exclusive insights your audience can’t find anywhere else.
• Build relationships: Engage with your audience in real-time, answer their questions, and get to know them better.

10. Engage Leads on Social Media

Social media isn’t just for sharing memes and vacation pics. It’s a goldmine for lead generation, especially if you know how to engage leads.

Here’s your social media lead generation playbook:

• Don’t be a robot: Ditch the generic posts and get personal. Share behind-the-scenes glimpses, tell stories, and show your brand’s personality.
• Start the conversation: Ask questions, run polls, and encourage comments. Get your audience talking!
• Be a helpful friend: Respond to comments and messages promptly. Show that you care about what your audience has to say.
• Share valuable content: Don’t just promote your own stuff. Share relevant articles, videos, and resources from others in your industry.
• Run contests and giveaways: Who doesn’t love free stuff? Use contests and giveaways to generate buzz and attract new leads.

The more you engage on your social media platforms, the more likely you are to attract and convert those potential leads into raving fans. It’s all about building genuine relationships and becoming a trusted resource.

11. Use Target Keywords in Lead Generation Campaigns

Want to make sure your lead generation campaigns hit the bullseye? It’s time to get strategic with your keywords.

By targeting the exact words and phrases your ideal customers are searching for, you can increase your visibility in search engines and drive more qualified traffic to your landing pages.

Here’s how to find those golden keywords:

1. Brainstorm: Think like your customers. What would they type into Google to find your product or service?
2. Use keyword research tools: These handy tools can help you discover popular search terms and their competition level.
3. Sprinkle keywords naturally: Don’t force keywords into your content. Use them naturally throughout your website, blog posts, and social media.

Pro Tip: Don’t forget about long-tail keywords! These are longer, more specific phrases that are often less competitive and easier to rank for.

12. Use SEO to Get High-Quality Leads

Search engine optimization (SEO) is like the gift that keeps on giving.

When done right, SEO can bring in a steady stream of high-quality leads on autopilot. No cold calling, no begging for attention – just pure, organic traffic. 

Here’s your SEO checklist:

• Optimize your website: Make sure your site is fast, mobile-friendly, and easy to navigate.
• Craft keyword-rich content: Use those target keywords strategically throughout your blog posts, articles, and website copy.
• Build backlinks: Get other websites to link to yours. This tells Google your site is trustworthy and authoritative.
• Monitor your progress: Keep an eye on your search engine rankings and adjust your strategy as needed.

SEO is a long game. But with patience and persistence, it can become your most valuable lead generation asset.

13. Organize Giveaways for Potential Leads

Remember what I said earlier about people loving free stuff? Well, you can use that to your advantage with giveaways.

A well-planned giveaway is like a magnet for leads. It creates a buzz around your brand, attracting new potential customers and re-engaging those who already know you.

Here’s the giveaway game plan:

1. Pick the perfect prize: Choose something your target audience will go gaga over. Think gift cards, exclusive products, or experiences related to your niche.
2. Spread the word: Shout it from the rooftops! Promote your giveaway on social media, your email list, and even through paid ads.
3. Make it easy to enter: Keep the entry process simple and straightforward. Ask for an email address (and maybe a social share for extra points!).
4. Watch the leads roll In: Sit back and watch as your email list grows and your brand awareness skyrockets.

Here is the perfect example by Honey Mama’s:

14. Generate Leads Using a Referral Program

Word-of-mouth marketing is still one of the most effective forms of lead generation. After all, who are you more likely to trust: a random stranger on the internet or a friend or colleague?

A referral program leverages the power of your existing customers to refer leads to you. By offering incentives like discounts, freebies, or exclusive perks, you can turn your customers into your biggest cheerleaders eager to share your brand with their network.

Here’s how to create a referral program that works:

1. Choose your incentives: Decide what kind of rewards you’ll offer for successful referrals.
2. Make it easy to refer: Provide a simple way for customers to share referral links or codes.
3. Track your results: Monitor how many leads are coming in through your referral program and adjust your strategy as needed.

Referral programs not only generate new leads but also strengthen your relationships with existing customers. It’s a win-win!

15. Check Competitors Lead Generation Tactics

Don’t be shy about taking a peek at what your competitors are up to. It’s not about copying them, but about learning from their successes (and maybe even their failures).

By analyzing their top lead generation strategies and tactics, you can gain valuable insights into what’s working in your industry.

Here’s your competitor recon mission:

1. Identify your top competitors: Who are the big players in your space?
2. Analyze their websites and landing pages: What kind of lead magnets are they using? How are they capturing leads?
3. Check out their social media: How are they engaging with their audience? What kind of content are they sharing?
4. Look for clues in their ads: Are they running any paid advertising campaigns? What keywords are they targeting?

By gathering intel on your competitors, you can refine your own lead generation plan and stay one step ahead of the game.

Types of Online Lead Generation Strategies

Lead generation isn’t a one-size-fits-all game. There are different approaches you can take, each with its own strengths and weaknesses. Let’s take a look at the two main types of online lead generation strategies:

Outbound Lead Generation Strategies

Outbound lead generation is like the traditional salesperson going door-to-door. You’re reaching out to potential customers directly, whether through cold emails, paid advertising, or social media outreach.

While outbound lead generation can be effective, it’s often more expensive and time-consuming than inbound lead generation. But hey, sometimes you need to take the bull by the horns, right?

Here are a few outbound lead generation techniques that can work wonders for marketing teams:

PPC Lead Generation

Pay-per-click (PPC) advertising is a quick and easy way to get your message in front of your target audience.

By bidding on relevant keywords, you can display your ads at the top of search results or on popular websites, driving traffic to your landing pages and generating leads.

PPC lead generation applies to both B2B as well as B2C segments.

LinkedIn Lead Generation

LinkedIn is a treasure trove of professional leads. With features like LinkedIn Sales Navigator, you can easily identify and connect with potential customers in your industry.

By creating targeted ads, joining relevant groups, and participating in discussions, you can establish yourself as a thought leader and attract potential clients.

Some of the methods through which you could generate leads from LinkedIn include:

1. LinkedIn paid ads
2. Organic posting inside LinkedIn groups 
3. Identify your target buyer persona and then proactively seek them out on LinkedIn over a combination of content and DM (direct messages) to foster relationship building!

Facebook Lead Generation

Facebook’s massive user base of 3 billion monthly active users makes it a powerful platform for lead generation. With targeted ads and lead generation forms, you can reach the right people with the right message, capturing their contact details and nurturing them into sales leads.

Lead generation over Facebook could use any of the below techniques:

1. Facebook paid ads
2. Organic posting over Facebook Groups

One of Facebook’s significant advantages over LinkedIn is its relatively lower cost per lead/ acquisition. In fact, it is one of the most cost-effective ones across all social media platforms, hands down.

The flip side is that Facebook is more apt for B2C while B2B marketing faces problems getting taken more seriously.

Inbound Lead Generation Strategies

Inbound marketing and lead generation is like setting up a lemonade stand on a hot day. You’re creating valuable content and experiences that attract customers to you, rather than chasing them down.

This approach is often more cost-effective and sustainable in the long run, as it focuses on building relationships and trust with potential customers.

Here are two inbound lead gen strategies that are worth their weight in gold:

Content Marketing

Content marketing is the art of creating and distributing content to attract potential customers and guide them through your sales funnel.

By publishing high-quality blog posts, articles, videos, or social media content, you can establish yourself as an authority in your industry, build trust with your audience, and ultimately, generate more leads.

Ideally, your content will help spread more awareness and information about the problems your target audience is facing and possible solutions (which include your product/ service). 

SEO & Local SEO

SEO isn’t just for big brands; it’s effective for businesses of all sizes. By optimizing for local search terms, you attract nearby customers directly to your door. 

Effective SEO increases your visibility for specific keywords, drawing in prospects ready to engage, leading to higher quality leads who already trust your business.

Local SEO is the process of getting local businesses (those providing locally delivered goods and services) onto the Google My Business local business box. 

Doing so gives these businesses hotter and more relevant leads that have a strong likelihood of converting better.

Using the Right Lead Generation Tool for Leads Management

The right lead generation tool can save you time and money, allowing you to focus on what you do best – running your business. But with so many options out there, choosing the right one can be overwhelming.

That’s where Sender comes in. These handy software solutions can automate many of your lead generation efforts, from lead capture to nurturing leads and tracking your results.

Sender helps you capture, manage, and nurture leads in a simplified interface. With high-quality, converting designs, Sender’s sign-up forms and popups execute lead capture without much ado.

The Final Thoughts on Lead Generation Strategies

Remember, the lead generation process is a marathon, not a sprint. It takes time, effort, and a whole lot of experimentation to find what lead generation technique works best for your business.

But with the right lead generation marketing strategies and tools, you can build a lead generation machine that consistently delivers high-quality leads and fuels your growth.

Now it’s your turn!

About author

Thomas Radavicius

Author

Sender

Thomas Radavicius is a marketing expert with extensive knowledge in various digital marketing topics. He loves staying current with industry trends and enjoys learning about strategies to enhance and grow business marketing efforts. In his free time, Thomas explores new technologies, reads about marketing innovations, and hikes outdoors.

Writer - Krunal Vaghasiya