Inbound marketing isn't the new kid on the block anymore. In fact, it has become the most powerful way to generate more leads for your business. Since it's not a single strategy, but instead a group of integrated, multi-channel approaches to marketing, you'll find almost infinite diversity.
If you're hoping to generate qualified leads, these inbound marketing strategies will serve you well.
Content generation leads to lead generation.
Think of content marketing as the foundation of your inbound marketing strategy- it attracts traffic and drives conversions if you do it right. You can create content specifically geared toward lead generation, conduct market research, identify the most powerful keywords in your industry, and craft compelling calls-to-action (CTAs) that encourage your audience to take the next step.
When you publish content, provide your audience with a way to stay in touch. For instance, you can generate leads by inviting users to sign up for your email list. From there, you can target them with content that ushers them through the buyer's journey and establishes a strong rapport with your brand.
Having trouble finding a topic to write about? Start by doing a simple Google search to see what suggestions may pop up. From there, check out websites like BuzzSumo to analyze what content performs best for any topic or competitor.
Check in with your audience regularly.
As mentioned above, email lists are powerful lead-generation machines. If your current inbound marketing strategy doesn't include email, remedy the problem right away. It's a personalized, highly effective tool that allows you to keep your brand in the forefront of consumers' minds.
Don't send out daily messages just to make contact, though. Instead, only send emails when you have a specific purpose in mind as well as the time to create a message that will resonate with your audience. Less is often more in inbound marketing, so make every connection count.
Inbound marketing isn't just about long-form content like emails and blog posts. You can also generate leads through social media. By responding to users and advertising current promotions, you can gain more visibility while also improving your chances of both generating leads and converting them into customers.
Start with a single social media platform, such as Facebook or Twitter. Publish only meaningful, entertaining, and relevant posts to avoid alienating your audience. Add a benefit to following your social media page by providing helpful hints, tricks, and tips related to your industry. For instance, if you run an HVAC company, you might publish a daily Quick Tip on air conditioner maintenance.
As you amass more followers, your message will spread. Friends of friends and followers of followers will find your page, discovering your carefully created content.
Lead generation doesn't happen overnight. Inbound marketing allows you to build your list of prospects over time and to keep those leads on the hook for as long as possible. To learn more about increasing your online reach, download our ebook on 6 Strategies to Increase Web Traffic.