Small Business Lead Generation and Home Business Lead Generation

Could Your Small Business or Home Business Use More Leads?

If you’re a small business or home business considering lead generation strategies, the complexity – and cost – of some of the more complicated systems can be off-putting.  But…it doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive.  In fact, with a little planning you can create a lead generation strategy that is simple to use, low cost and very effective.

Small Business Lead Generation: Why is it Different?

Generating leads for small businesses is different because small businesses are different; you don’t have the budget, you don’t have the manpower and you don’t have the time.  So how can you develop an effective lead generation program?

Step One: Use Low Cost Marketing Strategies

Advertising can be expensive but small businesses and home-based businesses don’t generally have a lot of money to throw at their lead generation strategies.  You need to find ways to attract people to your business so the only option is to focus your efforts on the bigger marketing picture – not just advertising.

Here are five low cost marketing ideas that you could consider:

1. Use good SEO (search engine optimization) instead of online advertising – you’ll find a good introduction to SEO in our free report
2. Use online and offline PR (public relations) to generate interest in and coverage of your business
3. Use low cost advertising options like PPC (pay per click) instead of more expensive display advertising
4. Get involved online, using social media tools like blogs, Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, and business forums to build interest and useful contacts
5. Create useful content. Content is very much a part of SEO but it also helps build trust in your brand and can be used very effectively as an incentive for people to get in touch. Mix online content with offline content.

Step Two: Use Automated Lead Generation Strategies to Save Time and Manpower

If you’re short on time and can’t afford to have staff running around looking after your lead generation program, then the natural solution is to automate as much of the process as possible.  Here are four quick ideas for automating your lead generation system:

1. Put it online. Lead generation works just as well offline as it does online but it does require a lot more manpower. Having the focus of your lead generation strategy online helps make the process simpler and more cost effective.
2. Use templates. Chances are you’ll have to respond to similar inquiries and similar situations repeatedly.
3. Use templates and pre-designed marketing materials to simplify and speed up this process. For things that will rarely change, invest in good quality print or well-designed online versions.  For things that will need tweaking or are subject to change, limit your costs by going for a basic design that can be easily changed and adapted to the situation.
4. Use auto-responders. Auto-responders are simple bits of software that automate your communications – sending pre-written emails at a pre-determined time.  They are good for delivering administrative information and for simple updates.  You can also use them to deliver useful content or sales reminders.  However, they should not be used for more detailed correspondence and shouldn’t replace your personal contact with a prospect.  Think of them in this way, if you would write a personal note before sending the same information in the post you should think twice about using an auto-responder.

Every small business faces the same issues – small budgets and lack of time and resources.  By focusing on low-cost marketing ideas and automating as much of the process as possible, you can create a lead generation process that suits your business.

What Next?

We do it for you: If you need help developing a lead generation system for your small business or home business, Click here for more info about the lead generation services we provide.

Do it yourself: For more lead generation ideas, Download our free report

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