Starting a new business can be such an important milestone. As soon as the shock factor wears off (or even during it), you’ll be faced with the task of determining where you’ll get customers and how you’ll make money.
If you have loans to pay back or profit goals, this may put even add more pressure. A new business needs lots of leads. Leads don’t necessarily mean sales, but targeted leads can help you expose your business to more people to boost sales and customer retention so it’s a process.
Even if you’re been in business for a while, you still need to keep generating new leads. Check out these 3 easy ways to find leads with a new business.
Email List
Utilizing your email list can be one of the most passive ways to generate new leads for your business. Even if you’re just starting out, you want to get an email list going ASAP. Just set up a form on your site and offer a freebie or helpful resource that people can download once they sign up.
As people sign up, you will gain a built-in list of people who are genuinely interested in your business and hearing more from you. You don’t have to send out an extensive newsletter several times per week. Just keep growing your list and offer value here and there.
When it’s time to market or sell something, you refer to this list for organic leads.
Social Media Marketing
Most people spend a ton of time on social media. This is why it’s a great place to find leads with a new business. Start a Facebook page for your business and consider running some ads to better target the leads you’re looking for.
If you sell physical products, you can always post pictures, reviews, and how-to videos on social media and engage with other people who have questions or comments.
The people who engage with your business on social media can very well be quality leads.
Help Sponsor an Event
Whether you run a B2B or B2C business, becoming a sponsor for an expo or conference is often helpful so long as you choose a relevant and quality event. If you’re just starting out and looking to find leads with a new business, you may not have the built-in network, but someone else will.
Find established events where your business could fit in as a sponsor and set up a booth so you can talk with attendees. Offer some freebies, a contest, or some fun way for attendees to interact with you and learn more about your business.
In exchange, collect phone numbers and/or email addresses so you can follow up afterward. The upfront investment will pay off when you do this the right way.
Summary
You don’t need to have a huge network to find leads with a new business. Get creative and find out where your target audience hangs out. Then, position yourself to interact with them and offer something of value.
You can try online marketing or make the connection in person. If you already have a business, be sure to use these tips to help keep fresh leads flowing in the pipeline.
