Ways to generate leads on a budget is difficult and as a new business owner, there’s always this nagging question of “how do I generate the most leads, in the shortest time, with the least cost”. Well, w’ere glad you’ve asked! Here we have laid out 7 simple ways to generate leads on a budget. But throughout this blog post, lets keep one thing in mind – as much as we want a ton of leads, we do actually want them hot. We want good solid leads that will actually turn into customers and then promoters. We want to make the most out of our efforts. Quality over quantity does make a difference here. So target your ideal market and ideal customers through these 7 avenues. Here they are:

1. Redesign Your Website

Your website is low hanging fruit! This business asset is one of the easiest ways to generate leads on a budget and if you’ve read any of our previous blog posts, or if you’ve ever had a conversation with us, you shouldn’t be surprised to see this as the first item on the list. Your website, which in the current day of age is your digital storefront, can be a lean, mean selling machine. If built correctly, with content targeting your buyer persona’s (don’t know what a buyer persona is? Take a look here), your website should be your highest producing sales rep. Even better, this is a sales rep that doesn’t complain! Holy smokes – imagine that!

If your website is not producing leads, or better yet, is not producing the right leads, then it might be a good idea to take a step back, and take a dive into how your website is currently designed.

Want to learn more about website design? We have you covered!

2. FaceBook Ads

Facebook advertisements are a phenomenal platform for lead growth today. With around 2.23 billion users, the exposure FB provides surpasses old traditional methods, such as radio, billboards, flyers, etc.

Your customers are using it daily. About 80% of all Internet users use Facebook. And it is no longer a Millennial only audience. 65% of adults over the age of 65 use Facebook. And most users check their page multiple times per day.

This platform offers a great avenue to increase your customer engagement. They can interact with you through likes, comments and shares, thus forming a more trustworthy and confident connection. One of the most cost effective ways to generate leads on a budget consists of getting more business from your current customer base.

In addition, ads on FB allow you to target your specific buyer persona (seriously, take a look at what buyer persona’s are here). You can select key definers such as age, interest, behavior and location, thus driving overall more qualified leads.

3. Giveaway Contest

Everyone likes winning something and being the recipient of free things. I know what you might be thinking, “I’m trying to increase business, NOT GIVE IT AWAY! We get it, but contests can draw in new traffic and also make current customers happy they are still in the loop on your activities and updates.

For example, a contest can consist of this: Every person that tags your business in a photo on a social media platform of your choosing, will be entered in a drawing to win a free product or service. Consider how this is also using your own customers for brand promotion. It exposes you, in a positive way, to customer’s connections. It’s a win win. Or a win win win as Michael Scott would say.

4. Reviews

Our previous point brings us to the next way to increase leads, and that is through reviews. In essence, a customer promoting a brand through a contest not only increases your exposure, but gives his or her connections a valuable review of your product or service. They will only promote you if they view your offerings as valuable and what better way to gain leads than through word of mouth. Referrals have always been one of the most effective ways to generates leads on a budget.

With this being said, putting reviews of these same happy consumers on your website or FB page will be huge. In this day, with so many products and companies that compete for our business, consumers are more likely to trust a happy user than hearing why a product or service is so great straight from the source. Ask for reviews through follow up emails, pop-ups on your website, or again, through a giveaway offer in exchange for a good review. They can’t get enough of these.

5. Local Meet Ups And Networking

For a small business, local networking can be a game changer for generating leads. Getting your face and name out there for people to associate with your business will help people remember you, and want to refer and recommend business to you.

This does take dedication though. It cannot be a one time rendezvous. Person to person interactions are huge and make a big impression. Today, with technology, it is easy to lose that. As a digital marketing firm, we’re continuously working to bring the human element into our digital interactions. But networking is pure human to human, so take advantage of that. It can’t be beat.

6. Online Networking

Along with the face-to-face networking, taking a similar approach online is a great consideration. Platforms such as LinkedIn are a great way to connect with people in your community and beyond. Networking online will broaden your scope from local to perhaps national.

Start reaching out to your buyer persona’s. Make sure you list your qualifications, certifications, and experience. The more available information you provide of yourself the better.

7. Live Video And Webinars

Here’s a good one to end with. Video is everywhere and it’s booming! FB Live, Instagram Live, Twitter Live and YouTube are all great platforms. Find where your target audience will most likely view your video and give it a go.

Live video gives people a “behind the scenes” look into your business and lifestyle. As mentioned before, we must strive for the human interaction. Today, consumers want to PARTICIPATE and live videos and webinars gives them a more real interaction with you. Show them what you are working on, what the day-to-day operations look like and open up for a question and answer discussion. Get them involved. Studies show that Mobile video accounts for 50% of mobile data usage. Be a part of that percentage.

Being a small business, and trying to determine ways to generate leads on a budget, these are 7 great starting points that won’t break the bank. Keep your target audience in mind and dive in!