40 FABULOUS MARKETING and lead generating ideas for your business. Check out these simple, easy to implement lead generating ideas for your business. Get your FREE PDF version here.

1. Networking Events and Trade Shows. Networking events and trade shows provide opportunities for businesses to connect with industry professionals, potential partners, and customers. These events often feature exhibitions, presentations, and panel discussions where companies can showcase their products or services, build relationships, and generate leads.

2. Content Marketing (Blogging, Infographics, etc.). Content marketing involves creating and sharing valuable and relevant content to attract and engage a target audience. This can include blog posts, articles, infographics, videos, or podcasts. The goal is to establish thought leadership, educate the audience, and build trust, ultimately driving customer engagement and conversions.

3. Social Media Marketing. Social media marketing utilizes various social media platforms to promote a brand, engage with the audience, and drive business goals. It involves creating and sharing content, running targeted ads, interacting with followers, and leveraging social media analytics to optimize campaigns and increase brand awareness, customer engagement, and sales.

4. Email Marketing. Email marketing involves sending targeted and personalized emails to a subscriber list. It can be used for various purposes such as promoting products or services, delivering relevant content, nurturing leads, or re-engaging past customers. Email marketing enables businesses to reach a specific audience directly and can be an effective tool for building customer relationships and driving conversions.

5. Referral Marketing. Referral marketing encourages existing customers to refer new customers to a business. It typically involves implementing referral programs that provide incentives or rewards to customers who refer others. By leveraging the power of word-of-mouth, referral marketing can generate high-quality leads and increase customer loyalty.

6. Influencer Marketing. Influencer marketing involves collaborating with individuals who have a significant online following and influence over a particular target audience. Brands partner with these influencers to promote their products or services through sponsored content, reviews, endorsements, or social media mentions. It leverages the trust and credibility established by the influencers.

7. Pay-per-Click Advertising. Pay-per-click (PPC) advertising is a digital advertising model where businesses pay a fee each time their ad is clicked. It often refers to search engine advertising, such as Google Ads, where advertisers bid on keywords relevant to their target audience. PPC advertising can quickly generate website traffic, increase brand visibility, and drive conversions by placing ads in front of users actively searching for related products or services.

8. Search Engine Optimization (SEO). Search engine optimization is the practice of improving a website’s visibility and ranking in search engine results. It involves optimizing website content, structure, and technical elements to align with search engine algorithms and user intent. By improving organic search rankings, businesses can attract more targeted traffic, increase brand visibility, and drive website conversions.

9. Local Listings and Directories. Local listings and directories refer to online platforms where businesses can list their contact information, address, and other details. Examples include Google My Business, Yelp, and Yellow Pages. Optimizing and maintaining accurate and consistent local listings help businesses increase their visibility in local searches and attract customers in their specific geographical area.

10. Webinars and Online Events. Webinars and online events are virtual seminars, workshops, or presentations conducted over the internet. They provide businesses with a platform to educate and engage a remote audience. Webinars can be used for various purposes, including lead generation, product demonstrations, thought leadership, and customer training.

11. Trade Publications and Industry Blogs. Trade publications and industry blogs are specialized publications or online platforms that focus on specific industries or sectors. Businesses can contribute guest articles or sponsored content to these publications to reach their target audience, establish expertise, and increase brand exposure within their industry.

12. Public Speaking Engagements. Public speaking engagements involve presenting at conferences, industry events, or local gatherings. By sharing valuable insights and expertise, businesses can enhance their reputation, establish thought leadership, and gain exposure to a relevant audience. Public speaking engagements also provide networking opportunities and can lead to valuable connections.

13. Direct Mail Campaigns. Direct mail campaigns involve sending physical promotional materials, such as brochures, postcards, or catalogues, directly to a targeted audience’s mailbox. Despite being a traditional marketing method, direct mail can still be effective for reaching specific demographics or geographies and can help businesses generate leads or drive sales.

14. Affiliate Marketing. Affiliate marketing is a performance-based marketing strategy where businesses reward affiliates for each customer they bring through their own marketing efforts. Affiliates can include bloggers, influencers, or other individuals with an online presence. It allows businesses to expand their reach, increase brand visibility, and drive sales through a network of affiliates.

15. Landing Pages and Lead Magnets. Landing pages are web pages specifically designed to capture visitor information, typically through a lead capture form. Lead magnets are valuable resources or incentives offered in exchange for a visitor’s contact details. Businesses use landing pages and lead magnets to generate leads and build their email subscriber lists, ultimately leading to potential customer conversions.

16. Product Demos and Trials. Product demos and trials provide potential customers with an opportunity to experience a product or service before making a purchase decision. By allowing users to try out or see the value of a product first-hand, businesses can build trust, showcase key features, and increase the likelihood of conversion.

17. Trade Association Memberships. Trade association memberships involve joining professional organizations or industry-specific associations like the FSB or your local Chamber of Commerce. Being a member of such groups provides businesses with networking opportunities, access to industry resources, and credibility within their field. It can also help generate leads and establish partnerships with other members.

18. Customer Referrals. Customer referrals occur when satisfied customers recommend a business’s products or services to others in their network. Encouraging and incentivizing customers to refer others can help businesses gain new customers with a higher likelihood of conversion due to the trust established through the referral.

19. Referral Incentives. Referral incentives are rewards or incentives offered to customers or individuals who refer new customers to a business. These incentives can include discounts, freebies, exclusive access, or other valuable offerings. By providing an extra motivation for referrals, businesses can increase the likelihood of customers recommending their products or services.

20. Community Involvement and Sponsorships. Community involvement and sponsorships involve actively participating in local events, initiatives, or charities. By supporting and engaging with the local community, businesses can enhance their brand image, build relationships, and increase their visibility among potential customers.

21. Freelancer and Consultant Referrals. Freelancer and consultant referrals occur when businesses refer or recommend independent professionals to their network or clients. These referrals can be mutually beneficial, as businesses can help freelancers or consultants gain new clients, while also ensuring their clients receive quality services from trusted professionals.

22. Joint Venture Partnerships. Joint venture partnerships involve collaborating with another business or organization to pursue a mutually beneficial opportunity. This can include co-creating products, sharing resources, cross-promoting each other’s offerings, or jointly organizing events. Joint venture partnerships allow businesses to expand their reach, access new markets, and leverage each other’s strengths.

23. User-Generated Content (Reviews, Testimonials, etc.). User-generated content refers to any content created and shared by customers or users of a product or service. This can include online reviews, testimonials, social media posts, or blog articles. Businesses can encourage and showcase user-generated content to build trust, social proof, and authenticity, which can influence potential customers’ purchasing decisions.

24. Webinars and Online Courses. Webinars and online courses are educational or training sessions conducted over the internet. Businesses can host webinars or develop online courses to share their expertise, provide value to their target audience, and establish themselves as industry leaders.

 These interactive sessions can also generate leads and nurture customer relationships.

25. Google My Business Listing. Google My Business is a free online platform that allows businesses to create and manage their business listing on Google, including essential information such as address, phone number, hours of operation, and customer reviews. Optimizing a Google My Business listing helps businesses improve their visibility in local search results and attract customers in their geographical area.

26. Press Releases. Press releases are official announcements or statements issued by businesses to the media and the public. They are used to share newsworthy information, such as product launches, company updates, or significant achievements. Press releases can help businesses gain media coverage, increase brand exposure, and attract the attention of potential customers.

27. Facebook and LinkedIn Advertising. Facebook and LinkedIn advertising are online advertising platforms that allow businesses to target specific audiences based on demographics, interests, or professional characteristics. These platforms provide various ad formats, such as sponsored posts, display ads, or video ads, to reach a specific target audience and achieve marketing objectives such as brand awareness, lead generation, or conversions.

28. Telemarketing. Telemarketing involves using telephone calls to directly reach out to potential customers and promote products or services. It can be used for lead generation, appointment setting, market research, or sales purposes. Telemarketing requires effective communication skills and compliance with relevant regulations, such as Do-Not-Call lists.

29. Sales Promotions and Discounts. Sales promotions and discounts are temporary incentives or price reductions offered to customers to encourage immediate purchases or increased sales. These promotions can include limited-time offers, discounts, coupons, or special deals. Sales promotions and discounts can create a sense of urgency and attract customers who are seeking value or a good deal.

30. Customer Satisfaction Surveys and Feedback Programmes. Customer satisfaction surveys and feedback programs involve collecting feedback from customers about their experience with a business’s products, services, or overall satisfaction. By gathering insights directly from customers, businesses can identify areas for improvement, address issues, and enhance customer satisfaction and loyalty.

31. Reach Out to Former Customers. Reaching out to former customers involves reconnecting with past customers to re-establish a business relationship. This can be done through personalized emails, phone calls, or targeted marketing campaigns. By reminding former customers of a business’s offerings and addressing their needs, businesses can potentially win back their patronage.

32. Offer Trials, Samples, or Demos. Offering trials, samples, or demos allows potential customers to experience a product or service before committing to a purchase. It reduces the barrier to entry and provides an opportunity to showcase the value and benefits of the offering. Trials, samples, or demos can increase customer confidence, drive conversions, and generate positive word-of-mouth.

33. Attendance at Local Chamber of Commerce Events. Local chamber of commerce events provide networking opportunities and allow businesses to connect with other professionals, community leaders, and potential customers. By participating in these events, businesses can increase their visibility within the local business community, build relationships, and gain referrals.

34. Cold Calling. Cold calling involves reaching out to potential customers or leads via phone without prior contact or relationship. It can be used for sales prospecting, lead generation, or appointment setting. Effective cold calling requires a well-prepared script, understanding of the target audience, and effective communication skills.

35. Targeted LinkedIn Campaigns. Targeted LinkedIn campaigns involve running advertisements or sponsored content on the LinkedIn platform to reach a specific professional audience. LinkedIn provides robust targeting options based on industry, job title, company size, or other professional attributes. This can be an effective strategy for B2B businesses or targeting professionals in specific industries.

36. Collaborating with Complementary Businesses. Collaborating with complementary businesses involves partnering or forming alliances with other businesses that offer products or services that complement one’s own. By working together, businesses can leverage each other’s customer bases, cross-promote offerings, and create mutually beneficial marketing initiatives.

37. Engaging in Community Service and Charity Work. Engaging in community service and charity work demonstrates a business’s commitment to social responsibility and community welfare. By supporting local causes, businesses can enhance their brand reputation, build goodwill, and connect with customers who value socially conscious companies.

38. Running Online Contests or Giveaways. Running online contests or giveaways involves offering prizes or incentives to participants who engage with a business’s online platforms, such as social media or website. This strategy can increase brand awareness, generate user-generated content, and grow an online following or email subscriber list.

39. Guerrilla Marketing Tactics. Guerrilla marketing tactics involve unconventional and creative marketing strategies that aim to surprise or captivate the target audience. Examples include using street art, flash mobs, or viral campaigns to generate buzz and attention. Guerrilla marketing can be cost-effective and highly impactful when executed strategically.

40. YouTube and Video Content. YouTube and video content marketing involve creating and sharing videos on the YouTube platform or other video-sharing platforms. Video content can be used to entertain, educate, or promote products or services. With the popularity of video consumption, businesses can reach a wide audience, increase brand visibility, and engage with viewers in a dynamic and visual manner.