You've got a great customer base but you're looking for ways to increase revenue over the next year. Or you've opened up your doors and customers aren't clamoring for your products like you hoped. Whatever the case may be, lead generation can be the most important strategy your business will ever create.
What is Small Business Lead Generation?
Small business lead generation are the strategies your business has to create new leads, turn them into new customers and promote brand awareness.
Small business lead generation is important because it drives traffic and increases revenue and is less expensive than other forms of media because you're able to budget as little or as much as you'd like to fit your sales goals.
What are the 10 most popular forms of small business lead generation?
1. Social Media

Social media is one of the most powerful tools available to businesses today. It's easy to use, cost effective and allows you to reach an audience that would never have heard about your company otherwise. This is why social media marketing is so popular among small businesses. With millions of users on Facebook alone, you'll find that social media offers your best chance at reaching potential customers.
2. Email Marketing
Email marketing is another form of lead generation that many small businesses rely on heavily. You can send emails directly to your target market or to people who might be interested in what you're selling based on their previous actions. Email marketing also helps generate more qualified leads by providing you with information about your prospects' needs and wants.
3. SEO: Search Engine Optimization
Search engine optimization is another popular method of generating leads for small businesses. SEO is very similar to email marketing in that it requires some research before you start. However, once you do get started, SEO is relatively inexpensive and generates leads quickly.
4. PPC: Pay Per Click Ads
Pay per click ads are a type of ad where you pay each time someone clicks on your link. PPC advertising is useful when you know exactly what keywords your target market uses to search online. For example, if you're a chiropractor, you might want to advertise on keywords like "chiropractor near me" or "best chiropractor" If you're a yoga studio, you might want to focus on terms such as "yoga + city state"
5. Online Networking Sites
Online networking sites are becoming increasingly popular among small businesses. These sites allow you to connect with others within your industry and share tips and ideas through blogs and forums. Some examples include LinkedIn, Alignable & Twitter..
6. Blogging and Content Creation
Content creation is another way to generate leads for your business. Whether it's videos, articles or blog posts, content is one of the most effective ways to attract attention from your target market. You'll be hard pressed to find a industry that doesn't blog, every industry from lawn care to Len The Plumber has seen the lead generation benefits of content creation.
7. Referral Programs
A referral program is a great way to generate leads for small businesses. Many companies offer incentives to current clients to refer friends and family members to their business. The idea here is to provide a free product or service to your client in exchange for referrals.
8. Create a Product Video
Creating a video showcasing your products or services is yet another way to drive traffic to your website. Videos are easier to watch and consume than text-based content. They help your target audience understand your business better and make them more likely to buy from you.
9. Offer Free Services/Products
Offering free products or services is a simple but effective way to generate leads for any business. When you give something away for free, you're creating trust and goodwill with your target market. In return, they may become loyal customers.
10. Giveaways
Many companies choose to host giveaways in order to generate leads. For example, you could hold a contest asking your followers to submit pictures of themselves using your product or in the case of Southern Living a free home makeover.
Conclusion
To sum it up, lead generation isn't just for large corporations - even small businesses can benefit from this tactic. It doesn't require a lot of money upfront, so it's an easy way to generate new leads for your business without spending too much.
If you have other methods for generating leads for your small business, please feel free to add them in the comments below!