4 Foolproof Lead Generation Tactics for Startups
So you have a great product in place, you’ve made an informative website, and even have some engaging content published to your social media accounts. But there’s still more to be done — finding a steady source of leads to convert into paying customers. Lead generation is understandably one of the most daunting tasks any startup needs to take on.
Figuring out how to create a steady flow of new leads when you’re just getting started isn’t easy, but these 4 tips will set you up for success.
Create and Promote Opt-In Opportunities
One of the best ways to generate leads is to promote opt-in opportunities that capture an email address. There’s just about an infinite number of ways to create an opt-in, so it works for every business niche. You can host a webinar, offer a newsletter that holds exclusive information, give away exclusive coupons, a PDF version of a how-to guide, or an essentials checklist.
When you’re offering your opt-in opportunity, make sure it pops up in a prominent place on your page. People are far more likely to say “yes” and provide their contact information if they have to make a decision rather than if they need to seek out the opportunity themselves.

This opt-in offer from Applebee’s is bold, offers value, and takes a prominent place at the top of the page.
Publish Engaging Social Ads
Your advertisements are never going to get you any new leads if they aren’t engaging and eye-catching. People just don’t have the attention span to read everything that pops up on their social feed, so if you don’t make your ad copy stand out and make it something that makes people want to stop and read it, they’ll just keep scrolling past your content.
The best way to do this is to make sure your ad has an eye-catching image or video and addresses the pain points of your target audience. Let them know right off the bat that you can solve their problems.

This ad from Amazon features an engaging video that tells a story and is directly targeted towards the pain points of young entrepreneurs.
Try Guest Blogging
You probably already have content ideas for your own blog, but have you ever tried your hand at guest blogging? While a well-written blog is a great way to drive traffic to your own website, writing posts for other established blogs will help get your name out there and introduce yourself to bigger audiences.
For the best results, you’ll want to approach blogs that already have a dedicated following and are likely to contain members of your target audience. This can be a one-time engagement, or you can arrange to contribute to the blog regularly. Either way, your name and your startup should be featured in the byline to drive more traffic to your website.
Create Compelling Landing Pages
All of the ads you create and guest blogs you post won’t get you anywhere if the landing page you bring potential leads to fails to capture attention and inspire action. In order to be successful, your landing page should feature concise copy, eye-catching images, and a motivating CTA that inspires them to opt in and look further into the services you offer.

Airbnb creates a compelling landing page by simply asking potential hosts to enter their location and showing them how much they can earn a month by signing up with the service.
Getting started with lead generation isn’t an easy task to take on. But Once you have some solid lead generation strategies in place, you’ll find that it becomes easier to attract a steady flow of new customers. And when you’re using smart strategies as your foundation, lead generation will be simpler than you ever expected.