The Sukaone definitive guide for entrepreneurs – What is lead generation

In our previous article we have covered how we have prepared a plan for Narisakti for content marketing and lead generation. In this article we shall specifically focus on lead generation and all those tips and tricks to get customers.

What is lead generation

The process of getting clients for any business is called lead generation. A lead is any person who shows interest in your product or service. In the industrial age with rules and etiquette, it is considered rude to approach any stranger with an offer. But now we are in a networked environment. We can safely assume that a prospective client wants to be approached.

There is a thin line between making and losing a client. So with the tough competition around, it is considered OK to approach a prospective client directly. Social media platform allow direct access to a client. In the world of Facebook it is as if the customer wants the service provider to make contact. All the different ways to get a client in the most non intrusive way is the process of lead generation.

Generating leads on social media

To begin with, have a strong social media presence. Whatever platform you want to be on, ensure that you have a complete profile and your product portfolio is present. Here is what you need to do on various social networks.

• Facebook Page – Complete the About page. This page has got various section including a story which has to be filled in with complete details. Same for the other tabs. If you have enabled the shop, make sure you have posted all your products.
• Instagram Business Account – Enable a business account with complete profile. Post all your product portfolio in highlights and a healthy number of posts.
• Google MyBusiness – Mark your store or office on Google Maps. Complete all the about info including timings and address. There are sections marked as posts, products and service. Fill it with complete information.
• LinkedIn – Both in business and corporate circles, having a LinkedIn profile is essential. It is a form of social media but with a formal touch. Fill up all sections in detail.
• Other networks – Twitter, Tumblr, YouTube and the list goes on. Make sure all the details are filled in and sufficient number of posts.

Choose your presence carefully and do not overdo social media. Too many posts or too many accounts will take up your time.

Kick out your friends and bring in new friends on Facebook

Your Facebook social circle has just become public. Change your privacy settings to public. Start posting your articles, photos, videos and posters on your personal wall. Your social circle will now be your former clients and customers and their friends and family. Then send friend request to your school buddies, college buddies and all your co workers from previous and present job. Get in touch with people with similar skills in the same profession as yours. Use hash tags on your posts.

Get those reviews on Facebook Page

People make up their minds on reviews. Facebook Page being the most important thing on the social universe, get those recommendations and reviews. Explain to your clients, customers, co workers, bosses, friends and acquaintances to put in a good review about your work. Reciprocate with a review without them asking. If you come across a post, put in a like or comment. Build up your community and followers. Encourage people to post a detailed review about your product and services.

Use Instagram to contact new clients

Instagram DM and business page is one of the most effective and safe tool to contact new people. Prepare you highlights with product portfolio. Prepare a post of video to introduce yourself in the most formal way and formal appearance. Use this post/video to welcome each new follower. Replicate the same method to add followers like that of Facebook. But while posting make sure you use hashtags generously as Instagram search works on tags. Connect with fellow insurance agents who are active on social media and follow their cues for trending.

Take total control of the boss of tomorrow – Google Maps

Google Maps with each update now improves the capability of forcing you to change decisions and make new ones. Suggestions and reviews on restaurants and malls are deal breakers. Right now, there is no one else to tell you how good the market or store was. When does the garden open and when are the peak hours. A voice search on your smart phone and out come the suggestions. Apart from the products and services listings, what is most important are the reviews. You can ask anyone to put reviews. Posting a review just needs a google account. Do share the link of your store or office so that they land at the right place. Do remember, Facebook maps is buggy at best and light years behind Google Maps.

You have connected with someone on Instagram, what to do next

On social networks, a connection is made for life. Get the rest of the connections like FB profile name, WhatsApp number and so on. Add them to broadcast list. Send a message every now and then regarding your products and services. It is also a follow up action on existing customers. Each customer needs to be part of your address book, both on smartphone as well as social media. Do not overdo, but do not forget them either.