9 Social media lead-generation ideas to try in your next campaign
Content marketing has become hype in the digital marketing world and businesses are focused on building brand awareness with organic marketing, however, these efforts must be balanced with campaigns geared toward lead generation. Here are a few techniques to use in your next marketing campaign.
Kelly Moser is the co-founder and editor at Home & Jet, a digital magazine for the modern era. She’s also the content manager at Login Lockdown, covering the latest tech, business, and security trends. Kelly is an expert in freelance writing and content marketing for SaaS, Fintech, and e-commerce startups.
1. Run targeted ads
Social Paid ads are great for reaching your target audience. You can run ads on most social media platforms, including LinkedIn, X (formerly known as Twitter), Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook. Some brands prefer using social media advertising versus running ads on search engines since the ads can link directly to your social media profiles. Plus, some of these sites allow you to implement lead generation forms as part of their ad technology, which is a win-win.
Targeted ads are fairly simple to set up as long as you have some experience with basic digital marketing. However, if you want to streamline or scale your paid ad campaigns, you can invest in the support of a specialist.
2. Create lead magnets
Lead magnets are typically some sort of freebie or discount code requiring visitors to provide their email address or phone number for access. You can also use gated content like case studies or white papers. The key to an effective lead magnet is that it must be something your target audience finds valuable. Many lead-gen experts say, “If it doesn’t hurt you to give it away for free, it’s not good enough.”
“The key to an effective lead magnet is that it must be something your target audience finds valuable.”
3. Use sequential retargeting
Retargeting sequences are campaigns that are designed to create additional contact with people who have previously interacted with your brand. This technique triggers additional ads to the same user based on their past behavior. The idea behind sequential retargeting is that repeated exposure to your brand with carefully curated CTAs will help generate qualified leads.
4.Post eye-catching content
It’s no surprise that social media is mostly about visuals. If you want your followers to transform into customers, you must provide content that’ll excite them, charm them from first sight, and stop them mid-scroll.
Clean Origin has truly mastered the art of eye-catching content creation. Each unique engagement ring design is a showstopper on Instagram. How can you pass up quality pictures of sparkling diamonds and delicate pieces? It’s a visual version of a lead magnet that you can’t miss on a crowded timeline. So, follow their lead by creating your own visually stunning content for sharing across platforms.
“If you want your followers to transform into customers, you must provide content that’ll excite them, charm them from first sight, and stop them mid-scroll.”
5. Build partnerships with influencers
Tapping into the power of influencer marketing is a great way to get in front of potential leads. Social media influencers are content creators with engaged followings who display ads within their content in a way that feels organic to their brands.
By working with influencers who share a target audience with you, you can connect with many potential buyers who’ll become loyal customers. Prominent influencers require payment for their promotion. However, micro-influencers may accept free products or a discount in exchange for talking about your brand.
6. Create informative content
Professional branding and eye-catching visuals aren’t enough to land potential clients in every industry. Your potential customers need to be sure that your products are trustworthy. Also, they need to know how to use them properly and safely. That’s why sharing informational content on social media might be critical for such brands.
Take Hims and Hers as an example. They sell products such as hair loss treatments and promote better health and mental health awareness. Would anyone ever want to buy a product against hair loss without knowing the following details: where it comes from, what it consists of, how to use it, and so forth?
That’s why they always add detailed descriptions to their product pictures on Instagram. This makes it easier for potential customers to make a purchasing decision.
“Your potential customers need to be sure that your products are trustworthy. “
7. Showcase social proof
On the other hand, social proof reinforces trust and credibility among potential leads by showcasing positive reviews and testimonials from satisfied customers across your social media channels. Beaches of Normandy Tours is an exemplary example of this strategy. They produce engaging content and incorporate glowing reviews from past customers into the same post.
The goal? Attracting new customers with compelling content and reinforcing their trust in the company’s expertise based on positive customer experiences.
8. Feature user-generated content
As an extension of social proof in the form of testimonials and reviews, featuring customer-generated content on your social media page is another way to generate leads. For example, House of Joppa, a Catholic jewelry store, effectively leverages social proof as a lead magnet on its Instagram page. By enabling the “Tagged” feature, they seamlessly showcase user-generated content, providing a glimpse into the positive experiences of their clientele. It’s a simple way to boost brand credibility and encourage potential customers to engage and share their experiences. Additionally, House of Joppa actively responds to feedback comments, fostering a sense of community and demonstrating their commitment to customer satisfaction.
9. Use a referral campaign
Referral campaigns are great for generating leads on social media. In fact, 92% of people trust referrals over traditional advertising methods.
Your referral program can offer discounts to current customers who refer their friends to your brand. You can set this up with a referral site that generates affiliate links or create custom discount codes to track signups. Incorporating electronic business cards into your referral campaign can amplify your effort. Consider including a link to your digital business card in your social media profiles and posts, making it easy for potential leads to access your contact information and referral links.
Generate leads on social media
Social media lead generation is a great way to supercharge your sales funnel and fill your pipeline. With the techniques we’ve discussed in this article, generating leads on social media will be a breeze.
Just remember that generating leads is all about knowing your audience and building relationships with them. It begins with brand awareness and involves every stage of your funnel, all the way through to loyalty. After all, your biggest fans will sing your praises to your future customers, and the cycle will start all over again.
So, what lead-generation strategies will you implement for your small business?
*The purpose of this page is solely to provide information and should not be considered as financial advice.
**Melio does not provide legal, tax or accounting advice; you should consult a professional advisor before making any financial decisions.
