Top 20 Lead Generation Ideas From Expert Salespeople

Successful salespeople are always on the lookout for new ideas they can apply to their lead generation strategy. A diversified approach that makes use of multiple tactics, both outbound and inbound, as well as multiple channels is the most effective approach for strengthening your sales pipeline. We asked sales experts to tell us their favorite techniques for generating business leads so that you can find some new methods to use in your new or current strategy.

• Online Lead Generation Ideas: Get expert tips on generating leads via inbound methods like content marketing and advertising. Read more below.
• Outbound Lead Generation Ideas: Learn some expert ideas on sales prospecting, including cold calling, starting conversations on Quora, and others. Read more below.
• Ideas for Generating Leads via Networking: This usually falls within outbound lead generation, but we created its own category because of its popularity. Read more below.

For the fundamentals of sourcing leads, check out our ultimate guide on lead generation, where we break down the concept into a four-stage process and share some of the most effective software tools and strategies for generating leads for your business.

Online Lead Generation Ideas

Online lead generation is great for businesses that want to passively collect lead contact information and encourage inbound calls and emails from their target audience members. Read on to learn some inbound tactics that sales experts have found effective, from running customer loyalty programs to submitting articles into industry publications.

Outbound Lead Generation Ideas

Outbound lead generation, aka sales prospecting, is most appropriate for businesses that want to proactively start sales conversations with potential leads. Check out the following tips from sales experts about how to generate high-quality leads using direct outreach methods.

Ideas for Generating Leads Through Networking

While business networking is an outbound tactic, we broke it out into its own section because it was so popular amongst the sales pros we asked. Networking is an excellent way to build relationships with industry peers and potential clients that might pay off in the form of new leads now or down the road. Read on to learn about some great networking-centered lead generation ideas.

Bottom Line: Lead Generation Ideas

Lead generation is the lifeblood of any business’s sales revenue. The best strategy will encompass a variety of different techniques, from online tactics like social media marketing to outbound ones like cold calling. Regardless of which lead generation ideas you choose to include in your plan, always focus on delivering value before pitching, preferably in the form of insights, advice, or free resources. For more, review our guides on online lead generation and sales prospecting.