Online Lead Generation: Can it Work for My Business?


Business-to-business service providers have a wide range of tactics they can deploy to gain new clients or customers. Direct mail; cold calling; TV, radio or print advertising are all ways in which B2B services gain new customers. In the last 10 years, the Internet has become another strategy to boost business, through advertising, web site optimization and online lead generation.

What is Online Lead Generation?

Simply put, online lead generation automatically sends information on prospective clients and their service needs to your e-mail inbox or to a web site account. Internet services such as ProcureAPro.com provide your business with an account where you can upload your business profile, location, hours of operation, client testimonials, and licensing information. Potential customers fill out a form online with their requirements for what kind of service they need, that potential client is matched with B2B providers for that service in their local area (or nationally, if the situation warrants), and the client's information is e-mailed to the matched B2B providers.

What Kind of Information Do Potential Clients Provide?

When a potential client fills out a form to request B2B services, they provide their name, phone number, location, and type of service needed. Depending on what kind of B2B service the client needs, they may provide even more detail, such as when they need the work completed; their target audience (for marketing services); the size of their staff (for human resources and other business services); technical requirements; the size of their office space (for furniture and other facilities services); and more.

Can Online Lead Generation Work for My Business?

Mark Shulimson, manager of ProcureAPro.com says "We use a number of both automated and human quality assurance checks to ensure the quality of our requests." While receiving a lead from a potential client is a major part of the equation, salesmanship comes into play. How you approach the potential client when you contact them is a big factor in whether you can convert a lead into a customer. "Once you receive a request, actively following up with them is key. Don't be passive, don't let email do the work for you, pick up the phone and make your presentation in person", says Mr. Shulimson. "Give potential customers reasons to hire you and a sense of urgency. Why should this customer act now? 'I'm usually booked but have an opening in my schedule this week'." Be sure that the person who contacts potential clients knows your business, pricing structure, licenses, experience and availability.

What Will it Cost Me?

Fee structures for online lead generation service vary widely. Fees also vary depending on what kind of B2B service you provide. "However pricing is structured you need to look at the Return on Investment or ROI. At ProcureAPro, our vendors setup a monthly budget. Say for example $100 budget for lead generation. At the end of a specified time period answer the question I spent $100 did I receive $100 worth of value? Most of the time the answer is going to be yes!"

The bottom line is that online lead generation is a cost-effective tool that can help you gain more customers. Using online lead generation in combination with traditional marketing techniques can help you build a string and success B2B service business.

Kristen Steingrandt has been in web marketing since 1999, working on everything from affiliate programs to PPC to SEO.


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