10 Ways To Get More Leads Without Sounding Like A Desperate Sales Robot

Who exactly is on the hunt for more leads? Well, other than you, that is! (Let's face it, you wouldn't be here if you weren't.)

The answer is as clear as a whistle: online business owners aiming to grow their audience, and, eventually, make more sales.

But to win that ever-confusing game of “how the heck do I get more people interested in what I'm selling?” - affectionately known as lead generation - one must first understand the players. 

Leads from social media are not just numbers; they are relationships, and the lifeblood of your business growth.

And at the heart of it, the most prized leads are your email subscribers. These are those lovely people who’ve given you permission to grace their inbox with your presence, signalling a certain level of trust and interest in what you have to offer that goes beyond your standard social media followers and networking acquaintances. 

However, understanding how diverse your pool of leads has the potential to be is crucial when it comes to generating more leads yourself. It's not just about gathering a crowd and shouting at them (not something I recommend); it's about assembling a community of engaged individuals who are genuinely interested in what you have to offer. 

With this in mind, let's dive into ten of my favourite smart, actionable strategies to widen your circle and draw more leads into your world. 

From leveraging other people's audiences to making every interaction count, we're about to explore how turning strangers into supporters is an art form in itself.

Expanding your digital rolodex: the where, when, and why of lead generation

Cracking the code to expanding your list of leads can feel super tricky - but it’s oh so rewarding when you get it right. And it doesn’t need to be hard. 

So, how do you make your mark and attract more leads without coming off as another dodgy sales bro on the internet? 

Here are my ten favourite tactics to do just that - with some pros and cons of each, so you can weigh them up for yourself:

1. Mingle in other people's audiences

Ever thought about leaving insightful comments on posts by business owners, influencers, or other brands in your niche? Not only do you get noticed, but you also start building connections with an audience that's already warmed up.

Pros: You gain instant access to an audience that's already engaged, which not only boosts your visibility but also enhances your credibility by association. This approach allows for organic growth through genuine interactions.

Cons: It can be quite time-consuming to sift through posts and leave meaningful comments, and there's always the risk that your comments might get lost in the shuffle in very active communities.

2. Become the guest expert everyone raves about

Offer to share your nuggets of wisdom in other people's courses, memberships, or workshops. You get to show off your expertise to an eager crowd without having to do the legwork of gathering them.

Pros: This strategy positions you as an authority within your niche and provides access to audiences that are already interested in your area of expertise. It also opens up valuable networking opportunities.

Cons: As with mingling in other people’s audiences, preparing and delivering your expertise requires a significant time investment, and finding opportunities may be limited by your current network and standing in your field.

3. Contribute to summits and bundles

Contribute your products or expertise to online summits and bundles for free or at a heavily discounted price. This is akin to setting up a stall at an already bustling market - the foot traffic is phenomenal, and the exposure can be immense.

Pros: Contributing offers high visibility among a broad audience and can lead to a substantial influx of traffic and leads. It also associates your brand with other reputable contributors, building your credibility.

Cons: The profit margins on your contributions will likely be slightly lower, and the success of your participation heavily depends on the reach and reputation of the summit or bundle.

4. Use memberships to your advantage

Join memberships relevant to your niche and become the go-to expert. You don’t need to spend lots of money doing this; finding just one or two engaged groups can deliver you so much more than just your ROI. 

Pros: Joining memberships gives you targeted access to communities already interested in your niche. It allows for deep, meaningful interactions and can foster long-term customer loyalty.

Cons: The costs of joining multiple memberships can add up, and you may need to actively participate in discussions to truly stand out - so be picky!

5. Take the stage

Stepping onto stages, whether they come with a price tag or not, can spotlight your expertise to an eager audience. While “pay to play” might fast-track your visibility, don't underestimate free gigs - they often offer substantial returns by connecting you with an engaged community, keen to hear what you've got to say.

Pros: Speaking at events gives you direct access to an audience that's primed and ready to hear what you have to say, enhancing your professional image and brand authority.

Cons: Paying for speaking opportunities can be expensive, and securing free gigs often requires considerable effort and networking.

6. Guesting on podcasts

Appearing on podcasts as a guest is kinda like going on a blind date set up by your best mate. The audience trusts the host, and by association, they’re ready to take a chance on you. Just make sure you don’t only rely on the host to do the marketing for you; it’s only fair you put in some effort too!

Pros: Appearing as a guest builds a personal connection with the audience and uses the host’s credibility to bolster your own. Podcasts have a lasting impact, offering ongoing exposure.

Cons: It can be challenging to find podcasts that align with your brand and attract an engaged audience, and ensuring high-quality audio requires a suitable setup.

7. Sponsor a podcast

Sponsoring a relevant podcast can be a smart move, though probably reserved for when you’re bringing in enough income to be able to do it consistently. A three-month slot on a weekly podcast can be a great starter; it gets your name out there as often as the episodes are released - all you do is sit back and enjoy the traffic to your website. 

Pros: Sponsorship targets a podcast's dedicated and loyal listeners, enhances brand recognition through repeated mentions, and provides consistent exposure over time.

Cons: This strategy can involve a significant financial outlay, and directly tracking the return on investment might be difficult.

8. Guest blogging

Writing guest blogs is the digital equivalent of being a visiting author at a well-known bookshop. You get to share your story on someone else’s shelf, attracting readers who might never have stumbled upon you otherwise.

Pros: You can target your ideal audience with valuable content, build backlinks to improve your SEO, and reach people outside of your existing network.

Cons: Finding suitable blogs for guest posts can take time, and creating high-quality content of course demands effort and expertise.

9. Collaboration is key

Collaborating with fellow business owners taps into their established, attentive audiences, potentially unlocking doors to new opportunities and markets for your brand. And don’t be put off working with competitors; just because they offer something similar to you doesn’t mean there won’t be people in their audience who vibe with you better!

Pros: Collaborations offer a way to reach new audiences with minimal effort, benefiting all parties involved and potentially leading to ongoing partnerships.

Cons: Identifying the right collaboration partners and managing these partnerships can be complex and time-consuming.

10. Networking in the flesh

And, of course, good old-fashioned networking. It’s like turning up to a house party where you know just one person (we’ve all been there!), but you leave with a dozen new friends who can’t wait to catch up again.

Pros: In-person networking fosters stronger relationships, provides immediate feedback, and can quickly turn new acquaintances into supporters or customers/clients.

Cons: Opportunities may be limited by location and event availability, and networking can be intimidating for those less comfortable in social settings - so it does take some practice.

When should you look for leads? Every. Bloody. Day.

Yes - really! 

Mark out 30 minutes of your day as “lead hunting” time. And no, this is not just about casting a wide net and seeing what you drag in; rather, it’s about breadcrumbing in groups and on social networks like Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn, and engaging in meaningful ways. 

Follow up with leads via DM, reply to comments with more than just a thumbs up (in fact, please don’t do this - it looks lazy!), and showcase your lead magnet across all your social channels.

Why bother with leads anyway?

Simple: more conversations lead to more relationships, which inevitably lead to more sales. It’s not just about pushing your product or service; it’s about building a community of people who trust what you say and are willing to invest in what you offer.

In the end, lead generation is an investment into your brand's future and its ability to make a meaningful impact on your audience's lives. So my advice to you is to take these strategies, tailor them to your unique voice and goals, and remember that the effort you put in now will pay dividends in the form of a loyal, engaged audience that not only believes in your product or service but advocates for it. 

And that, my friends, is worth every bit of effort.

Ready to make your lead magnet impossible to ignore? 

So, there you have it! Your roadmap to becoming a lead magnet without losing your soul or sounding like a sales robot from the 70s. Remember, authenticity is your secret weapon. Use it wisely, and watch your community (and your sales) grow.

Dive into my free download, The Lead Magnet Visibility Checklist, and start turning the spotlight onto your most valuable asset. Click here to unlock the secrets to maximum visibility and draw in those leads like never before.