How To Turn Leads Into Prospects
It’s pretty easy to get leads. The problem is finding out how to turn leads into prospects! Many business owners fall back on the idea that if a person is interested, they will purchase. Do not fall into this trap! It does not matter what type of business you have, you will need to dedicate yourself to converting those leads over into prospects. Brick-and-mortar stores, web marketers or retailers, and phone based business can all benefit from these tips.
Know your target. You need to understand your customer base. Who is buying and what are they buying? Focusing your marketing dollars on that type of customer will instantly result in a higher lead conversion rate!
Ask them questions. You cannot give a customer what they want unless you know what that is. You will need to try and find out why a lead did not buy from you. You can try surveys, newsletter mailings asking for opinions, even phone calls! What you are trying to do is get leads to tell you exactly what you will need to do to get them to purchase from you. Also, asking them questions makes them feel like you care, and it will give you an opportunity for some direct marketing of your product or service.
Offer options. Some leads will be financially strained or cautious. If you have services and products in a wide range, everyone will be able to sample what you have to offer at a level that is comfortable for them. Give them a chance to sign up for your newsletter or joining your social networking fan page. Do whatever you can to keep the lead connected to your business!
Change your approach. Throw an event, have a big sale, or offer a special promotion. Do anything you can that will give you a reason to contact a lead with an exciting new offer. The key here is to keep your business fresh, and thereby keep it interesting. Maybe the lead who has been hovering in the background will finally be tempted to purchase! At any rate, it will certainly keep current customers coming back.
Follow up. People are bombarded by emails, phone calls, commercials, junk mail, and all other sorts of media. There is a constant demand for their attention and money. Contact them while your business is still fresh in their minds and before other opportunities arise. For Internet businesses newsletters are a good way to stay visible (even if they do not open it, your business name appears as the sender). Send postcards or keep advertising. It can take up to five hits on a lead before they decide to buy your product or service.
Keep track of things. You will want to get into the habit of keeping copies of all marketing materials and sales reports. If possible, organize them according to date. Then you will be able to see what marketing strategies are working. It will give you a clearer picture of what turns your leads into paying customers.
Yes, it is hard work. But so is running a business. Take the extra time and you are sure to see your leads turn into prospects.
Learn more about online entrepreneurs. Stop by Dawna Miller’s site where you can find out all about a lucrative online business model and what it can do for you.
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