But first, what makes a good lead?

There is no ideal customer that fits every business’s description and needs. What it comes down to is that your business has to dig deep into your demographic to know who you’re marketing to, and the answer is not “everyone.” Remember, the more you know about who you want (and don’t want) as a customer, the less searching you’ll have to do for the right buyer.

Where’s the money?

Like we mentioned before, no single customer is right for every business. But there are a few places you can look that might just open up your ideal opportunity. These include:

Your website

Your website is the first representation that most customers see when looking for your types of products and services. Make sure that your site is optimized and, importantly, mobile. Work with web design pros at Oasis Consulting Group to create a site that attracts people that want what you have to offer.

Networking events

Networking events are organized gatherings often put together by industry leaders or your local Chamber of Commerce. The Phelps Chamber of Commerce explains that there are many benefits of networking your business through these types of organizations and events. These include gaining knowledge, increasing your confidence, and putting a face on your business.

Your existing customer base

You already have a pool of leads to pull from. Your existing customer base is your greatest source of potential future revenue. Lead generation software Outbound Engine explains that just keeping 5% of your customers can boost your profits up to 95%.

On the streets

You never know when you’re going to run into a potential business contact or customer. It could be anywhere from your local corner café to the hallway of your hotel. Make sure that you carry business cards in your pocket at all times so that you can quickly and easily exchange information. Your business card should have your logo, job title, and contact info, and there’s nothing wrong with having a small list of services printed on the backside.

Review sites

Reviews are one of your most valuable digital assets, and you should never leave them unleveraged. Even a scathing writeup of terrible service is an opportunity to help you convert review readers into a great new customer base. Reputation (an online reputation management site) says that you must first identify constructive versus destructive feedback, ask follow-up questions, and don’t be shy about emphasizing your determination to create happy customers from the chaos.

Other businesses

A reciprocal referral system is an opportunity for you to create a partnership with complementary businesses (real estate agents do it all the time) so that you can bounce customers between you. For example, if you own a sign printing shop and have customers routinely asking about T-shirts, there’s a good chance there’s a T-shirt shop that turns down sign work all the time. Get together with these business owners, make friends, and share your customer base.

Leads are everywhere, and customers are not that hard to come by if you know where to look. While you, of course, have to focus on a quality product or service and identify who, exactly, wants to buy it, there are buyers out there. From finding new customers through networking to simply reaching out to your existing customer base, today’s tips can help you find the golden egg that goes from potential client to paying customer.