If you are a business owner who markets online, finding effective ways to get more leads with your blog is probably a top priority.
Using a blog to grow your business has proven to be a very solid marketing method. There are many reasons why you need to be blogging for business, obviously generating leads is one.
As a business blogger myself, I’m constantly testing and tweaking different strategies to see what works best. When it comes to applying strategies and using various methods, there is no right or wrong. Rather, what works and what doesn’t for your audience of readers.
4 Simple Ways to Get More Leads With Your Blog
Use an Opt-In Form
This is such a simple strategy but very under utilized by “newbie” business owners and bloggers. When I launched my first business online, I pretty much shunned the opt-in form because I didn’t recognize its value.
Even if you think you don’t need an opt-in form because you are just getting started, set it up anyway. You will be surprised at how quickly you can start getting more leads with your blog this way.
The more you create and share content, the more visitors you will bring to your blog. These are people who are interested in what you have to say, and more than likely, will explore your site.
The benefit of having an opt-in form is to give those who want to stay connected with you, the opportunity to do so.
You will need to use an email marketing service to create your form and capture leads.
When you get your email service in place, you can determine what type of offer you will use on your blog, in exchange for your visitors contact information.
Depending on which email service you choose, you can create and place forms at the top of your site, in the sidebar, at the end of your post, and other places as well.
Have a Call-to-Action
Up until recently, I only had an opt-in box in my sidebar. Since I set a goal to grow my list to a certain number by the end of the year, I decided to add a stronger call-to-action at the end of my posts.
What did I do?
I added the embedded opt-in form after each and every blog post!
This simple tweak has drastically increased my subscriber rate.
Offer Downloadable Content
Another powerful way to get more leads with your blog is to offer a free download. This works well for new and existing leads, provided the offer is relevant and of interest to your audience.
The way I take advantage of this method is to pay close attention to the most frequently asked questions I often receive from my target market. It’s easy to position yourself as the “Go-To” person on a specific topic.
Think about some of the requests for help you get regularly from customers and prospects. Imagine how easy it would be to put together a free checklist or eguide you can then make available on your blog.
Instead of just replying back in a message, email, or sending people to a blog post, or having a quick chat over the phone…you can direct them to a page on your website, and have them opt-in to download the content.
They will be happy to give you their name and email for the free download because it’s something you already know they want…and they know it’s what they need!
Leverage Social Media
Finally, the most underrated strategy of them all, leveraging the power of social media. What most business owners don’t realize is that blogging is the easy part, but consistently and repeatedly, sharing (promoting) your content, is where momentum and growth are created.
The, “if you build it they will come” mentality is such a myth. They can only come, if they are made aware. You can’t just write a post and let it sit there.
If you want to get more leads with your blog, you have to understand the benefit of leveraging your social networks to generate traffic.
Your blog is the most powerful marketing tool you have. It is your branding platform, and the way to market your business around the clock. You should be posting updates that lead back to your blog content daily.
I often tell my mentees, social media is where you meet and engage with people (the party), your blog is where you invite them to strengthen the relationship (your home on the web).
Of course, these are only 4 ways to get more leads with your blog. What other ways have you found to helpful with getting new leads for your business, using your blog? Share in the comments below…I’d love to hear what’s working for you!
“Helping women and moms navigate life, family and business,
while creating a balanced life freedom lifestyle.“
Tamyka Washington
Great advice to start in the New Year!
Thank you Collette!
These are very good strategies! Thank you!
You’re welcome, Rebecca! Thank you.
Great Advice; getting back on track, been slacking for awhile!
This is the perfect time to do it!
This is great advice!! 😀 Another thing I like to do find my tribe!! In other words, connect with people who have a similar platform, blog, or business . It is great for driving traffic to your blog and to have the support of others!
That’s a great idea, Kayla! The creates a win/win for everyone. Thanks for sharing that tip!
A very good post! I have taken some ideas about things I kind of knew, but were put on a very understandable way. Thank you. I will try to put into practice all of them.
SJ – simplyconversing.wordpress.com
Wonderful SJ!
I think I have mastered most of these pretty well. I just need to fine tune my social media. Another thing to do before 2015 ends!
That’s awesome Janelle, way to bring in the New Year!
After 4 years of blogging I finally got an opt-in on my blog- it has been one of the best actions I’ve taken as a blogger!
And thanks for the reminder to put a call to action at the end of my posts. I know this and yet I don’t always do it. I need to hear it to be reminded of it’s importance.
Thanks for sharing these tips!
Chrysta
You’re very welcome Chrysta! I didn’t always add a call to action either, the MailMunch optin box made it easy for me to not have to worry about!
List building is at the top of my to-do list for the coming months and these are all great methods that I’m employing!
Good to hear Stephanie, thank you.
Thanks for this! I’ll definitely be checking out MailMunch!
You’re very welcome!
This is great information and it has been a insight for me to create a to do list for business.
Wonderful Elbony, I’m so glad you’ve found it helpful!
I loved this post because I am pretty new at promoting myself. I have pretty much been taking stabs in the dark and sometimes getting lucky. I guess, for me, the key has been resisting promotion fatigue. You have inspired me to think more seriously about making a much more concerted effort at the business side of my writing in the new year. Thanks again!!!
Wonderful Haley, I’m glad you found some inspiration. I’m rooting for you!
Love this list! Don’t spend time on the blog but miss out on the important opportunity to build the community. The resources here are some great ones!
Wishing you the best with your biz!
Thank you so much Malla! It’s definitely all about building relationships.
Love this post. I will be going back and adding the opt-in form on my posts. I remember when I first started blogging and learned that. Go back to the basics and watch things happen!!
Absolutely, Taffy! It’s good to revisit the basics…often. Thank you.
These are very great strategies Tamyka! I will be offering more downloadable content and using these notes as a resource. Thanks 🙂
Thank you Danica, that is great to hear!
Thank you for the tips, I have never really thought of the call to action route but seems like a good solid way to grow.
You’re welcome, Billie. It helps a lot!
So many good tips – I have to start working on these things! Thanks!
Thanks Marijana!
Thank you, this has been something I have wanted to become better at. This is great advice.
Thanks Dawn, you are very welcome! I’m glad you found this helpful.
Great advice on adding the opt-in to the end of blog posts. I’ll have to check out the Mail Munch plug-in in addition to side bar and pop-up boxes.
Thanks Dequiana, I love this plug-in. Wish I found it sooner!
This is great information.
Thank you Tammy!
These are all things I add to clients’ sites, but am really meh about on my own lol
LOL, at least your honest!
I agree with you here Tamyka! Another way to get more leads is to include your blog in your email signature. I use a “click here to read my latest blog post’ hyperlink in my signature, using WiseStamp. Email signatures are prime real estate that we often overlook.
Very true Kemya, thanks for sharing that tip!