A common challenge for service led businesses in today’s highly connected world is online local lead generation. Traditional lead generation methods such as advertising in local newspapers is no longer sufficient, with people all over the world embracing an online shopping model and there’s a lot of competition out there.
So, to rise above the noise and connect with customers in your local area, it’s important to adopt an online local lead generation strategy.
Defining online local lead generation
Online local lead generation involves developing digital marketing strategies to target local consumers and convert them into customers. When devising your local lead generation stratagem, you’ll usually have a large amount of customer data to draw from which can help to inform the channels you market your products through.
What are the most effective online sources for gaining local leads?
In the process of creating a strong online local lead generation strategy, it’s important to determine the kind of sources you’ll be focusing on to get the best possible results. Here are some examples:
Organic search results
Using a search engine like Google is arguably the most common practice for customers who are searching for local businesses.
So, you’ll want to ensure your website has great Search Engine Optimisation (SEO) and that product and service pages feature keywords that are relevant to your local audience. Using SEO tools such as SEM Rush and Moz comes in handy for carrying out keyword research.
Google Ads
Google Ads are another source you’ll want to feature in your local lead generation campaigns. Operating on a Pay-Per-Click (PPC) model, Google Ads work by paying a certain amount of money for your products and services to appear at the top of search engine results.
Where Google Ads really come into their own in the realm of local lead generation is through placing them in Google Maps results. There’s the opportunity to include all your contact details and a summary of what your business can offer.
The benefits of Google Ads include achieving quick results and an increased number of inbound calls. Do bear in mind that as a PPC marketing option, Google Ads can become an expensive model and that you should plan your budget accordingly.
Facebook paid ads
Social media ads also have massive local lead generation potential, particularly Facebook paid ads. Facebook paid ads allows you to target local consumers based on different criteria e.g., age, shopping habits, interests etc.
This approach lets you be more specific and develop personalised ads that target individuals or smaller groups of local people.
It’s worth noting Facebook paid ads work differently to Google Ads, in that the latter targets consumers who’re already looking for products. People on social media aren’t necessarily ready to make a purchase so you’ll need to create ads that grab your audience’s attention while they are scrolling.
Turbocharge your online local leads with eSales
If you’d like to boost your online local lead generation efforts, eSales is an ideal platform for helping you connect with more customers. To find out more, get in touch today on 01302 639 561.
