What is Lead Generation?

What is Lead Generation?
Basics of Lead Generation

Lead generation involves a series of marketing processes to develop interest and inquiry in your product and/or services. It is the process of identifying a person (complete stranger) who has shown interest, gently ‘warming’ them to convert into  qualified prospects and ultimately into customers.

But how difficult can this be?

There are many marketing statistics and trends that point to major challenges faced by companies in their lead generation process.

  • In a recent study by IDG, 61% of marketers testified that generating high-quality leads was challenging for their organization.
  • 80% of marketers report their lead generation efforts are only marginally or somewhat effective. (BrightTALK, 2015)
  • Lack of marketing resources, such as quality staff, marketing funding, and time, remains the biggest obstacle to successful lead generation for 61% of B2B marketers. (BrightTALK, 2015)
  • More than 40% reported difficulties in converting leads into customers

To overcome these challenges, B2B companies have started better aligning their sales and marketing processes. Companies are not only hiring the services of B2B lead generation companies, but also leveraging different lead generation software. They are also adding compelling offers into their B2B lead generation strategy such as free trials, coupons, contests, email/newsletter subscriptions, videos, white papers podcasts, etc.

Inbound Vs Outbound Lead Generation

Lead generation can be divided into 2 main classes: Inbound Lead Gen and Outbound Lead Gen.

  • Inbound lead gen is all about being “found by prospects” while outbound lead gen focuses on “hunting prospects.”
  • Inbound lead gen involves website promotion, SEO, blogging, social media marketing, etc. Whereas outbound lead gen involves direct mail, Ads – online/print, email, and tele-calling.
  • Inbound lead gen is a long term strategy while outbound campaigns are more focused and can be considered a short term strategy though most companies prefer to do in on a continuous basis so as to allow their tele-calling teams to nurture leads that are not ready, develop a business relationship with prospects and be able to convert them into qualified leads when they become ready.

As per a comprehensive study by Hubspot, 3 out of 4 B2B marketers across the world prioritize an inbound lead generation approach to marketing. Mainly because outbound leads on an average cost 61% more than inbound leads.

Yet, you need to create a proper B2B lead generation mix by using a mix of outbound lead generation campaigns supplemented by tele-calling and inbound marketing activities.

In our next blog, we will discuss effective 20 B2B lead generation ideas. Tell us how you manage your company’s lead generation efforts. Also, if you are facing difficulties in managing your inside sales team, Markable Solutions can help.

Markable Solutions offers end-to-end B2B lead generation services and ensures a constant flow of sales-ready leads for your sales team using an integrated marketing approach. Request a quote or call +1 (408) 799 4081 to know more about our B2B lead generation offerings.

Download Whitepaper
Recent Blogs
  • Unifying Marketing & Sales Teams: The best-ever alliance your business needs

    Marketing and Sales are two strong pillars of your business that work closely for revenue generation. In the past, marketers did not emphasize unifying them, and therefore, they worked in siloes. The teams worked in parallel to achieve the common goal of businesses: lead generation and acquiring new business. However, the irony is that both

    July 26, 2024
  • Is content syndication worth your time and investment?

    A significant number of companies invest in content syndication services. The Content Marketing Institute has revealed a compelling insight: 90% of content marketers rely on social media to distribute their content, and 79% maintain an active blog. If you haven’t considered content syndication, here are three reasons to let you understand the unique power it wields in your lead-generation process. Why

    July 24, 2024
  • 6 Golden Rules of a Successful Email Marketing Campaign

    Ask reputed B2B marketers about email marketing and they’ll say,” Oh yes, we love email marketing!’. A great tool for nurturing leads, they will way. According to Hubspot, 37% of brands are increasing their email marketing budget! The foundation of a long-term relationship starts with an introduction.  An effective email marketing campaign gradually changes the

    July 20, 2024
  • Crush your B2B Lead Generation Goals with Intent Data

    Intent Data is not just a tool; it’s your new ally in the world of B2B marketing that can lead you straight to your target audience. By tapping into user behavior, understanding their needs, and providing them with customized solutions, you can accelerate your B2B lead generation journey. This level of customization in your engagement

    July 8, 2024
  • Two Things about Telemarketing Services we bet you didn’t notice!

    Today, B2B lead gen partners adopt an overarching strategy that includes multi-touch campaigns to reach the right target audience and establish meaningful relationships with them. They adopt email marketing, content syndication, and telemarketing to reach prospective buyers. Email marketing is a great tool; it can produce high-quality leads for your business when used correctly. Similarly, content

    May 29, 2024

How can we help you?

We love questions and feedback – and we’re always happy to help! Please click below to contact us.