Lead generation 'essential' for new businesses

Those setting up a new internet-based business should focus their efforts on lead generation, it has been suggested.

Writing for Web Worker Daily, Amber Riviere stated that establishing a lead generation plan is a key part of forming a successful online business, something that may be of interest to those who have recently established a firm and are looking to carry out market entry.

"Create (and maintain) a consistent lead generation plan," she advised, stating: "This might consist of a lot of writing and posting online, or a … advertising campaign."

Ms Riviere added that posting "regular and frequent updates" to a website is the first step to gaining traffic through search engines, adding that content needs to be relevant in order to attract readers that will want to keep checking for updates on your services.

And she urged new business owners to forgo investing in a "fancy design" for their website until they can afford it, noting that it is not essential when first starting out.

A recent survey of agencies and marketing consultants by Marketing Sherpa found that many companies need to improve their website lead generation management, as over half (51 per cent) do not have a system in place for moving leads into their customer relationship management operations.

Written by Julian Poulter and Copyright "Selling People 2009"