The ability to attract and generate leads is what determines the success of any business. But how to attract those leads depends on the company and industry.

Lead generation should be unique to each business depending on the solutions they offer, but there are definitely some similarities with how things are done from business to business. Here's a list of do's and don'ts any business should follow!

Here's a Quick Run-down on the Best-practices for Lead Gen 

Do's
Be Strategic
Think about your ideal customer and what solutions they need from you. Put a strategy together that solves the problems these prospective customers are facing.

Have a Plan
Put together a plan that encompasses numerous channels and puts your brand in places where target leads spend their time. 

Be Prepared to Handle Leads
Attracting the lead is just the start of the journey. What happens next? You need to make sure you have a process in place to handle these new leads. Don't get too hung up on HOW to attract leads and forget all about what to do next. 

Be Clear and Direct
Don't beat around the bush. Create messages that are straightforward and punchy. Prospective customers see hundreds of messages and advertisements everyday—make sure you stand out in the crowd.

Know Where Your Prospects Spend Time
In order to attract them, you've got to be where they spend time. If your prospects spend time at Trade Shows, attend those. If they spend time on social media, put your brand front and center on the platforms they frequent.

Don'ts
Don't Focus on Yourself
Don't get too hung up on your company or your product. Listen to your customers. Focus on what they need and the solutions you can provide for them.

Don't Be Afraid to Try Something New
You won't know what works until you try it! Have a plan and be strategic, but don't shy away from trying new things. Some strategies will work, some won't, but you won't know until you try. 

Don't Try to Be Everything to Everyone
Know what you do and who you do it for. Focus on them. Trying to solve too many problems or trying to help too many people is the downfall of a small business. 

Don't Be Desperate
Doing business with a company or consumer is like nurturing a relationship. Don't be needy or desperate or you'll drive your prospects away. Make sure each relationship is a good fit for the consumer, but also for your company as well. Forcing a bad relationship is going to hurt both parties involved. 

Don't Make it Hard to Reach You
Contact information should be front and center. If a lead has to dig to find your contact info or reach out to you, they're not going to look hard. Competition is fierce, if a prospect can't get a hold of you easily, they will move onto a competitor. 

Don't Ignore SEO or Best Practices
SEO isn't optional anymore. Prospects and leads are searching for your company at some point during the buyer's journey, make sure they can find you when you do.

Marketing to leads can seem overwhelming, and it's easy to get carried away in one area. Put together a plan of attach, manage your time well, and use these best practices to get ahead in your industry!

Full article originally appeared on Business2community.com. Read the full article here!

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