Let's be honest: sometimes getting leads feels like chasing ghosts.  You did the work, set up your campaigns, and posted on social media on a regular basis.  But the results don't always turn out the way you thought they would.

You're not the only one who has heard that before.  It's not just about the number of leads you get; it's also about how you get them.  You have to get in touch with the right people at the right time and with the right message.

Here are seven ways to get leads that can really help your startup, agency, or eCommerce brand.

1. Make lead magnets that are worth a lot

First, let's talk about the old saying, "Give something before you ask for something."

A free eBook, checklist, or toolkit that helps your audience with a specific problem can do a lot of good.  If you work in digital marketing, you could give away a "30-Day Social Media Calendar."  If you work in SaaS, check out a "ROI Calculator."

 The key?  Make sure it is useful and specific.  People should think that your free resource is worth the money.

2. Make landing pages work better for conversions

You could have the best ads ever, but if your landing page doesn't convince people, those clicks won't turn into sales.

 Pay attention to:

  •  A clear headline that talks about problems.
  •  One call to action (CTA) with no distractions.
  •  Testimonials or client logos are examples of trust signals.

Tip: Test everything.  Changing your call to action from "Submit" to "Get My Free Guide" can sometimes double the number of people who convert.

3. Use live chat and chatbots

People don't want to fill out long forms anymore.  They want answers right away, and that's where chatbots and live chat tools come in.

Picture this: a visitor comes to your website and a friendly bot says, "Hey!"  Want to know how much it costs?  That instant interaction keeps them interested and often turns visitors into leads.

4. Use social media ads wisely.

It's not just about reach when you run ads on Facebook, Instagram, or LinkedIn; it's also about targeting.

Try out lookalike audiences, retargeting, and lead forms right on the platform. Also, instead of a hard sell, try running ads that lead to a value offer, like a free demo or webinar.  People are more likely to give out their information if they think they will get something in return.

5. Hold live sessions or webinars

Webinars are great ways to get leads, but not enough people know about them.

When people sign up for your live session, you don't just get an email; you get people who are really interested.  Webinars also make your brand more human and give it more authority.

Tip: Choose a topic that people are already looking for and make it interactive.  To keep people interested, use polls, Q&As, or small prizes.

 6. Use email nurturing sequences

Your work isn't over once someone signs up; it's just begun.

A series of well-timed emails can gently lead leads through your funnel.  For instance:

  •  Email 1: A thank-you note with the freebie you promised.
  •  Email 2: A story or case study that shows what happened.
  •  Email 3: A subtle offer or request to set up a call or demo.

Don't think of it as making a sale; think of it as building a relationship.

7. Work with other brands or influencers

Your best leads may come from the audience of someone else.

Work with a brand or influencer that has a similar audience but isn't a direct competitor.

You could do a webinar together, run a contest, or put each other in your newsletters. It's a smart way to reach people who already trust someone they follow.

It doesn't have to be hard to get leads, but you do have to work at it on purpose.  Try out different strategies, keep track of what works, and don't be afraid to try new things.

The goal isn't just to get leads; it's to make real connections that lead to loyal customers.