How to Generate New Leads

Getting new leads is something that preoccupies many a small business owner. In the portable restroom industry, while word of mouth is crucial to finding new jobs, generating sales outside of this can be a challenge.

The one thing that all successful PROs agree on is that you must be proactive. There is no use sitting around wondering where the next lead is going to come from. To help you get going, here are some of the most effective methods of generating new leads.

Attend Local Exhibitions and Showcases

Keep a lookout for events in your area where potential clients might be congregating. These can be expos, conferences, exhibitions, and showcases. For example, book a spot at a bridal expo and showcase your luxury units or trailers. Go to local business conferences, too, and get your name out there. You never know who’ll need your services.

Always Have Your Business Card Ready

Meeting someone in person is much more memorable than seeing their name or face advertised somewhere. When you’re chatting with people about your business, make sure you hand out your business card. Business cards are proven to lead to a high percentage of sales, and the top entrepreneurs still swear by them. Make yours eye-catching, while still being classy and professional, and don’t be afraid to hand them out all over town.

Have a Contact Form on Your Website

A lot of people prefer to use the Internet for contacting companies nowadays. Make it easy for them by embedding a contact form on your website. Check with your web hosting service, or whoever runs your website, if you’re unsure of how to do this. You should also have a Contact page with your address, email, and phone number visible to ensure any new leads can easily get through to you.

Advertising Seals the Deal

The power of advertising cannot be overestimated. Customers are risk-averse and much more likely to go with a familiar brand. Make your company the recognized PRO in your area through advertising in one or more of the following ways:

• Use local ad sources: Utilize local billboards, bus stop and bench signs, Yellow Pages, diner menus, newspapers – anywhere you think your customers might see your name. Don’t think that people won’t take notice. The more familiar people become with your brand, through seeing it in very visible places, the more likely they will go with your company over another.
• Facebook Ads: Having a company Facebook page is a great start – people can see where you are, who you are, and what your services are for free. The top companies, however, take it a step further by advertising on Facebook. This means that people scrolling through their newsfeeds will see ads for your company appear. For a free and in-depth guide on how to advertise on Facebook, click here.
• Google AdWords: If you search for something on Google, say ‘Portable restrooms in Louisville, KY,’ you’ll notice that the first few search results will say ‘Ad’ beside them. This is because those companies have paid to be placed there. Google AdWords is the program that allows you to do this, and for more on how to set this up, click here.

Generating new leads may seem stressful. However, being proactive and putting in work in the beginning will undoubtedly lead to success down the line. For more information on getting your name out there, see our article on how to network effectively.

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