Demand generation and lead generation are very different strategies, but marketers very commonly exchange these words without realizing it. Companies, in business very often use both these strategies at the same time. Companies (http://wise3.com/infusionsoft-vs-ontraport-office-autopilot/) have an in inbound team who deal with sales and react to the demands created out of sales requests.
Whereas an outbound team dealing with sales respond to leads which are generated out of lead generating actions. Demand generation is important to create awareness, faith and authority about your products and exclusive services. All these factors have an important role to play and cannot be taken lightly. Thus, it becomes all the more important that you are meticulous in your approach.
It should be borne in mind that conversion is used online with absolutely null interaction with the firm. If the conversion demands sales interaction or negotiation or prolonged sales cycle, then sales leads are required to be engaged and nurtured closely. Read on to gather more information on this topic.
Let`s take a quick look at the salient features:
• It is to be noted that demand generation basically involves “filling the funnel” with all the requisites i.e. contacts, names, etc to initiate the project and analyze prospects at every stage. Interaction with customers is yet another aspect which should continue throughout their lifetime.
• Demand generation strategy speaks volumes on how to involve your content to interact with your buyer.
• Lead management determines how much effective the demand generation is. Lead management refers to plugging any holes which may exist in the demand generation process. This ensures that all leads are taken care off in detail and not even a single lead escapes funnel.
• Demand generation hands over the content easily with an aim to create awareness. (“Information available – Click here!”)
• Lead generation, on the other hand, keeps the content behind a door to inspire and drive form submissions (“Want to know more? Fill up this form and we will forward it to you!”). These contacts are placed on a list which is accessed by the sales team who engage them.
• It is noteworthy that every “Gen” twins have its position in the content marketing program. They should not be placed in the same space. Understanding Demand Generation can play a crucial role in creating awareness and genuine interest in any business house’s products or services.
The aim is to create a closed business with less interaction with the potential consumer. Whereas in demand generation, one has to be aggressive and proactive while driving through the sales cycle with an aim to convert them into business profits.
Understanding Lead Generation
Lead generation creates interest or curiosity or inquiry about the company’s business products. The principle in this type of generation is to create a “cauldron of qualified connections” where you build relationships and nurture them till you attract a business from them.
It turns out to be a smart move, especially in the highly competitive set up. It is very important to stand out from the rest and for this you need to plan your strategies in a smart manner.
When making use of lead generation tactics, one should always bear in mind that you need to be more aggressive in gathering contact information. You should garner their trust and build a reputation gradually till you convert them into a customer.
You should ensure that you don’t slow down or have a communication gap with your lead while closing business. Lead scoring is of paramount importance; hence you should understand the leads budget, requirements and ability to make a purchase decision.
Lead generation strategy involves a longer sales cycle, constant engagements, well thought of strategy and commitment to convert. You need to follow a well planned approach to convert a customer thereby earning profits.
It will be a totally win-win situation for you if you keep all the simple tips in mind. Such strategies can help to assess the impact on the potential consumers in the long run.