I've delved deeply into this subject recently, engaging in numerous conversations, and a clear understanding has crystallized in my mind that I just can't shake—because it simply makes sense. Paul Simon once penned "50 Ways to Leave Your Lover," but when I analyze this topic, I find there are only "3 Ways to Generate Demand." While I may not have Simon's flair for songwriting, I'll stick to blogging—besides, that title wouldn't make much of a hit song anyway.
In the cutthroat world of modern business, everyone's on the hunt for that secret sauce to boost revenue and reel in fresh customers. Demand generation is the game-changer here, all about sparking interest and reeling in leads to keep the growth engine purring. There are three surefire ways to make it happen: cozying up with referrals and partnerships, diving into outbound efforts, and mastering the art of inbound marketing..
Method One | Referrals and Partnerships: Think of referral programs and partnerships as the turbo boosters for your lead and revenue engine. By tapping into your existing network, you unlock a treasure trove of high-quality leads that are primed and ready to convert. This method shines because it comes with a built-in trust factor, making it easier to win over potential leads. The catch, however, is executing this without getting tangled in complex URL parameters or subpar software that drains resources. Many platforms can be prohibitively expensive or time-consuming without delivering the desired results. You just wish there was a simpler way... Is that the scent of something sweet in the air?
Method Two | Outbound Marketing: Consider outbound strategies as your business's megaphone—think cold calls, precision-targeted email campaigns, and sharp social outreach, all designed to amplify your demand generation game. These tactics cut right to the chase, letting you pinpoint potential customers and swiftly usher them through your sales funnel. Outbound is your golden ticket to capturing those market segments who aren't actively searching for your solution but are just waiting to be dazzled by what you offer. However, it's the priciest option and has a moderate execution speed, demanding a skilled demand generation maestro to lead the charge—otherwise, it risks withering on the vine.
Method Three | Inbound Marketing: Sure, inbound marketing might be the tortoise in this race, but it's got a knack for crossing the finish line in style. Picture this: valuable content that hooks your audience, SEO magic that gets you found, and automated workflows that keep leads cozy and nurtured. Over time, this approach turns your business into a trusted go-to expert. It's not a quick fix—think marathon, not sprint—and you'll need a specialist to pull it off, plus a treasure trove of killer content. And let's be real, it's not just about churning out any old content (ChatGPT's got that covered); it's about crafting irresistible content that makes your Ideal Customer Profile (ICP) want to "chill" with your brand.
Ever heard of Johnny Kemp? He famously sang about "just getting paid." Reflecting on my own recent efforts to persuade a few folks who are easily distracted and spend too much time on LinkedIn, I realize that, in the words of The Mandalorian, "This is the way." It's clear that demand generation isn't as straightforward as it seems—some aspects are complex, almost like rocket science. Eventually, those individuals will come to understand that you can't achieve success by making things harder for yourself.
Thirty-six pages—yes, 36 pages—of tasks that needed to be handled, but one idea stood out, only to be unfairly dismissed. I couldn't let it die quietly (it had the will to live), so I decided to bring it back to life for my agency. Free from corporate red tape, I did it and now I'm sharing it with everyone. Want to score some major bucks or better yet, implement this for your company? Here it is: a fully integrated, non-URL parameter, HubSpot-exclusive:
Who knew dog food could be this delicious?
Peace out.
-P