Hey Ayodeji

We can only sell to people who are ready to invest in their progress. They might only be a minority, but they’re the ones that make all our efforts worthwhile.

Thanks for your insight.

Clement

The awareness stages were something I didn’t know until recently, and learning them helps me understand my market better. I’m somewhat of a hot buyer myself. If I see something I genuinely think will help me make money or get leads, I’ll buy it. I’m focused now on targeting my effort to people who are serious about taking the next steps in their career as opposed to “tire kickers.” Still like you said, only 1 or 2 percent convert. That’s the way it is and that’s the environment we must learn to operate in!

Thanks for the useful post.

Hi Carol

If you start by selling too hard, people’s defences will go up.

The idea behind content marketing is to start by providing value. This way, you can earn the trust of your audience. Don’t even think about selling until you have their trust.

Good luck with educating your clients!

Clement

Another gem: “here’s the paradox:

Although the purpose of content marketing is to sell, the best way to do content marketing is to avoid selling.”

That’s a tough one to explain to clients, who want to push their content out 24/7. Sometimes if I use the words “old school,” that’s enough for them to get the idea.

Sometimes.

Carol

Hey Grant

That’s good to hear!

Clement

Hey Andrew

Content upgrades on key blog posts are an excellent lead magnet strategy as they’re targeted to the audience of that particular blog post. It means you have to create lots of lead magnets but it can be worthwhile.

Glad they’re working for you.

Thanks for sharing your insights.

Clement

Really great post here.

Although all the tips are great, I think what you use as a lead magnet is really key. The more specific you are to creating something for readers who want information on a specific thing, the better that is.

This is why I’m a huge fan of Content Upgrades because you can tailor them for specific readers interested in that topic. And when you know that, you can create specific email content for them too.

Great stuff.

– Andrew

Hi Carol

It’s all about trying to engage our audience on an individual level. To build a personal connection.

Like you say, so simple and yet… not so easy.

But we must try!

Clement

Here I am reading your article for the third (or is it fourth?) time. So many gems here, like this:

Picture each member of your audience in your mind. Focus on how you can help them achieve goals, and how you can convince them that you’re their best option. This is your lead generation strategy in a nutshell.

So simple and yet so not easy.

Thanks again,
Carol