What is lead generation?
Lead generation is getting contact details from people who are interested in what you sell, so you can follow up and close the sale yourself. It's how businesses advertise when the customer doesn't buy on the first click.
ShoaibUpdated 3 min read
Why not just sell straight away?
Because some things aren't bought in one tap. Nobody books a KD 2,000 job from an Instagram ad without asking a question first. Lead generation buys you the conversation instead of the sale, and you win the sale in that conversation.
| Situation | Better approach |
|---|---|
| Cheap product, instant decision | Sell directly on a store |
| Expensive, custom, or needs a quote | Collect the lead, then follow up |
| Booking an appointment | Collect the lead, then confirm |
How does it work in ads?
There are two common ways, and they suit different businesses:
- A form inside the app — the person fills in name and number without leaving Instagram or Facebook. Easy for them, so you get more leads, but some are careless
- A message to WhatsApp — fewer leads, usually more serious ones, and you're already in a conversation
Which to pick depends on your team — see lead forms or WhatsApp ads.
What does a lead cost?
You pay per lead, and the price depends on your market and how expensive your thing is. Read what cost per lead means and what counts as good, then check which ad platform suits lead generation.
What goes wrong most often?
Slow replies. A lead that waits a day is usually gone, because they messaged three businesses, not one. Decide who answers, and how fast, before you spend anything on ads.
Want a steady flow of leads you can actually follow up on? See our Lead Generation service.