Best Practices

Lead Generation Best Practices

Master proven strategies and methodologies for effective lead generation

Maru Team
18 min read read
Updated 2024-12-19

Core Methodology

The MARU Method: Measure → Attract → Retain → Upgrade. This proven framework ensures systematic lead generation success.

1. Measure: Data-Driven Foundation

Before launching any lead generation campaign, establish baseline metrics and tracking systems:

  • Website Analytics: Track visitor behavior, conversion paths, and drop-off points
  • Lead Scoring: Implement behavioral and demographic scoring models
  • Attribution Tracking: Understand which channels drive highest-quality leads
  • Conversion Funnel Analysis: Identify bottlenecks in your sales process

2. Attract: Multi-Channel Approach

Diversify your lead generation channels to reduce dependency and maximize reach:

Inbound Channels

  • • SEO-optimized content marketing
  • • Social media engagement
  • • Webinars and virtual events
  • • Assessment tools and calculators

Outbound Channels

  • • Targeted email campaigns
  • • LinkedIn outreach
  • • Strategic partnerships
  • • Industry event participation

3. Retain: Engagement Optimization

Keep prospects engaged throughout their buyer journey with valuable, relevant content and interactions.

4. Upgrade: Conversion Excellence

Systematically move qualified leads through your sales funnel with personalized experiences and strategic follow-up.

Lead Qualification Framework

Not all leads are created equal. Use the BANT+ framework to prioritize your sales efforts:

BANT+ Qualification Criteria

Budget

Does the prospect have allocated budget for your solution?

Authority

Are you speaking with decision-makers or influencers?

Need

Is there a clear business problem your solution addresses?

Timeline

When does the prospect need to implement a solution?

+ Fit

Does the prospect align with your ideal customer profile?

Lead Scoring Model

Implement a points-based system to automatically prioritize leads:

CriteriaPointsExample
Company Size10-50Enterprise (50), SMB (30), Startup (10)
Job Title5-40CEO (40), Manager (20), Individual (5)
Website Engagement1-25Multiple pages (25), Single page (5)
Assessment Completion30-50Full assessment (50), Partial (30)

Conversion Optimization

Landing Page Best Practices

Your landing pages are critical conversion points. Follow these proven principles:

Clear Value Proposition

Communicate your unique value within 5 seconds of page load

Minimal Form Fields

Request only essential information to reduce friction

Social Proof

Include testimonials, logos, and trust indicators

Call-to-Action Optimization

  • Action-Oriented Language: Use verbs like "Get," "Start," "Discover," "Calculate"
  • Urgency and Scarcity: "Limited time," "Free assessment," "Instant results"
  • Benefit-Focused: Emphasize what the user will gain, not what they'll give
  • Visual Prominence: Use contrasting colors and strategic placement

A/B Testing Tip: Test one element at a time (headline, CTA button, form length) to identify what drives the highest conversion rates.

Lead Nurturing Strategies

Most leads aren't ready to buy immediately. Implement systematic nurturing to build relationships and guide prospects through their buyer journey.

Email Nurturing Sequences

Welcome Series (Days 1-7)

Introduce your company, set expectations, provide immediate value

Educational Content (Weeks 2-4)

Share industry insights, best practices, and helpful resources

Social Proof (Weeks 5-6)

Case studies, testimonials, and success stories

Soft Pitch (Weeks 7-8)

Introduce your solutions with clear value propositions

Multi-Channel Nurturing

Don't rely solely on email. Create touchpoints across multiple channels:

  • LinkedIn Engagement: Comment on posts, share relevant content, send connection requests
  • Retargeting Ads: Display targeted ads to website visitors across social platforms
  • Content Marketing: Create valuable blog posts, whitepapers, and webinars
  • Personal Outreach: Strategic phone calls and personalized messages

Performance Measurement

Key Metrics to Track

Volume Metrics

  • • Total leads generated
  • • Leads by source/channel
  • • Monthly lead growth rate
  • • Cost per lead (CPL)

Quality Metrics

  • • Lead-to-opportunity conversion rate
  • • Sales-qualified lead (SQL) rate
  • • Average deal size
  • • Customer lifetime value (CLV)

ROI Calculation

Lead Generation ROI Formula

ROI = (Revenue from Leads - Cost of Lead Generation) / Cost of Lead Generation × 100

Example: If you spend $10,000 on lead generation and generate $50,000 in revenue, your ROI is 400%.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

❌ Focusing Only on Volume

Generating thousands of unqualified leads wastes sales time and resources. Prioritize quality over quantity.

❌ Neglecting Lead Nurturing

80% of leads require 5+ touchpoints before converting. Don't abandon leads after the first interaction.

❌ Poor Sales-Marketing Alignment

Misaligned teams create friction and lost opportunities. Establish clear lead handoff processes and shared goals.

❌ Ignoring Mobile Experience

60%+ of web traffic is mobile. Ensure your forms and landing pages are mobile-optimized.

Success Tip: Implement these best practices gradually. Focus on one area at a time, measure results, and iterate based on data.

Ready to Implement These Strategies?

Use our assessment tools to identify opportunities in your current lead generation process and get personalized recommendations.

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