AI has moved from a scintillating buzzword to being a legitimate driver of business success. While it can’t do it all, we believe there are certain business tasks it can help with; especially for lead generation. Which is all well and good, but you may be asking the question: how? This article can help answer this question.
Here, we’ll discuss:
- how to use AI to generate leads
- the importance of human input and management, and
- practical tips for creating a balanced approach.
In doing so, you’ll place yourself in the best position to combine AI lead generation with the personal touch that only humans can provide.
Key takeaways
- AI helps identify leads by efficiently analysing large quantities of data and spotting patterns in user demographics or behaviour.
- Having a person involved still essential for personalising messages and quality control.
- Combining the two creates a more effective AI B2B marketing strategy than simply having only one element AI do it all.
AI can help identify quality leads faster
AI can find potential customers by reviewing large amounts of data in a matter of seconds. This data can be the online behaviour of a vast number of potential clients to see what they like and don’t like.
For example, AI tools can analyse social media interactions, website visits, and email responses to help you identify which leads have the best potential to become customers.
Tools like Brandwatch can help monitor your website and social media channels for signs of interest. For this to be most effective, set up notifications to be alerted when potential leads engage with your content and pounce!
An example being, let’s say you post about a trending topic, and it resonates well with your followers. An alert monitoring ‘likes’ or ‘shares’ can show you this in real-time. You could then post follow up material that links the trend to your business – like a similar product or service.
Have your people involved
While AI is remarkably powerful, you need to remember that human interaction is still key for it to be most efficient. In another context, a nail gun can help you build a home quicker, but if an unskilled person is using it, it may do more harm than good.
Having AI automate parts of your business, like social media interactions, is perfectly fine. Just know that AI should not run entirely on its own due to its rapid development and immaturity. Always review content ideated by AI, if it’s relevant.
No matter what, you should engage personally with leads who show interest by responding to their questions or comments. AI may be good, but it’s no match for human interaction.
AI enhances creativity
AI can help generate ideas for messages and responses. However, humans should refine these suggestions to make sure they resonate with your audience. Use AI tools to brainstorm content ideas. Then have your team edit them for a personal touch.
AI assists task management
Let AI handle repetitive tasks like data entry or sending follow-up emails. For example, Platforms such as Mailchimp can automate follow-up emails after a lead shows interest.
You can create templates that automatically personalise messages with the recipient’s name and relevant information, ensuring timely communication without extra effort from your team. This allows your team to focus on more important work like lead nurturing.
If you want to see if the lead is worth your time, AI tools like Salesloft can engage with website visitors in real-time, asking qualifying questions to determine things like readiness to buy. This helps filter leads before they reach your sales team, allowing them to focus on high-quality prospects.
AI supports personalisation
Use AI to segment your audience based on their behaviours. Platforms like Segment can analyse vast numbers of customer data to help you quickly identify specific groups.
For instance, if you notice a segment of customers frequently purchase eco-friendly products, you can create targeted campaigns that highlight these offerings in language that will resonate with them. Craft descriptive, long-form content for older demographics and create short, punchy messages for younger people.
Remember to personalise your messages for each group to make them feel special. Tools like ActiveCampaign can help with this stage of the lead gen journey as well. If a lead clicks on a link about a specific service, the next email could feature that service along with similar options, increasing the likelihood of conversion.
AI improves your feedback loop
Schedule weekly or monthly meetings to discuss how well your lead generation strategies are performing. Also, use feedback from leads and see how they found the interactivity with AI. It’s your disclosure to whether you mention your AI lead generation. But this transparency can give you authentic feedback that helps improve future communications.
Next steps with Higher Ranking
As you explore these ways to use AI to generate leads, remember the most successful strategy will blend efficiency and personal connections. Embrace this combined approach and watch as your lead generation efforts become more streamlined and effective!
If you struggle to find enough time to do this, then allow us to be of assistance. Higher Ranking can help your business reach new milestones this year with the help of a robust automation lead generation strategy. Contact us today to have a conversation around your specific needs.
