How to Optimize Your Blog for Lead Generation in 2017

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Building your email list is the lifeblood of your business. Every marketing platform should be leveraged to capturing possible leads to grow your sales funnel to boost revenue potential. A major advantage of your business blog is that it serves as the perfect tool for fostering your lead generation strategy.

You see, in addition to positioning your brand as an expert and increasing awareness, your blog can be optimized to convert new and repeat visitors into subscribers. The key is utilizing tools and techniques in your blogging that increases the opportunity for people to opt-in.

In this guide, we’ll outline 5 successful ways on how your business can maximize its blog content to improve lead conversions.

#1 Use Exit-Intent Technology

Did you know that an average of 67.89% of shopping carts are abandoned by online shoppers? Also, most visitors who view your website actually never return. We can agree that every opportunity is precious in seizing the moment to capture their contact info and later foster this new relationship through your email marketing strategy.

Exit-intent technology is incredibly effective at increasing your opt-ins. How does it work? By mouse movements and velocity, it detects when a visitor is about to leave your website. As their cursor moves towards the close or browser, an attention-grabbing, last-chance offer is presented as a last resort to bring them back to your site or opt-in.

Neil Patel experienced an amazing 46% increase in contact requests on his site NeilPatel.com (Source: Kissmetrics). It can do wonders for you too when implementing this tool for your lead generation. Plugins such as OptinMonster or Sumo to leverage exit intent technology every time with your blog posts.

 

#2 Include Inline Download Forms

Another winning tactic to capturing leads is by using a content offer that aligns with the topic the reader is currently engaging in.

They’ve already expressed interest simply by landing on your blog post. Take it a step further by giving a “content upgrade” that either provides more in-depth detail on the topic (i.e. an eBook, video series) or something tangible they can download (i.e. checklist, guide, audio). The magic happens when you promote this content offered within the blog article (hence, “inline” download form) so they can’t miss it.

Brian Dean at Backlinko is a wiz at offering content upgrades on his website. Each article provides an option to get that content in a PDF format or receive additional content that expands on and adds extended value to the topic. Visit any of his blog posts and you’re sure to be welcomed with an inline download form.

 

#3 Show Social Proof

Do you have an impressive size list or social following? The social proof goes a long way towards building credibility and trust with your audience. By sharing the number of subscribers who are currently enjoying your valuable content, for example, you’ll encourage others to follow suit and opt-in.

Here are a few ways you can show social proof on your blog to promote lead generation:

  • When an authority or influencer in your niche says great things about you, share it on your blog. People value their opinion as a thought leader and will take action because of
  • Share testimonials or comments from people enjoying your content. Many studies reveal that people trust these reviews just as much as a personal recommendation.
  • Show the number count of social shares on your blog post if you’re generating decent engagement from your articles. When sharing your blog with subscribers, encourage them to pass it along to their networks to help boost that number

 

#4 Add Sliders or Scroll Boxes

Although highly effective in capturing leads, pop-up boxes can be intrusive. Sliders and scroll boxes offer a gentler approach by appearing at the bottom corner of your visitor’s screen. They don’t interfere with the reader’s content yet it’s visible enough to draw attention.

Each tool serves a unique purpose. A slider shows up as the visitor begins to scroll and remains in place until the user engages (whether closing it or clicking to opt-in). Scroll boxes, on the other hand, can be set up to appear once the visitor reaches a certain percentage of your website. This works when you want to promote a content offer that matches the topic shared at that point in the article.

Both can be leveraged to your advantage to optimize your blog for lead generation.

 

#5 End Your Post with an Opt-In Box

Concluding your post with a call-to-action that tells people what to do next is a huge ingredient to moving your readers to action. It’s not enough to desire opt-ins…you have to give clear instructions that lead your visitors to the following step.

One excellent way is to end your blog post with an opt-in box. Readers who subscribe here are definitely more qualified as they invested the time to engage in your entire article. It reveals an interest and willingness to further connect with your brand.

Therefore, offer these visitors the final chance to subscribe to your list. Share a benefit of being on your list or the valuable content they’ll receive in exchange. You’ll be surprised at how positioning this web form at the end can have an impact on your conversions.

 

Conclusion

Creating multiple ways for blog visitors to subscribe will enrich your overall content marketing strategy. Plan to incorporate each of these methods into your blog marketing to grow your leads list. With this growth, you’ll ultimately experience an increase in sales as you’ll have more prospects to work within your sales funnel.

Much success.

Need help getting in front of your ideal customers in your content marketing? Reach out to us here and let’s chat! We know what it takes to succeed in digital marketing.

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