Start With An "Ethical Bribe."

Lead generation starts with some kind of exchange. The best enticement for attracting high-quality leads is to offer relevant and valuable information. It costs you very little compared to a tangible "free gift." But the perceived value can be quite high, particularly if the information you offer addresses a pressing concern.

Think of what kinds of information your ideal prospects are looking for. What questions do they often ask? What concerns do they have? Write up a report, or record an audio or video, that addresses these issues.

Create An Enticing "Opt-In Page."

The next step is to create a dedicated web page where visitors can opt-in to receive your ethical bribe. For best results, it should be a one-page website with the sole option of filling in a name and email address. In other words, you're presenting a yes or no proposition. Either the visitor signs up, or leaves.

It's important to "sell" your enticement just as you would a tangible product. People are increasingly reluctant to give up their email address so you must make the information as enticing as possible with a strong headline and powerful bullets that tease their curiosity.

Create An Email Follow-Up Sequence.

Once your prospect has signed up and read your information, continue to follow-up via email. Offer more information of value and begin to build a relationship. Manage your follow-up using an email autoresponder software program. You can sign up for a good online service at a very low cost.

Drive Visitors To Your Opt-In Page.

Finally, once your online lead generation system is set up, you'll want to send prospects to your opt-in page. There are many great ways to do this, both online and offline.

Use local or national advertising, classified ads, or direct mail. Include a link on your main website, your business card, and any promotional material. You can even promote your opt-in page using internet marketing techniques such as pay-per-click advertising or article marketing. The possibilities are endless.

Once your system is set up and receiving traffic, simply sit back and watch the leads roll in. You'll have a system that generates a steady stream of leads night and day, even while you're on vacation. It can't get any better than that!