4 step lead generation analysis to optimize sales conversion

When you think of word optimization, you might think of writing keyword-optimized posts for search engine optimization or running AB split tests to increase conversion rate.

But, in reality, any marketing process can be optimized from demand generation, account-based marketing, and lead generation.

I’ll review the basics of reviewing your demand generation funnel. Then, we’ll provide a few back-to-the-basics tactics to consider as you plan your campaigns and budgets.

We’ll take an introductory look at conducting a lead generation analysis to help you optimize your lead generation process, campaigns, and programs.

It’s simple but requires evaluating what works while building a deeper rapport with an equally busy team of quota-carrying sales reps.

Step #1: Review closed deals

The best way to determine what will work is to look at what has worked. To begin with an analysis of the deals that have closed.

How did these closed deals enter the system?

Here are a few pieces of data you want to record during this review for each channel and specific campaign (and you likely want to add a few attributes that are unique to your company, as well):

• Number of deals won
• Total revenue
• Average deal size
• Buyer persona traits
• Ideal customer profile fit

Step #2: Review new marketing qualified leads

Now that you know what works, look at what you currently have. Then, break down your pipeline by marketing tactic used, and determine the following:

• Total marketing qualified lead volume – How many leads does each channel/tactic generate?

• Sales Qualified, your universal lead definition defines lead volume – How many qualified leads?

• Percentage of sales qualified leads per marketing channel – Determined using the above numbers.

• Cost per marketing qualified lead – How much did these leads cost?

• A buyer persona(s) targeted – Which ponds are you fishing in, and whom are you trying to catch?

Step #3: Ask Sales about MQLs

Check-in with Sales to gather feedback on the performance of lead generation campaigns. You want to back up your data with genuine human experiences. What type of leads works best for Sales, in their opinion?

This human interaction might help you uncover that although a specific tactic generates leads that close, they require many more resources from Sales to close the deal, while other leads are much easier to close.

For example, leads from a content marketing syndication vendor may take more work from Sales than inbound web leads that provide all of the necessary info, and they’re much closer to discussing with a rep.

Step #4: Identify opportunities to optimize

Use this complementary data to identify the most effective channels and campaigns.

Consider what KPIs to optimize for, including lead volume, qualified lead volume, the percentage of qualified leads per channel, and the percentage of closed leads per channel.

Now that you know what has closed and what new leads you’re generating, where are there overlaps? Where do you fall short?

For example, if you’re investing a lot in a tactic that generates many leads but never closes, you may want to shift some of that money to a tactic that produces a lower volume of leads more likely to close.

Intro to Lead Generation: How to determine if a lead is sales qualified

Not only will this help you optimize your marketing investments and lead generation capabilities, but it can also help optimize your relationship with Sales.

When you have specific reasons to back up why you’re investing budgets in a certain way (which they may or may not agree with), they are more likely to support your decisions.

If nothing else, the human interactions of a Sales-Marketing huddle to close the loop show that you’re actively seeking input from Sales to help serve them better and not allocating your budget and resources in a vacuum.

Related Resources:

Who Should Own Lead Generation for a Complex Sale?
Lead Generation for the Complex Sale
We stopped trying to convince customers and got triple the results
Building Your Strategic Lead Generation Portfolio
Using Empathy in Marketing to Reach Your Audience
Lead Nurturing: 4 Steps That Help More Customers Buy