Lead generation continues to be a challenge, even at a time when there is no dearth of data. Big data is no longer elusive. Thanks to machine learning, big data analysis is also becoming simpler and more reliable with every passing week. Access to databases is not a problem but specificity and relevance are still challenges that must be overcome. Then there remains the perennial hurdle of qualifying leads. Any lead generation campaign that falls short of creating a database of interested customers or potential buyers is basically a step towards a sales cycle and not exactly transactions. There has to be an effect on the bottom line.

Here are twenty clever lead generation ideas for businesses. Some of these are common but they cannot be excluded from any list. Others are effective tactics if you can formulate a sound internet marketing strategy. Ideally, you should be using several of these twenty clever lead generation ideas at the same time.