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Originally Posted On: https://smithdigital.io/blog/erp-software-lead-generation-tactics-that-really-work
As an ERP Software Channel Partner or Value Added Reseller (VAR), you know how tough it can be to generate leads for ERP software and professional services, especially if you’re new to the industry. Companies like SmithDigital, experts in ERP lead generation, understand these challenges well.
The ERP market is fiercely competitive. Giants like Microsoft, SAP, and Oracle pour billions into their sales and marketing efforts, while countless ERP channel partners vie for the attention of potential customers.
These factors, along with limited marketing knowledge, changing Google algorithms, and long sales cycles, create significant hurdles for VARs trying to acquire new leads while managing existing clients.
If you’re an ERP Channel Partner, ERP VAR, or ERP Consulting firm struggling to build a strong sales pipeline through inbound or outbound marketing, this blog post is for you.
We will provide valuable insights and guidance to jumpstart your software and service lead generation process more efficiently and effectively.
When it comes to selling enterprise software and generating leads, ERP Partners often face challenges in several key areas. Let’s explore the primary areas where ERP Partners struggle the most when it comes to ERP software sales and lead generation.
Let’s explore each of these briefly:
Lack of Consistent & Qualified Leads from ERP Vendors
ERP consultants often face a significant challenge when it comes to generating leads for their businesses. Many consultants find themselves relying heavily on the leads provided by the ERP vendors they represent, only to be left frustrated by the minimal or non-existent support they receive. This lack of marketing assistance can make lead generation a daunting task for ERP value-added resellers (VARs), leaving them struggling to maintain a consistent sales pipeline.
Even if you are part of an ERP ecosystem that provides leads, it is crucial not to rely solely on this source. The reality is that referral sources can disappear at any time, leaving you without a predictable pipeline of potential new business. This scenario can be particularly devastating for ERP VARs who have not taken steps to establish their own lead generation strategies. To avoid being caught off guard and ensure the sustainability of your business, it is essential to learn how to generate ERP software and service leads independently.
The challenge of lead generation for ERP VARs is further compounded by the fact that many ERP software vendors, such as Oracle-NetSuite, have already established extensive direct sales teams. These teams, consisting of hundreds of Account Executives (AEs) and Business Development Representatives (BDRs), are vital for the vendors’ success. As a result, these vendors may find it increasingly difficult to allocate sufficient leads to their partner network, leaving ERP VARs to fend for themselves in the competitive market.
Given these circumstances, it is imperative for ERP VARs to take the initiative and develop a self-sufficient lead generation strategy for their businesses. By taking control of lead generation, ERP consultants can ensure a steady flow of prospects and reduce their reliance on external sources. This independence allows them to maintain a consistent sales pipeline and avoid the risk of being left with no leads if the referral source dries up.
Website Not Optimized to Generate ERP Leads
With a significant portion of ERP sales cycles starting with online research, search engines like Bing, Yahoo, and Google play a pivotal role in driving traffic to your site. Google, in particular, dominates the search engine market, holding a staggering 91.54% share globally. This dominance is even more pronounced on mobile devices, where Google’s market share soars to 95.16% (StatCounter Global Stats) (Semrush). This makes it essential for your product or service to rank on the first page of Google search results, as only about 0.63% of users proceed to the second page (Techopedia).
Moreover, the rise of AI-powered tools like ChatGPT and Google Bard (formerly Gemini) has revolutionized how potential customers conduct research and gather information (Techopedia). These tools provide users with instant, accurate, and comprehensive answers to their queries, leveraging vast amounts of web data. As a result, potential leads may find the information they need directly through these AI assistants without ever visiting your website.
For example, if a potential customer asks ChatGPT, “What are the best ERP software solutions for small businesses?” the AI tool can provide a detailed response based on the information available on the web. This response may include a list of top ERP software providers, their key features, pricing, and even comparisons between different solutions. If your ERP software and/or services are not prominently featured in this response, you may miss out on a potential lead, even if your website ranks high in search engine results (Techopedia) (Semrush).
This evolving landscape presents new challenges for ERP software providers looking to generate leads through their websites. Not only do they need to optimize their online presence for search engines, but they also need to ensure that their content is comprehensive, authoritative, and easily discoverable by AI-powered research tools.
Furthermore, attracting traffic to your website is only half the battle. Once potential leads land on your site, it is crucial to engage them and encourage them to take action, such as submitting a form or requesting more information. Low form submission rates may indicate that there is too much friction for potential leads to engage with your digital assets, which can hinder your lead generation efforts (Semrush).
Some common issues that can contribute to low form submission rates include:
- Complicated or lengthy forms: If your forms are too long or ask for too much information upfront, potential leads may be discouraged from completing them.
- Lack of clarity or compelling calls-to-action: If your website fails to clearly communicate the value of your ERP software or does not provide compelling reasons for leads to take action, they may leave without engaging further.
- Poor user experience: A website that is difficult to navigate, slow to load, or not mobile-friendly can frustrate potential leads and cause them to abandon the site before submitting a form.
- Lack of trust or credibility: If your website does not convey a sense of trust or credibility, potential leads may be hesitant to provide their information or engage with your business.
These challenges highlight the importance of not only optimizing your website for search engines and AI-powered research tools but also creating a user-friendly, engaging, and trustworthy online presence that encourages potential leads to take action.
In the following sections, we will explore the various strategies and best practices for addressing these challenges and optimizing your website for maximum lead generation in the competitive ERP software market.
Understanding Google’s Preference for Fresh Content
The importance of consistently publishing high-quality blogs and other forms of content cannot be overstated when it comes to acquiring valuable keyword positions in Google’s organic search rankings. It’s a well-established fact that Google has a penchant for fresh, relevant content, rewarding websites that regularly update their content with better visibility.
But why does consistency matter so much? Firstly, it signals to Google that your site is active, relevant, and aiming to provide value to users. This is a key factor in how Google assesses the quality of a website. Regularly updated content increases the chances of your website being indexed more frequently, improving your site’s visibility in search results. Moreover, each piece of content is an opportunity to target new keywords, covering more ground in the vast landscape of search queries.
However, the challenge for many businesses, especially small to medium enterprises, lies in balancing content creation with the multitude of other business activities they must manage. This is where prioritization and strategic planning come into play. Content creation should be seen not as a sporadic activity but as a core aspect of your marketing and SEO strategy. Allocating resources, whether in the form of dedicated personnel or outsourcing to content creation specialists, is essential.
It’s also worth noting that quality trumps quantity. While consistency is key, it should not come at the expense of the content’s relevance and value to the audience. Engaging, well-researched content that addresses the needs and questions of your audience will always yield better SEO results than content produced merely for the sake of regular publishing.
The Role of Keyword Research in ERP Software Lead Generation
As an SEO professional, I cannot stress enough the importance of thorough keyword research when it comes to generating ERP software leads. It’s the foundation upon which your entire content strategy should be built. By dedicating time and resources to identifying the ideal keywords your target audience is actively searching for, you can significantly enhance your content’s visibility on search engine results pages (SERPs) and attract high-quality leads.
To excel in the competitive landscape of ERP software, you must adopt a strategic and nuanced approach to keyword research. This involves striking a delicate balance between targeting high-volume keywords and long-tail keywords that directly map back to your revenue streams.
Many businesses make the mistake of solely focusing on popular keywords with high search volumes, believing that this will automatically translate into a flood of leads. While these keywords may seem attractive, they often come with intense competition, making it challenging to rank on the first page of SERPs without a robust and well-executed marketing strategy. Investing all your efforts into these highly competitive keywords can lead to frustration and a lack of tangible results.
On the other hand, some businesses swing to the opposite extreme, targeting only long-tail keywords that are easier to rank for but generate minimal traffic. While these keywords may be less competitive, they may not attract the volume of leads necessary to drive significant growth for your business.
To develop a comprehensive and well-balanced keyword strategy, start by conducting thorough keyword research using tools like Google Keyword Planner, SEMrush, or Ahrefs. Identify a mix of high-volume keywords that are relevant to your ERP software offerings and long-tail keywords that target specific pain points, features, or industries. By combining these different types of keywords, you can create content that appeals to a broader audience while still capturing highly targeted leads.
7 Things You Can Start Doing Right Now to Generate More Sales Leads
As an ERP consulting firm, you understand that selling ERP software solutions is not the same as selling commodity products and services. The ideal ERP buyer is highly knowledgeable and selective in their product choice, as the credibility of the software they choose directly affects their daily work life.
Furthermore, ERP systems tend to be incredibly sticky, often staying with a company for 5-10 years or longer. Given this, it is essential to have a deep understanding of your target audience, including their desires, fears, and objectives when it comes to this significant investment.
To help you start generating leads for your ERP software business, we have outlined seven steps you can take advantage of today.
These steps will help you reach and engage your target audience, build credibility, and establish yourself as a trusted advisor in the ERP space.
1. Leverage the ‘Big 5 Themes’ in ERP Software Search Queries
Thorough keyword research is critical for generating ERP software and services leads. This means pinpointing the search terms and phrases your target buyers use when seeking ERP solutions online. The “Big 5 Themes” serve as an excellent starting point:
- Price or cost (e.g. “ERP pricing”, “ERP implementation cost”)
- Product comparisons (e.g. “Oracle vs SAP”, “compare ERP systems”)
- Customer and analyst reviews (e.g. “ERP reviews”, “Gartner Magic Quadrant ERP”)
- “Best of” or “Top” lists (e.g. “best ERP software”, “top 10 ERP”)
- Problems that your product resolves (e.g. “inventory management challenges”, “improve supply chain efficiency”)
These themes encompass what a typical ERP buyer might search for during research. With these in mind, you can identify keywords and phrases ERP buyers likely use in Google queries.
Next, assess if your website currently ranks for any target keywords. Tools like Ahrefs and Semrush streamline this process. They reveal existing keyword rankings and provide insights to improve your strategy.
2. Aligning Keyword Research with Lead Generation Campaigns
After completing your keyword research, it is crucial to align your chosen keywords with the content you plan to create or optimize. This can be done by utilizing an editorial calendar, which serves as a roadmap for your inbound marketing strategy. It helps keep you organized and on track to meet your publishing and revenue objectives.
To ensure your team stays organized, you can start with a basic Google Sheet template or consider using tools like HubSpot’s SEO tool to visually structure and link your content.
In the industry, it is common to come across marketing professionals who create excellent content without proper search engine optimization (SEO). On the other hand, there are SEO professionals who write solely for search engines. It is important to strike a balance between writing for human readers and search engines to achieve successful content marketing.
When crafting assets for your target audience, focus on creating content that is engaging, readable, and relatable. Avoid using overly technical or formal language that may lose the reader’s attention. Instead, aim to captivate your audience by delivering information in digestible and enjoyable segments.
While writing content exclusively for human readers is important, it is different from writing for search engines. Search engines have evolved to detect content that is solely written to manipulate their algorithms. In the past, marketers could rank high in search results by overloading their pages with keywords. However, this tactic now leads to poor user experiences and high bounce rates, which can adversely affect your Google ranking. While on-page optimization of target keywords is still crucial, search engines now also consider factors like page load times, linking page authority, and dwell time when ranking your page for specific keywords.
3. On-Page Optimization for Lead Generation Success
The significance of on-page optimization cannot be overstated when it comes to enhancing your website’s visibility and ranking in search engine results. By carefully examining and optimizing various on-page elements, such as keyword selection and usage, title tags, meta descriptions, internal and external link structures, and page speed, you can significantly improve your website’s exposure on major search engines like Google and Bing.
Two primary SEO ranking factors that demand special attention are dwell time and bounce rate.
Dwell Time:
Dwell time refers to the duration visitors spend on a specific page and is a crucial metric for Google rankings. Longer dwell times are considered a positive ranking factor, indicating that your content is valuable, relevant, and engaging. Pages that rank in the top 10 search results typically have an average content length of 1,447 words, suggesting that comprehensive content enhances user engagement (Ahrefs) (Backlinko). To increase dwell time, consider adding more in-depth content, incorporating video content in your blogs, and adding interactive elements like chat functionality (All in One SEO).
Bounce Rate:
Bounce rate is another critical metric reflecting your website’s ability to provide relevant information to your audience. A high bounce rate indicates that visitors are not satisfied with your site’s content and are leaving without further exploration, negatively impacting your website’s performance (All in One SEO) (MonsterInsights). The average bounce rate for websites is between 41% and 55%, but achieving a lower rate can significantly boost your site’s SEO (All in One SEO). Creating engaging calls-to-action (CTAs) and offering enticing incentives can help reduce bounce rates and increase conversions (MonsterInsights).
Site Performance:
Site performance is a crucial aspect of on-page optimization. Approximately 40% of users abandon a website that takes more than 3 seconds to load (All in One SEO). Google uses site speed as a ranking factor, so optimizing for faster load times is essential. Tools like Google’s PageSpeed Insights and Lighthouse can help audit and improve your site’s performance (Ahrefs) (MonsterInsights).
Schema Optimization:
Implementing schema markup can boost your website’s visibility in search results. Sites that utilize schema markup have an average click-through rate (CTR) of 30% higher than those without it (Backlinko). Schema markup helps search engines understand the context of your content, leading to more accurate indexing and display (MonsterInsights).
Mobile Optimization:
Mobile traffic accounts for 59% of all global internet traffic, highlighting the importance of a mobile-friendly website (All in One SEO) (MonsterInsights). Google’s mobile-first indexing means that the mobile version of your site is considered the primary version for ranking purposes, so optimizing for mobile is crucial (MonsterInsights).
Video Content:
Incorporating video content can increase organic traffic from search results by 157% (MonsterInsights). Videos have a 41% higher CTR compared to text-only content, making them a powerful tool for engaging users and improving SEO (All in One SEO).
Featured Snippets and Voice Search:
Over 40% of voice search answers come from featured snippets, emphasizing the importance of optimizing your content to capture these snippets (All in One SEO) (MonsterInsights). This can enhance your visibility in both traditional and voice search results, which is becoming increasingly important as voice search grows in popularity.
4. The Role of High-Quality Backlinks in Boosting DA
I cannot stress enough the importance of understanding that Google’s ranking algorithm goes beyond keyword research and on-page optimization. While these elements are essential, Google’s primary goal is to surface the most authoritative and trustworthy sites for each search query. This is where the concept of domain authority (DA) comes into play.
Domain Authority:
Domain authority is a score ranging from 0 to 100 that reflects a website’s credibility and ranking capability in the eyes of Google. A higher DA increases your chances of ranking against competitors for a particular keyword. According to Moz, a leading SEO software provider that developed the DA metric, this score helps businesses and SEO professionals gauge the strength of a website’s backlink profile and overall online presence (Ahrefs).
Importance of Backlinks:
One of the most effective and proven ways to increase your domain authority is by obtaining high-quality backlinks from authoritative websites. Backlinks are crucial, as they account for approximately 20% of Google’s ranking algorithm (MonsterInsights). Google views these links as “votes of confidence,” vouching for the quality and relevance of your content (All in One SEO). A study by Backlinko found that pages ranking in the top three spots on search engine results pages (SERPs) have significantly more backlinks than lower-ranked pages (MonsterInsights).
Building a Backlink Profile:
To build a robust backlink profile and boost your domain authority, consider implementing a strategic guest posting campaign. Contributing valuable, informative articles to industry blogs, news sites, and other influential domains in your niche can expose you to a wider audience while establishing your expertise. Most importantly, you can include links back to your own website within these guest posts, effectively building a diverse portfolio of domains linking to your site (Ahrefs) (Backlinko).
However, the quality of your backlinks matters just as much as the quantity. Google’s algorithm can detect and penalize sites that engage in spammy or manipulative link-building practices (All in One SEO). To ensure the effectiveness of your backlinking efforts, focus on obtaining links from reputable, high-authority domains relevant to your industry.
Anchor Text and Context:
In addition to the quality of your backlinks, pay close attention to the anchor text and context surrounding your links. Anchor text refers to the clickable text that appears within a hyperlink. To maximize the SEO impact of your backlinks, align your anchor text with your target keywords whenever possible. However, be cautious not to overdo it, as excessive keyword-rich anchor text can appear unnatural and may trigger Google’s spam filters. Strive for a balanced mix of branded, keyword-rich, and generic anchor text to maintain a natural link profile. A good rule of thumb is to keep exact match anchor text below 5% (All in One SEO) (MonsterInsights).
Furthermore, ensure that the content surrounding your backlinks naturally relates to the linked page on your website. Google’s algorithm analyzes the context in which a link appears to determine its relevance and value (Ahrefs) (Backlinko). By securing backlinks within content closely related to your ERP software offerings, you can reinforce the topical authority of your website and improve your chances of ranking higher for targeted keywords.
Long-Term Investment:
Building a strong backlink profile and increasing your domain authority is a long-term SEO investment. It takes time, effort, and persistence to earn high-quality links from authoritative sites. However, the payoff can be substantial. As your domain authority grows, you’ll find that your content starts to rank higher in search results, attracting more organic traffic and generating more qualified leads for your business (MonsterInsights) (All in One SEO).
5. Convert Website Traffic into Qualified ERP Leads
Once your website starts ranking for ideal ERP-related terms and attracting a steady stream of organic traffic, the next big step is to nurture those visitors into marketing-qualified leads (MQLs). The goal is to create an engaging, interactive experience that encourages prospects to provide their contact information and express interest in your ERP software and professional services.
Avoiding Common Mistakes:
One common mistake to steer clear of is relying on static forms that demand excessive upfront information from the user. Research shows that reducing the number of form fields can increase conversion rates by up to 120% (UpLead). Instead, focus on creating an interactive journey that gradually gathers pertinent information while providing value at each step (WebFX).
Smart Forms and Dynamic Content:
Consider incorporating smart forms, like those powered by Typeform, that adjust the questions based on the user’s responses. This dynamic approach enables you to collect more specific information while keeping the user engaged and decreasing the likelihood of form abandonment. By customizing the form experience to each prospect’s needs and interests, you can enhance the likelihood of converting them into a marketing-qualified lead (MQL) (DemandSage).
Gated Assets for Lead Capture:
Another effective strategy is to offer gated assets, such as whitepapers, e-books, or case studies, in exchange for contact details. Offering high-value content can increase lead capture rates by up to 45% (Salesmate). Providing content that addresses the specific challenges and pain points of your target audience creates a compelling incentive for prospects to share their information. This approach not only captures leads but also positions your ERP software as a solution to their problems, building trust and credibility (Exploding Topics).
Interactive Tools for Engagement:
Interactive tools, such as quizzes, calculators, and assessments, can also be powerful lead generation mechanisms. Companies using interactive content see conversion rates nearly 2x higher than those using static content (Exploding Topics). By offering prospects the opportunity to receive personalized advice or recommendations based on their input, you can demonstrate the value of your ERP software while collecting valuable data points. These interactive experiences not only engage users but also provide them with tangible benefits, increasing the likelihood of conversion (DemandSage).
Leveraging Reverse IP Lookup and Intent Data:
To further enhance your lead generation efforts, consider leveraging reverse IP lookup solutions like ZoomInfo and Clearbit. These tools allow you to identify anonymous website visitors and gather valuable information about their company, industry, and location (DemandSage) (WebFX). By combining this data with third-party buyer intent data, which tracks online behavior and signals purchase intent, you can tailor your outreach and nurturing strategies to convert unknown traffic into known, sales-ready leads (UpLead) (Salesmate).
By implementing these strategies, you can effectively convert website traffic into qualified ERP leads, ultimately driving more sales and growth for your business.
6. Harnessing Intent Data to Generate ERP Leads
Buyer intent data refers to the aggregated signals and insights that indicate an organization’s increased interest or engagement with topics related to ERP systems. By leveraging these insights, ERP software resellers can identify prospects who are actively researching and considering ERP solutions, enabling a more targeted and effective outreach.
The Power of Intent Data:
Nearly 97% of B2B marketers believe that third-party intent data provides a competitive advantage (SURFE). Intent data platforms, such as Bombora, ZoomInfo, 6sense, and G2, have emerged as top providers in this space. These platforms aggregate signals from various web activities, such as searches, page visits, and content downloads, to uncover patterns of intent behavior (Mixology Digital) (Shortlister). As a result, they can identify companies showing heightened interest in ERP-related topics, signaling their readiness to engage with ERP software providers.
Effective Outreach and Higher Conversions:
Using intent data can increase lead conversion rates by up to 55% (SURFE). By identifying companies actively comparing various ERP solutions and researching specific features, ERP software resellers can focus their outreach efforts to match the interests of these prospects. This level of relevance and timeliness in outreach can significantly improve response and conversion rates compared to traditional, generic approaches like cold calling (IntentHub Blog) (Mixology Digital).
Integration with CRM Systems:
To fully harness the power of buyer intent data for outbound lead generation, integrating these insights with your customer relationship management (CRM) system is essential. Over 40% of B2B sales leaders use intent data to enrich their CRM, helping prioritize and target the most promising leads (Shortlister). Automating the flow of new, high-intent opportunities into your lead pipeline ensures that your sales team always works with the most relevant and promising leads (SURFE).
Best Practices for Maximizing Intent Data:
- Identify the Right Intent Data Provider: Evaluate the top providers in the buyer intent data space and select the one that best aligns with your target audience and ERP software offerings. Look for providers with a strong track record, comprehensive data coverage, and robust integration capabilities (Mixology Digital).
- Define Your Ideal Customer Profile (ICP): Clearly define the characteristics of your ideal ERP software customer, including industry, company size, geographic location, and key decision-makers. Use this ICP to guide your intent data targeting and prioritization (Shortlister).
- Establish a Lead Scoring System: Develop a lead scoring methodology that incorporates buyer intent signals alongside other key factors, such as company size, industry fit, and engagement history. This will help prioritize the most promising leads and allocate your sales resources effectively (IntentHub Blog).
- Create Targeted Content and Messaging: Develop a library of content assets and messaging templates that align with the various stages of the ERP buyer’s journey and address common pain points and questions. Use insights from intent data to personalize these assets for each prospect, increasing their relevance and impact (Mixology Digital).
- Monitor and Refine Your Approach: Continuously monitor the performance of your intent-driven lead generation efforts, tracking key metrics such as response rates, conversion rates, and revenue generated. Use these insights to refine your targeting, messaging, and engagement strategies over time, optimizing for maximum impact and ROI (SURFE).
7. Aligning Sales and Marketing for Effective ERP Lead Generation
In addition to identifying your ICP and target industries, it’s crucial to ensure that your sales and marketing teams are tightly aligned. Aligning sales and marketing can lead to a 36% increase in customer retention and a 38% increase in sales win rates (Inbox Insight) (Leads Crawler). A seamless handoff and effective knowledge transfer between these departments are essential for a cohesive approach to customer acquisition. Marketing should focus on attracting and nurturing high-quality leads that fit your ICP, while sales should be equipped with the information and resources they need to engage these prospects effectively and guide them toward a successful close (Lead411) (Future proof your business with GTM AI).
Utilizing Integrated Platforms:
To facilitate this alignment, consider implementing an integrated platform like HubSpot. Using integrated CRM and marketing automation systems, such as HubSpot, aligns lead scoring, nurturing, and hand-offs triggered by prospect behaviors, allowing for a seamless transition from marketing to sales (Future proof your business with GTM AI). With HubSpot’s features and analytics capabilities, ERP providers can gain valuable insights into the effectiveness of their strategies, optimize their approach, and ultimately drive more qualified opportunities to close (Future proof your business with GTM AI).
Leveraging AI and Content Strategy:
Additionally, utilizing AI and predictive analytics can enhance your lead generation efforts. AI can automate personalization, allowing your teams to deliver tailored content and messaging at scale. This personalized approach significantly improves engagement and conversion rates (Inbox Insight) (Leads Crawler). Content marketing also plays a crucial role, as it drives three times more leads than paid advertising (Leads Crawler).
By leveraging these strategies and aligning sales and marketing efforts, your business can effectively generate and convert ERP leads, maximizing the revenue potential of your ERP software (Lead411) (Leads Crawler).
Proven Track Record in ERP Lead Generation
Generating ERP software and services leads on a consistent basis can be a real challenge, but the financial rewards can be huge. With our deep expertise, we rank among the top ERP lead generation services in the market. We have an winning track record helping ERP consulting firms drive more web traffic, more sales-ready ERP leads, and more customers. You can check out some real-life examples of our successes here: Inbound Marketing Examples.
If you are serious about enterprise software and professional service revenue growth and need a team that deeply understands the ERP industry and knows how to consistently generate qualified appointments for your sales team, you should request a meeting with one of our ERP marketing specialists. Let us show you how we can add immediate value to your ERP consulting practice.