Why should manufacturers adopt website live chat as a lead generation strategy in a world where website visitors are becoming more impatient and the task of selling complex products and services online is challenging?
The search for a consistent strategy to generate leads can often be a never-ending quest for manufacturers. The manufacturing industry encompasses various types of companies, some of which produce small products with minimal buyer interaction, while others produce complex products with longer buying cycles. Hence, it becomes challenging to find a universal strategy that applies to all products. Although website live chat has traditionally been viewed as a reliable customer support tool, it is now gaining recognition as an effective strategy for generating leads. Manufacturers can benefit from using live chat to generate more leads in their online endeavors.
Proactively greet website visitors
To make it easy for your visitors to start a chat conversation with your company, it is best to allow them to begin the chat without having to provide their name and email beforehand. Most chat services typically require this information before starting the chat, but this can reduce the number of chats you receive. While it is important to obtain visitor contact information as a marketer, it is more convenient to gather this information during the natural course of the chat conversation. Unless you are overwhelmed with a high volume of chats (which is usually a good problem to have for most companies), it is advisable to let the visitor initiate a chat session without initially requiring any personal information commitment.
In order to maximize engagement, it is recommended not to include a chat button on your website that visitors have to click on to engage. Instead, it is suggested to establish a chat service where a chat dialogue box is opened for every visitor in a proactive manner. By proactively engaging with website visitors, it is comparable to a sales representative approaching a customer in a retail store and asking if they need any assistance. Transitioning from reactive chat to proactive chat has the potential to result in a 50 to 100 percent increase in chats.
More options for conversion
Did you know that almost 95% of the visitors to your website leave without any awareness on your part? Typically, a website conversion is identified when a visitor fills out a contact form or contacts the provided phone number. By implementing a live chat feature, your website gains an additional means of conversion.
Provide customer service during stay on website
Can you envision a retail store in which 90% of customers departed without making a purchase and no effort was made to inquire about their interests? Rather than having visitors randomly navigate your website (the modern-day retail store) in a frantic quest for desired information, live chat offers personalized assistance to the visitor. It directs them across the website and addresses inquiries regarding your offerings.
Ways to Use Live Chat for Your Lead Generation
Based on a study, the concept of live chat sessions is preferred by 38% of users, making them more effective for lead generation compared to other strategies.
Mobile application
The majority of users find it convenient to use their cell phones, so providing them with a mobile version of a specific platform that is easy to navigate can enhance the level of interaction. Additionally, mobile usage allows flexibility in terms of time and location, unlike laptops or PCs.
Personalized experience
It is important to approach each customer’s campaign and business background in a personal manner in order to provide appropriate assistance. However, it is essential to maintain a friendly approach and avoid being overly assertive, as people generally dislike such behavior from sales agents.
Real-time assistance
Customers who receive immediate answers are more likely to make decisions quickly compared to those who have to wait for several hours to obtain additional information on a specific topic. It is recommended to provide a free trial or special packages immediately.
Best Live Chat Tools to Boost Your Lead Generation
1. Giosg
What are the things you, as a company representative, consider when evaluating a live chat tool? The most important factors are integration options, user-friendliness, and easy navigation. These qualities are provided by Goisg, as evidenced by their well-designed platform. In addition to live chat, Goisg also offers voice and video call integration. What sets this tool apart are its numerous templates and targeting rules, which help guarantee positive results and a high conversion rate.
Regarding the positive attributes of this tool, there are numerous benefits including the ability to engage in seven chats concurrently, automatic call routing, and compatibility with both desktop and mobile devices. However, one potential drawback is that the tool may have a challenging learning curve due to its advanced features.
2. OptinMonster
If you have any involvement in the sales and marketing field, you will likely be familiar with this tool. It not only provides all the necessary features for salespeople but also offers a smooth experience for potential customers. Furthermore, analyzing and comprehending buyers’ behavior can significantly impact your marketing campaign. For this reason, it is recommended to integrate this tool with leading email marketing tools and establish advanced targeting rules to optimize return on investment.
Although it provides advantages like user-friendly form setup and integration, the platform solely offers annual subscription options, not monthly packages.
3. Live Chat Lead Generation : Hootsuite
Social media platforms play a crucial role in generating leads, and this particular tool focuses on that aspect. By combining all your social media accounts, you can easily and efficiently handle multiple tasks. It is remarkable how a single dashboard can offer a multitude of functions. Not only does it facilitate communication with leads through live chat, but it also monitors their activities and provides real-time statistics and reports.
4. Live Chat Lead Generation : LiveAgent
This tool, as its name implies, allows you to communicate with your audience in real-time. Unlike other tools, this one provides unique and captivating features, such as the ability to customize your chat windows with brand colors and design. Additionally, you can modify the chat buttons to enhance the excitement and engagement. No programming skills are required to integrate it into your website, simply copy and paste the short HTML code, and you’re ready to proceed.
Regrettably, there is currently no availability for the integration of Instagram and WhatsApp.
5. Live Chat Lead Generation: LinkedIn
When it comes to B2B lead generation, LinkedIn’s sales navigation tool is the most reliable option available. It offers chances to engage with individuals who have a strong potential interest in your product and offers support throughout the entire process. Additionally, it can be seamlessly integrated with your preferred CRM platform. By providing email notifications and valuable analytics, this tool can greatly benefit your efforts.