What's one marketing effort that consistently brings in new business and boosts income? What's the key to its success?

Question

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Georgi Petrov · Answer

One marketing effort that consistently brings in new business and boosts income is referral-based marketing combined with strategic incentives. Word-of-mouth has always been powerful, but structuring it with an intentional system has made a massive difference. Instead of passively hoping happy clients would recommend us, we implemented a referral program with exclusive perks for both referrers and new customers.
The key to success has been making the incentive compelling but aligned with the brand. Offering discounts wasn't enough, so we tested different rewards, including VIP access, free strategy sessions, and bonus services. The most effective approach was giving existing customers something valuable that reinforced their loyalty while making the new customers feel like they were getting an exclusive deal.
This strategy works because it taps into trust and social proof. People are more likely to buy when someone they trust recommends a business. By making referrals feel rewarding for everyone involved, we've turned satisfied clients into active brand ambassadors, fueling sustainable growth.

Vikrant Bhalodia · Answer

One marketing effort that consistently brings in new business for us is simply putting our people in the spotlight.
We stopped relying on overly polished sales content and started showing the real team--on LinkedIn, in quick behind-the-scenes clips, and even in early client calls. No scripts, no heavy branding. Just our developers and leads sharing how they solve problems, what they're working on, and how they think.
This works because clients don't just choose a service; they choose the people they trust to deliver it. When they see our actual team communicating clearly and confidently, it builds that trust faster.
We also started sharing work-in-progress real screenshots, short updates, and honest lessons learned. That kind of content always outperforms the usual polished posts.
It's not a flashy strategy. But it's consistent, human, and real. And it works. We've seen more qualified inbound leads, and a lot of them say, "You felt more real than others we talked to."
Being visible and transparent as a team has quietly become one of our most reliable growth drivers.

Austin Benton · Answer

I stopped sending fancy quarterly newsletters and instead started sharing extremely specific client wins in quick, bulleted emails that take me 20 minutes to write.
For example, last month I sent "How I helped this particular thought leader increase email open rates by 32% using subject line psychology" with 3 concrete takeaways anyone could apply. The response rate was 4x my normal outreach.
What makes this work isn't the success story itself--it's the specificity and immediate usefulness. People can actually implement one tip right away and see results.
These emails essentially function as micro-demos of my expertise rather than just claiming it. The surprising part is these perform significantly better when sent on Thursday afternoons compared to Tuesday mornings when most marketing emails go out.
I've tracked this for six months, and Thursday sends consistently generate more replies and meeting requests, likely because people are planning their next week's priorities as they wind down current projects.

Max Shak · Answer

One marketing effort that has consistently brought in new business and boosted revenue for Nerdigital.com is value-driven content marketing combined with strategic SEO. It's not just about creating blog posts or social media updates--it's about providing real, actionable insights that solve problems for our target audience.
The Key to Its Success? Prioritizing Intent Over ClicksA lot of companies focus on vanity metrics--traffic, likes, and shares--but what really matters is attracting the right audience with high purchase intent. We craft content that directly addresses pain points our potential customers are searching for. For example, instead of just writing generic blog posts about digital marketing, we create in-depth guides, case studies, and interactive tools that demonstrate exactly how businesses can improve their online presence.
An Example That WorkedOne of our most successful pieces was a guide on "How to Optimize Your Website for More Leads." Instead of keeping it surface-level, we included step-by-step instructions, real-world examples, and even a downloadable checklist. Not only did this content rank highly on search engines, but it also brought in highly qualified leads who were actively looking for digital marketing solutions--many of whom converted into paying clients.
The TakeawayThe key to success in any marketing effort is understanding your audience's needs and delivering content that genuinely helps them. If you provide value upfront, you build trust. And in business, trust leads to conversions.

Anastasia Parokha · Answer

Nothing drives business like community-driven content. In today's marketing world, you can't just promote a product or service; you have to focus on building a community and connecting with your audience. For example, we do this through user-generated content, forums, or tutorials that encourage creativity. We respond to our customers' social media posts, follow their hashtags, and more.
When people see our resources being used in unique ways, they are more likely to follow us and create something of their own. Our audience loves not only our product but also our brand. The key is to make it easy for them to contribute, for example, by sharing customer stories more often, celebrating their work, and giving them value.

Brayden Beavis · Answer

To maintain a steady flow of new business and drive revenue growth, it's essential to build an always-on marketing funnel. This approach ensures continuous lead generation rather than relying on short-term campaigns. But it's not just about getting leads, it's about ensuring lead quality by consistently testing creative to see what converts best. Once leads start coming in, automating your responses and follow-ups is key to keeping them engaged.
A well-timed email or message can make all the difference in nurturing a lead towards conversion. Having a strong welcome series is also crucial, as it sets the tone for the customer relationship, introduces your brand's value, and guides them toward taking action. At the same time, good trigger systems should be in place to escalate customer queries efficiently, ensuring a seamless experience and improving response times.
Beyond that, a solid retargeting strategy helps keep your brand front of mind for those who aren't ready to convert immediately, giving them the nudge they need at the right time.
Ultimately, success doesn't come from flash campaigns, but from persistence, continuous optimization, and nurturing customer relationships, because marketing is not just about attracting, but also about building trust and creating long-term value.

Kinga Fodor · Answer

One of our most effective lead generation efforts is paid LinkedIn advertising. Since we operate in the B2B SaaS space, LinkedIn allows us to target specific roles and industries with tailored messaging. We focus heavily on lead capture here, using gated resources like white papers or customer testimonials to drive high-quality conversions. Google Ads also plays a strong supporting role, especially when paired with search intent. It brings in leads actively.At the same time, we don't overlook the long game; organic content and SEO are key to building brand authority and staying top of mind. While paid brings leads in quickly, our blogs, LinkedIn thought leadership, and SEO efforts ensure we're also creating brand awareness across the full buyer journey.

Hamza Malik · Answer

For us, SEO has proven to be a reliable long-term strategy that consistently brings in new business. I always say that SEO isn't about quick wins. It's a gradual process of building trust and authority with search engines. We focus on targeted, long-tail keywords and continually refresh our content to remain relevant. Regularly checking Google Search Console helps us fine-tune our approach based on real data. The key is persistence and making small, consistent improvements over time. Eventually, these efforts add up, resulting in a reliable flow of leads and conversions. It's a long-term investment that pays off in sustained growth and consistent business.

Alexey Karnaukh · Answer

One thing that brings in business like clockwork is publishing case studies (real ones, not puff pieces). We break down exactly what we did, how it worked, where we messed up, what we learned, and what kind of return the client got. No hiding behind vanity metrics. Just raw results with context.
People see that and think: "All right, these guys know what they're doing and they're not afraid to be transparent". That kind of honesty builds more trust than any fancy sales pitch. The key isn't just doing great work, it's showing it off the right way. Most folks don't want another general promise -- they want proof someone's been in the trenches and came out with scars and wins.
We've had enterprise clients reach out directly just from a single article like that. They didn't need a sales call to be convinced. They'd already made up their mind. That's the kind of inbound you want when people already know they want you.

Armen Davtyan · Answer

Every time our team followed up with customers two weeks after their purchase, just to ask if they had questions or needed help, it led to more conversions than any ad campaign we ran. These weren't cold leads. These were people who already trusted us enough to buy from us.
Sending a short, no-pressure message started real conversations. That follow-up led to questions about new products or a purchase from a promo I mentioned at the end three out of five times.
The key was to keep it personal and helpful, not pushy. We started replying by name, mentioning what they bought, and adding a quick, "Hey, by the way, we've got something new. Thought you might like it."
That approach brought back repeat business, led to referrals, and made the relationship feel more like a partnership than a sale. It wasn't flashy, but it worked. Over time, it quietly became one of our best returns.

Sahil Sachdeva · Answer

One marketing effort that consistently drives new business and boosts income is leveraging personal branding combined with strategic content marketing. At Level Up PR, we've seen firsthand how positioning key team members as industry thought leaders creates a ripple effect of credibility and inbound opportunities. The key to success is consistency--regularly sharing high-value insights, engaging with audiences, and showcasing real success stories. Instead of hard selling, this approach nurtures trust and keeps your brand top-of-mind when potential clients are ready to invest. By pairing this with strategic collaborations, podcast appearances, and well-placed media features, we've built a self-sustaining pipeline of high-quality leads that convert organically. The lesson? People buy from people they trust--so invest in visibility, deliver value, and let authority-driven marketing do the heavy lifting.

Adam Chahl · Answer

For me, the most consistently effective marketing effort that brings in new business and boosts income is relationship-based marketing, specifically through a well-executed referral and past client follow-up system. Real estate is a relationship-driven business, and staying top-of-mind with past clients, current leads, and industry partners creates a steady stream of warm referrals and repeat business.
The key to its success is consistency and genuine value. Too many agents focus only on attracting new leads while neglecting the goldmine in their existing database. I make it a priority to stay in touch with past clients and my sphere of influence through personalized check-ins, market updates, home anniversary messages, and exclusive VIP events. These touchpoints keep relationships strong and position me as the go-to real estate expert when they or someone they know needs help.
Another major factor is having a system in place. At Vancouver Home Search and PLACE Real Estate Team - Oakwyn Realty, we don't leave follow-ups to chance. We use a structured CRM (like Follow Up Boss) to track client interactions, automate reminders, and ensure no one falls through the cracks. Pairing this with high-quality content, like valuable email newsletters, informative social media posts, and engaging video updates, keeps clients engaged without feeling like they're being "sold to."

Brenton Thomas · Answer

Referral marketing consistently drives new business and revenue growth. In addition to leveraging satisfied customers, it builds trust through authentic recommendations. The key to success lies in creating an irresistible incentive structure that motivates referrals without feeling forced. Furthermore, personalized outreach and seamless sharing options enhance participation. When referrals feel organic and rewarding, businesses gain high-quality leads at a lower acquisition cost. By nurturing relationships and delivering value, brands turn customers into advocates, fueling sustainable growth and long-term profitability.

Adam Whittaker · Answer

One of the most effective marketing efforts for consistently bringing in new business is a well-structured, targeted outbound strategy. A lot of agencies rely too much on referrals or inbound leads, but the ones that grow predictably are the ones that take control of their pipeline by proactively reaching out to their ideal clients.
The key to making outbound work isn't just volume - it's relevance. Too many agencies send generic emails or LinkedIn messages that get ignored. The agencies that succeed take the time to research their prospects properly, tailor their outreach, and offer real value from the first interaction. That might mean sharing a relevant industry insight, commenting on a challenge the prospect is facing, or showing how they've solved similar problems before.
Consistency is another major factor. Outbound isn't something you do once and forget about; it needs to be a regular, disciplined effort. Agencies that treat it as an ongoing process, rather than a last-minute scramble when they need work, see far better results. It also helps to have a structured follow-up plan. Most opportunities don't come from the first message but from staying in touch and building a relationship over time.
When done well, outbound isn't about cold selling - it's about starting meaningful conversations with the right people. The agencies that approach it strategically, with the right mix of personalization, persistence, and patience, see a steady flow of new business and higher-quality clients.

Sayofunmi Imani · Answer

One marketing effort that consistently brings in new business and boosts income is prioritizing exceptional customer experience to fuel word-of-mouth marketing. The key to its success lies in consistently exceeding customer expectations at every interaction.
Word-of-mouth is powerful because people trust recommendations from friends and family more than traditional advertising. When customers have fantastic experiences, they naturally become advocates for your business, spreading positive feedback and attracting new clients. This creates a consistent stream of new business with minimal direct marketing spend. Moreover, delighted customers are more likely to return for repeat purchases and potentially spend more, directly boosting income.
In my experience, even a small gesture of going above and beyond for a customer can create a ripple effect. For instance, I once helped a client with a minor issue outside the scope of our agreed services. They were so impressed by this unexpected support that they not only became a loyal, long-term client but also referred several other businesses my way. This organic growth was far more effective and cost-efficient than any paid advertising campaign we ran at the time.
Here's some actionable advice based on this:
*   Focus on each customer interaction: Every point of contact is an opportunity to create a positive impression. Train your team (or yourself) to be responsive, empathetic, and helpful.*   Go the extra mile: Look for opportunities to exceed expectations, even in small ways. This could be a personalized follow-up, a small added value, or simply prompt and efficient service.*   Actively seek feedback: Understand what your customers value and where you can improve. Use surveys or direct conversations to gather insights.*   Make it easy for customers to share: Encourage satisfied customers to leave reviews or share their experiences.*   Value human touch: In an increasingly digital world, genuine human interaction can be a significant differentiator.
By focusing on creating truly delighted customers, you can build a sustainable marketing engine that consistently drives new business and income through the power of word-of-mouth.

Trevor Rappleye · Answer

Trade shows are loud. They're overwhelming. And let's be honest--after a few hours, every booth starts to blur together. Except the one with the dogs. 
We've tested a lot of marketing strategies, but nothing pulls people in (and keeps them coming back) like bringing real, tail-wagging, belly-rub-loving dogs to the IFA Franchise Show. And guess what? It's not just about the adorable factor--it's a serious business strategy that brings in leads, boosts engagement, and makes our brand unforgettable.
Why It Works (And Why It's Genius)1. It's Impossible to Ignore.You can walk past a fancy trade show booth. You can even ignore free coffee. But a puppy wagging its tail? You're stopping. And when people stop, we start conversations. Conversations turn into relationships. Relationships turn into business.
2. People Remember How You Make Them Feel.No one leaves IFA thinking, "Wow, I loved Booth #142 with the banner about ROI!" But they do remember, "Oh yeah, that's the team with the cute puppies in a FranchiseFilming bandana that says CBO - Chief Bark Officer!"
When people smile, laugh, and connect, they associate positive emotions with your brand--and that's how you stand out long after the show ends.
3. It Creates a Built-in Content Machine.We're not just bringing dogs to the International Franchise Association conference--we're turning them into daily content stars:
4. It's About Connection, Not Just Sales.Trade shows are exhausting. The constant pitching. The business card swaps. The "so what do you guys do?" over and over. But when someone walks up and says, "Can I pet the dog?"--the pressure disappears.
No forced sales pitch. No awkwardness. Just real, human connection. And that's how real business gets done.
The Takeaway? Make People WANT to Come Back.At IFA, every booth is fighting for attention. Most try harder. We try different.
We create a reason for people to return--not because they feel obligated, but because they want to. And once they're there, we start a conversation about storytelling, video, and how franchisors can use content to actually grow their business.

Ryan Stone · Answer

One marketing effort that consistently brings in new business and boosts income for us is SEO, hands down. The key to its success is that it's always working in the background, bringing in warm, organic inquiries without needing constant investment or effort once the groundwork is done. For years we relied on PPC, but over the last two years, we invested heavily in SEO and achieving organic listings to the point that we were able to drop PPC from our efforts. For us, focusing on SEO meant creating helpful, relevant content that built context around our services and target audiences. It allowed us to capture search intent and rank for a wide range of keywords, which in turn increased visibility and credibility.
The real value is long-term, unlike PPC or paid ads, SEO doesn't stop delivering when you stop spending. It's a sustainable way to grow, and for us, it's meant a steady stream of leads and new projects, with no need to chase work or rely on outbound efforts.

Niclas Schlopsna · Answer

From my time working with startups at Spectup, one marketing effort that consistently delivers results is storytelling-driven pitch decks. I know, it might sound a bit niche, but the power of a well-crafted narrative is irreplaceable. I remember helping a growth-stage startup struggling to land investor meetings despite having a great product. They had a slide deck filled with dry data and technical language, but no one could connect emotionally with their story. We worked with them to build a deck that captured not just what their product did but why it mattered--the vision, the problem they were solving, and the human impact behind the numbers. 
Two months later, they not only landed multiple meetings but closed a significant funding round. The secret? People invest in stories, not just statistics. At Spectup, we always emphasize understanding your audience and creating a narrative that aligns with both their logic and emotions. It doesn't matter if it's investors, customers, or partners--if you can make your case memorable and relatable, you've already won half the battle.

Erin Siemek · Answer

One marketing effort that has consistently worked for me is building genuine relationships within my community, both online and offline. I realized early on that people are far more likely to trust and support businesses they feel connected to. It started small--a local event where I chatted with a handful of people about what I do. A week later, one of those people referred a client to me, and it just snowballed from there.
The key to this approach is sincerity. I've found that trying to sell something upfront rarely works, but showing genuine interest in others' needs and challenges creates trust. At a networking meetup once, instead of launching into my pitch, I asked a fellow attendee about their biggest hurdle in their business. 
That conversation turned into a collaboration, which opened doors to even more clients. It wasn't about pushing my services but understanding how I could genuinely help.

Yancy Forsythe · Answer

One marketing effort that consistently brings in new business for us is targeted direct mail to distressed property owners--specifically homeowners facing pre-foreclosure, tax liens, or code violations. These are people who need solutions, not just marketing, so our messaging is focused on empathy, clarity, and offering a simple way out.
The key to its success is consistency and precision. We don't just send one postcard and hope--it's a drip campaign with follow-ups spaced over weeks. We also tailor each campaign to the homeowner's situation, which builds trust and response rates.
By focusing on the right audience with the right message at the right time, this strategy continues to drive high-quality leads and strong ROI.

Dmytro Kudrenko · Answer

Targeted email automation always delivers the best results for our business, but only when it is done right. For these campaigns to be successful, it is best to use behavioral triggers so that users receive the right messages at the right time.For example, if a user has been browsing a pricing page for a long time but has not registered, you can send an additional email comparing service plans or current discounts. If a customer has just made a purchase, you can send them a personalized recommendation based on the products they bought.Relevance and timing are the key indicators that make email campaigns effective. Mass marketing no longer works, and it pays to focus on targeting and personalization.

Vick Antonyan · Answer

Automated email nurture sequences have been our most reliable growth driver, consistently delivering 3-4x ROI across our small business clients. The key is using AI to analyze customer behavior patterns and create personalized content that addresses specific pain points at exactly the right moment in their journey. We've found that combining behavioral triggers with dynamic content that evolves based on engagement creates significantly higher conversion rates than static campaigns. Small businesses particularly benefit because once properly set up, these sequences operate with minimal ongoing maintenance while delivering qualified leads directly to sales teams.

Erin Ruddy · Answer

We partnered with a local online magazine through a giveaway, and it turned out to be one of the best decisions for our business. At first, I hesitated because of the upfront cost, but we decided to treat it as an investment—and it really paid off.
The giveaway was a fantastic way to engage their audience and introduce our services to potential clients. It brought in new clients, grew our social media following, and gave our brand a major boost in visibility. On top of that, being associated with a trusted local platform helped build credibility and trust within the community.
Looking back, the key was focusing on the long-term benefits instead of worrying about the initial expense. The success of this partnership didn't just bring immediate results—it laid the groundwork for lasting growth and gave me the confidence to keep investing in and scaling the business. Seeing how this strategy worked has made me excited to explore even bigger opportunities moving forward.

Gabe Roy · Answer

One of the key contributors to my business's growth has been through in-person marketing. Discovering face-to-face networking opportunities in my area has proven to be one of the most rewarding ways to gain new clients for my business. 
This form of marketing falls under the "oldie but goodie" category. While it's not a new approach by any stretch, it is a "goodie" for good reason. As a B2B business owner selling high-ticket services in a very competitive field, potential buyers' decisions typically boil down to trust and compatibility.
In my experience, making a positive impression is much easier done in person. Through two-way communication, you can uncover the unique problems they're experiencing and present possible solutions on the spot. By being attentive to their needs, and demonstrating your expertise on a subject area, you can begin building trust in you and your business. 
Even if you don't make a sale, that interaction will make you and your business more memorable.

Patrick Carver · Answer

If I had to pick one marketing effort that consistently delivers results, it would be Google Local SEO. It's not flashy, but it's a revenue machine.
Here's my take:Ranking in Google's local search results is hands-down one of the best ways to bring in new business. People trust Google, and when they need a service, they're searching for it--often with high intent to buy. At Constellation Marketing, we've helped law firms double or triple their monthly revenue just by optimizing their Google Business Profile, generating client reviews, and consistently posting relevant content. The key to success? Proximity, relevance, and authority. Make sure your business info is accurate, get as many real reviews as possible, and publish content that answers potential clients' key questions. If you're not showing up in the map pack, you're missing out on easy money.

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