Finding good sales leads is always a big deal for businesses. In 2025, there are tons of ways to do it, and some of them might surprise you. It's not just about cold calling anymore. We're talking about using new tech and smart strategies to find sales leads that actually want what you're selling. This article will go over some of the best methods to help you find sales leads and grow your business this year.

Key Takeaways

  • Content marketing helps you find sales leads by giving people useful information.
  • AI and automation can make finding and managing sales leads a lot easier.
  • Using buyer intent data lets you know who is actually interested in your product or service.
  • Webinars and online events are good ways to meet potential sales leads face-to-face, virtually.
  • Tools like LinkedIn Sales Navigator and online communities can help you connect with specific sales leads.

1. Content Marketing

Magnifying glass over diverse business people.

Content marketing is still a big deal in 2025. It's not just about writing blog posts; it's about creating stuff that people actually want to read, watch, or listen to. Think about it – nobody wants to be bombarded with ads all the time. They want information, entertainment, and solutions to their problems. That's where content marketing comes in. It's about attracting potential customers by helping your customers solve real pain points with useful content.

  • Focus on quality over quantity. A few really good pieces of content are way better than a ton of mediocre ones.
  • Think about different formats. Not everyone wants to read a blog post. Some people prefer videos, infographics, or podcasts.
  • Make sure your content is optimized for search engines. If people can't find it, it doesn't matter how good it is.
Content marketing is a long-term game. It takes time to build an audience and establish yourself as an authority. Don't expect overnight results. Be patient, consistent, and focus on providing value. The leads will come.

One thing I've noticed is that a lot of companies create content that's all about them. It's all "we're the best" and "look at our amazing product." But people don't care about that. They care about themselves. So, create content that addresses their needs, answers their questions, and solves their problems. For example, a detailed guide to sales pipelines can be incredibly effective.

Here's a quick look at how content marketing can impact lead generation:

| Content Type | Lead Generation Impact | Notes

2. AI And Automation

Okay, so AI and automation. It sounds super futuristic, but honestly, it's already here and changing how we find leads. It's not about robots taking over (yet!), but more about using smart tools to make our lives easier. Think of it as having a super-efficient assistant who never sleeps and is always on the lookout for potential customers.

AI and automation are revolutionizing lead generation by streamlining processes and providing deeper insights.

One of the biggest changes is how AI can analyze tons of data to find patterns and predict who's most likely to buy. It's like having a crystal ball, but instead of magic, it's just really good algorithms. And the best part? It keeps getting better as it learns from more data.

Here's a quick look at some ways AI and automation are helping with lead generation:

  • Automated Email Campaigns: Set up email sequences that automatically send personalized messages to leads based on their behavior. No more manually sending hundreds of emails!
  • Chatbots: Use chatbots on your website to engage with visitors, answer their questions, and qualify them as leads. It's like having a 24/7 sales rep.
  • Predictive Lead Scoring: AI can analyze data to score leads based on their likelihood to convert, so you can focus on the most promising ones. This is a game-changer for sales teams.
AI and automation aren't just about saving time; they're about making smarter decisions. By using these tools, you can identify better leads, personalize your messaging, and ultimately, close more deals. It's about working smarter, not harder.

AI can also help with things like Dealfront AI to create qualified pipelines faster. It can also provide insights into your ideal customer profile (ICP) and help you segment website visitors. These tools are becoming increasingly important for businesses looking to stay ahead of the curve.

3. Buyer Intent Data

Okay, so imagine knowing exactly when someone is seriously considering buying what you're selling. That's the basic idea behind buyer intent data. It's like having a superpower that lets you see which leads are actually hot and ready to convert.

Buyer intent data tracks online behavior to pinpoint interest and stage in the buyer’s journey.

Think about it: instead of cold calling a bunch of random people, you're reaching out to folks who've already shown they're looking for a solution like yours. Pretty cool, right? You can use a tool to identify buyer intent signals from potential customers.

It's not about guessing anymore; it's about knowing. By monitoring things like website visits, content downloads, and even specific search queries, you can get a much clearer picture of who's actually in the market for your product or service. This means you can focus your sales efforts on the leads that are most likely to close, saving you time and resources.

Here's a simple breakdown:

  • Website visits: Are they checking out your pricing page?
  • Content downloads: Are they grabbing your ebooks and whitepapers?
  • Search queries: Are they searching for keywords related to your product?

All of these actions can indicate a high level of interest. It's like they're raising their hand and saying, "Hey, I might be interested in what you've got!"

Using buyer intent data can seriously change the game. It's all about working smarter, not harder, and focusing your energy on the leads that are most likely to turn into paying customers. Plus, it helps you personalize your messaging and approach, which can make a huge difference in closing the deal. It's a win-win!

4. Webinars

Webinars? Still a thing in 2025? Absolutely! I know, I know, you're probably thinking, "Webinars? Aren't those, like, so 2010?" But trust me, they've evolved. They're not just boring slideshows anymore. They're interactive, engaging, and, most importantly, they're still a fantastic way to generate leads. Think of them as online seminars, but way more accessible.

Webinars position you as an industry leader and provide an interactive platform to share insights and directly engage with your audience.

I've seen companies use webinars for everything from product demos to in-depth training sessions. The key is to make them valuable. Don't just pitch your product for an hour. Offer real, actionable advice that people can use, even if they never buy anything from you. That's how you build trust and establish yourself as an authority.

Webinars are a great way to connect with your audience and provide value. By offering helpful content and engaging with attendees, you can build trust and generate leads. Just make sure you're not just pitching your product the whole time. Focus on providing real value, and the leads will follow.

Here's a few things to keep in mind:

  • Promote, promote, promote! Use email, social media, and even paid ads to get the word out.
  • Make it interactive. Use polls, Q&A sessions, and even live demos to keep people engaged.
  • Follow up with attendees. Send them a recording of the webinar, along with any relevant resources.

Webinars can also be a great way to generate BOFU leads. Our weekly Close for Newbies webinar allows us to answer questions directly and walk new users through the product demo.

5. Online Events

Online events are still a big deal in 2025. I know, I know, we're all a bit tired of Zoom calls, but hear me out. They've evolved, and if you play your cards right, they can be a goldmine for finding new leads. The key is to make them engaging and offer real value.

Think beyond just another boring presentation. Make it interactive, offer something unique, and you'll see the difference.

Online events let you reach a wider audience than physical events ever could. Plus, they're often more cost-effective. It's all about adapting and making the most of the digital landscape.

Here's why I think they're still worth your time:

  • They're accessible: People can join from anywhere in the world.
  • They're measurable: You can track attendance, engagement, and even lead quality.
  • They're versatile: You can host webinars, workshops, conferences, and more.

Don't just recycle old content. Create something fresh, something that people will actually want to attend. Promote it well, and you might be surprised at the results. Consider partnering with other companies to host joint webinars and reach a wider audience. It's a win-win!

6. Email Marketing

Mail icon over abstract network connections.

Email marketing? Still a thing in 2025. You bet. It's not about blasting out generic messages anymore. It's about being smart, targeted, and personal. Think of it as having a one-on-one conversation with thousands of people at once. Sounds impossible, but with the right approach, it's totally doable.

The key is segmentation and personalization. No one wants to feel like they're just another number on a list. Show them you understand their needs, their pain points, and what they're looking for.

Here's what I've learned:

  • Clean Your List: Get rid of those old, dead email addresses. It's better to have a smaller, engaged list than a huge list full of bots and people who never open your emails. Use tools to verify emails and keep your sender reputation high. This helps with email marketing statistics.
  • Personalize, Personalize, Personalize: Use their name, mention something specific about their company, or reference a past interaction. The more personal, the better.
  • Automate Wisely: Set up automated sequences for different segments of your audience. Welcome emails, onboarding sequences, and follow-up campaigns can all be automated to save you time and keep your leads engaged.
I remember when I first started using email marketing, I was just sending the same message to everyone. My open rates were terrible, and I wasn't getting any leads. Once I started segmenting my list and personalizing my messages, everything changed. My open rates went up, my click-through rates went up, and I started generating real leads.

Email marketing is not dead. It's just evolved. You need to be smarter, more targeted, and more personal. If you can do that, you'll be well on your way to generating a ton of leads in 2025.

7. CRM Automation

Okay, so CRM automation. It might sound super techy, but honestly, it's just about making your life easier. Think of it as having a robot assistant that handles all the boring stuff, so you can focus on actually talking to people and closing deals.

CRM automation is all about streamlining your sales process. It's not just about having a fancy system; it's about using that system to its full potential.

  • Automated email sequences for lead nurturing. No more manually sending the same email a million times.
  • Task creation based on triggers. For example, when a lead visits your pricing page, automatically create a task to follow up with them.
  • Lead scoring to prioritize your hottest prospects. Stop wasting time on leads that are never going to convert.
I remember when we first implemented CRM automation. It was a bit of a headache getting everything set up, but once it was running, it was like night and day. The sales team was happier, and we saw a noticeable increase in closed deals. It's one of those things that pays for itself pretty quickly.

Think about how much time your sales team spends on manual data entry, follow-ups, and other repetitive tasks. CRM automation can take all of that off their plates, freeing them up to focus on what they do best: selling. Plus, it helps ensure that no leads fall through the cracks. You can even integrate with tools like Salesforce, HubSpot, and Pipedrive to populate your CRM with buyer intent data.

8. LinkedIn Sales Navigator

Okay, so LinkedIn Sales Navigator. I know, I know, it sounds like just another sales tool, but hear me out. It's actually pretty useful if you're serious about finding leads. It's not just about randomly connecting with people; it's about finding the right people.

It's like having a super-powered search engine specifically for professionals. You can really narrow down your search based on industry, job title, location, and a bunch of other criteria. This means you're not wasting time sifting through profiles that aren't a good fit. You can optimize your LinkedIn profile to attract the right people.

Think of it as a targeted approach to networking. Instead of going to a huge conference and hoping to bump into someone relevant, you're strategically identifying and connecting with individuals who are likely to be interested in what you have to offer.

Here's why I think it's worth considering:

  • Advanced Search Filters: Seriously, the filters are amazing. You can get super specific about who you're looking for. It's way beyond what the regular LinkedIn search offers.
  • Lead Recommendations: Sales Navigator actually suggests leads based on your past searches and saved leads. It's like it learns what you're looking for and helps you find more of it.
  • Real-Time Updates: You get alerts when your leads change jobs, get mentioned in the news, or post something new. This gives you a perfect opportunity to reach out with a relevant message. You can use LinkedIn events for lead generation.

It's not a magic bullet, and it does cost money, but if you're serious about upping your lead generation game, LinkedIn Sales Navigator is definitely worth checking out. It's all about working smarter, not harder, right?

9. Discord

Okay, so Discord. I know what you're thinking: isn't that just for gamers? Well, yeah, it started that way. But it's become a whole lot more. Think of it as Slack, but way more chill. People use it for all sorts of communities now, and that includes potential leads.

Discord is a great place to connect with people in your industry.

Finding the right servers is key. Search for communities related to your niche. Once you're in, participate! Don't just lurk. Offer advice, ask questions, and generally be helpful. People will notice, and that's how you start building relationships. It's not about pitching your product right away; it's about becoming a part of the community. You can find them on LinkedIn and reach out from there.

Discord can be a goldmine if you approach it the right way. It's all about building genuine connections and providing value. Think long-term, not short-term sales.

Here's a simple breakdown:

  • Find relevant servers.
  • Engage in conversations.
  • Offer helpful advice.
  • Build relationships.

Discord's monthly active users reached an estimated 200 million in 2023, marking a 14.2% increase from the prior year. That's a lot of potential leads! You can also examine video titles and write down the speakers so you can find them on LinkedIn.

I've seen some people have great success using Discord for lead generation. It takes time and effort, but it can definitely pay off. Just remember to be authentic and focus on building relationships, and you'll be well on your way to finding some great leads.

10. Online Communities

Okay, so you're probably thinking, "Online communities? Are those still a thing?" And yeah, they totally are! They've just evolved. It's not just about dusty old forums anymore. Think Discord, Reddit, niche Facebook groups, and even Slack channels. These are goldmines if you know how to use them.

The key is to find communities where your target audience hangs out. Don't just join a bunch of random groups and start spamming your sales pitch. That's a surefire way to get booted. Instead, focus on providing real value. Answer questions, share helpful resources, and participate in discussions. Become a trusted member of the community, and people will naturally be more receptive to what you have to say.

Think of it like this:

  • Find relevant communities. Online communities are everywhere. Use keywords related to your industry or target audience to find them.
  • Engage authentically. Don't be a robot. Be a real person with real opinions and insights.
  • Provide value first. Help people out, answer their questions, and share your knowledge.
  • Build relationships. Connect with people on a personal level and get to know them.
  • Promote subtly. Once you've built trust, you can gently introduce your product or service.
I remember when I first started using online communities for lead generation. I was so focused on making sales that I completely missed the point. I was just blasting out promotional messages and wondering why nobody was responding. It wasn't until I started focusing on providing value and building relationships that I started to see results. Now, online communities are one of my most effective lead generation channels.

It takes time and effort, but the payoff can be huge. You'll not only generate leads but also build brand awareness and establish yourself as an authority in your industry. Plus, it's a great way to stay up-to-date on the latest trends and insights in your field. You can even find them on LinkedIn and reach out from there.

Wrapping Things Up

So, we've gone over a bunch of ways to find sales leads in 2025. It's pretty clear that just waiting for people to come to you isn't going to cut it anymore. You've got to be smart about it, use the right tools, and really understand who you're trying to reach. Things are always changing, so staying on top of new ideas and tech is a big deal. If you put in the effort and try out different things, you'll be in a good spot to keep your sales pipeline full. It's all about being active and trying new stuff.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are sales leads?

Sales leads are people or businesses who have shown some interest in what you're selling. They haven't bought anything yet, but they might become customers later.

What is lead generation?

Lead generation is the process of finding and attracting these potential customers. It's about getting their attention and making them interested in your product or service.

How can I find sales leads?

There are many ways! You can use online content, social media, email, and even special tools that help you find people who are already looking for what you offer.

Why is finding sales leads important?

It's super important because without new leads, your business won't grow. You need a steady stream of interested people to turn into paying customers.

Can I buy sales leads?

Yes, you can buy leads from special databases. This can be quick, especially if you're new to a market. But, you need to be careful because some lists might be old or not very good.

How do new technologies like AI help with finding leads?

AI and automation are making things much easier. They can help you figure out which leads are most likely to buy and even send personalized messages to them, saving you a lot of time.

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