When it comes to business growth, lead generation is critical. What is lead generation? Lead generation is all about your pipeline, having a steady flow of people ready to purchase your product or service. If that pipeline dries up, your business will soon follow.
You can gather leads in several ways. However, lead generation has become more attainable in the last decade with social media platforms like Linkedin and Facebook. Both boast tens of millions of users, but which one works best for getting our product or service in front of potential customers? We’re going to compare Linkedin vs. Facebook for lead generation and see which one works best for your business.
Facebook beats LinkedIn in this one area.
In terms of sheer users, Facebook has a considerable advantage over Linkedin. LinkedIn has over 690 million users, with a small percentage of daily active users. Facebook, on the other hand, has 1.6 billion daily active users. You can find hundreds of thousands of persons who may be your ideal customer. In terms of lead generation, the right content marketing strategy and budget for ads (which we will cover later) could get you a steady supply of potential customers.
Are you B2B or B2C?
The fact that Facebook has overwhelming numbers does not mean it’s better. If you’re a business to business (B2B) brand, you’ll find more value on LinkedIn. LinkedIn’s professional network has the decision-makers who can purchase high-ticket, long-term products. For B2B, the quality of leads beats the quantity on Facebook. Your content marketing strategy works especially well if you’re targeting specific roles in a business. On a business to consumer (B2C) level, Linkedin can also work if the product targets professionals. However, Facebook works well for consumer products and services.
Connecting in LinkedIn Groups vs. Facebook Groups.
Groups can help you gather leads through engagement and digital marketing. Groups are private communities where like-minded people exchange information and ideas. Both LinkedIn and Facebook have Groups. You can create your own or join different groups in your niche. But which is better for lead generation?
Facebook Groups
Facebook Groups take Facebook Pages a step further. While users can interact on Pages, Groups make a stronger community with guidelines, discussions, and content in a closed, private space. If you create your own group for lead generation, you have more control over what type of content you can post. However, if you join existing groups, advertising may be limited or not allowed at all. Even if you own the group, use the right mix of promotion and value so the group does not feel spammy.
Facebook Groups have great options not available on LinkedIn. For instance, using Facebook Live videos within Groups can significantly increase your leads, as you can do live webinars or product showcases. Overall, Facebook Groups
Linkedin Groups
Linkedin Groups focus on professionals looking to connect with others in their industry. Being active in these groups helps build your credibility and interest. Soon, people will start to take notice of you and your company. You can also create groups with your ideal customers who can then refer others to you. The authentic relationships you can build are invaluable and will help bring business opportunities.
Unlike Facebook, LinkedIn Groups have the option of weekly digest emails straight to members, which can help with lead generation. When choosing between Linkedin and Facebook groups, consider your audience, product, and content marketing strategy. For each group, remember to be educational and not promotional. Eventually, your hard work will be rewarded with qualified leads.
Linkedin ads vs. Facebook ads for lead generation.
Ads are a powerful and sometimes underused part of lead generation. Both platforms have a robust ad platform with key advantages. You can customize your target market and customer, then send content that encourages them to sign up, schedule a call, or purchase. When choosing the right platform for lead generation, you must ask some critical questions.
As stated before, Facebook has a higher user base. So if you’re trying to gather more leads, Facebook ads work well. Linkedin ads target professionals. You get better value for money if you operate in a B2B space. Linkedin and Facebook help you target persons based on several criteria. However, Facebook goes a bit deeper with location, general interests, and purchase history.
Ads cost money, and you know how much you’ll need to spend with the Cost Per Click. Facebook has a significantly lower cost per click than Linkedin. However, LinkedIn might provide you with a higher quality lead, especially if you have high-ticket items. The leads may be worth much more in the long-run. Facebook ads have a significant advantage in some areas. That could be because it has been around longer than Linkedin ads. However, if you want professional leads that you can build a long-term relationship with, LinkedIn may have the advantage.
Which one works best?
When it comes to lead generation, both platforms have their advantages. I would argue that Facebook has become a bit more saturated, so it’s harder to grab someone’s attention using ads. Facebook Groups still work well and can bring in leads, especially due to the flexibility you have in your own private group.
While Linkedin does not have the user size like Facebook, it’s a great place for lead generation on a B2B level. You get to interact with persons who are happy to buy if it helps them or their business. On a B2B level, choose LinkedIn. On a consumer product level, Facebook has the advantage.
If you need help with lead generation, especially on LinkedIn, I’d love to help. My company has helped many increase their influence on the platform while gaining new business. Sign up for my email list, and you’ll get content on LinkedIn straight to your inbox. Leads are the life force of your business. Don’t hesitate to use these platforms to get them!
