Tag: Lead Generation

Amidst today’s hectic digital age, companies are laser-sharp on SEO, social marketing, and pay-per-click ads. And who can blame them—these efforts generate traffic, engagement, and conversions. Yet, in the scramble to be top dog digitally, many have overlooked a quite potent marketing mechanism: direct mail.

Yes, you heard that correctly. Physical mail—the kind that comes to your mailbox—still packs an amazing punch, even in 2024. While digital marketing agencies (such as ours) excel at online growth, neglecting direct mail means leaving behind a one-of-a-kind chance to differentiate, re-engage customers, and increase ROI.

Let’s take a look at why direct mail shouldn’t be ignored—and how it can enhance your digital strategy.

Why Direct Mail Still Works (Especially in a Digital World)

1. Less Competition, More Impact

With inboxes flooded with emails and social media feeds oversaturated with ads, consumers are suffering from digital fatigue. Direct mail, on the other hand, has become a rarity—making it more noticeable and memorable.

82% of millennials find direct mail trustworthy (USPS study).

Response rates for direct mail are 5-9x higher than email (DMA).

2. Tangible = Trustworthy

There is something to be said for getting one’s hands around a piece of physical mail and building credibility. A solid postcard, brochure, or direct mail piece has more substance to it than yet another online promotional email.

3. Hyper-Targeting Offline Too

Much like Facebook Ads or Google Ads, direct mail can get quite targeted too. Based on customer information, you can make custom offers predicated on:

Location

Past purchase behavior

Demographics

Digital behavior (via digital-to-print retargeting)

4. Direct Mail + Digital = Dynamite Combination

The most effective marketing plans combine both digital and offline actions. For instance:

• Send a postcard with a QR code to a landing page.
• Follow up a campaign by email with a direct mail piece for enhanced recall.
• Employ direct mail to revive old leads who bypassed digital touchpoints.

How to Leverage Direct Mail Successfully in 2024

1. Begin with a Clear Objective

• Lead generation? Send a trial offer or special discount.
• Customer retention? Treat loyal customers with VIP benefits.
• Brand awareness? Leverage grabby design and storytelling.

2. Personalization is Key

Generic mail is discarded. Personalized mail is opened. Use:

• The customer’s name
• Previous purchase history
• Localized messages

3. Track & Measure Success

Yes, you can measure direct mail ROI! Use:

• Unique promotion codes
• Custom URLs (e.g., 7thgrowth.com/offer123)
• QR codes with analytics

4. Test & Optimize

Like A/B testing in digital marketing, experiment with different:

• Headlines
• Designs
• Offers
• Mailing frequencies

Final Thoughts: Don’t Ignore Direct Mail

While digital marketing is critical, direct mail can provide something digital can’t—a tangible, memorable contact point that breaks through the clutter. For Canadian (and global) businesses, the combination of both methods can create higher engagement, greater trust, and improved conversions.

At 7th Growth, we’re about data-driven, multi-channel marketing—whether that’s SEO, social media, email, or plain old-fashioned mail. Looking to mix up your marketing mix? Perhaps it’s time to re-think direct mail.

Tried direct mail in your marketing plan? What did work (or not)? Let us know below!

When it comes to lead gen and digital marketing, one size does not fit all—particularly in a country as multicultural as Canada. Vancouver and Calgary, two of Canada’s most vibrant cities, are different from one another in terms of business culture, consumerism, and competitive marketplaces. If you are operating a conversion rate optimization company, providing SEO services, or offering social media marketing services, being aware of these regional distinctions is the key to optimizing your lead gen potential.

Here, we will deconstruct how geography affects conversion strategy in Vancouver vs. Calgary and what you have to do to win in both markets.

1. Familiarizing Yourself with the Local Business Environment

Vancouver: The Competitive, Technology-Savvy Hub

Vancouver is a hub for startups, tech businesses, and international firms. Vancouver’s high standard of living and high population density mean consumers are:

• More digitally active – They depend extensively on internet research prior to buying.
• Value-driven – With increased costs, they focus on ROI and long-term value.
• Cautious of hard selling – A gentler, value-first approach is more effective.

Lead Gen Tip:

As competition is intense, your digital marketing agency needs to be centered around highly optimized landing pages, local SEO tactics, and trust-establishing content (case studies, testimonials) to cut through.

Calgary: The Entrepreneurial, Relationship-Oriented Market

Calgary features a robust B2B and small business environment, with the leading industries including professional services, real estate, and oil & gas. Shoppers and companies within the area will:

• Be relationship-oriented – Word of mouth and networking have high influence.
• Answer positively to value-driven direct communication – Straight-up, no-BS value offers are preferred.
• Be slightly more price-sensitive – They’re less price-tolerant compared to Vancouver. 

Lead Gen Tip:

For social media marketing services or SEO services near me, Calgary businesses are receptive to direct-response ads, LinkedIn outreach, and local collaborations more than purely organic approaches.

2. SEO & Content Strategies That Work in Each City

Vancouver: Long-Tail Keywords & Thought Leadership

Being a highly educated market, Vancouver is receptive to:

• In-depth guides (e.g., “How to Increase Conversion Rates for Vancouver E-Commerce Stores”)
• Localized SEO (targeting neighborhoods such as Gastown, Kitsilano, or Burnaby)
• Video content – YouTube and TikTok dominate here.

Calgary: Problem-Solving & Localized Offers

Calgary’s market likes:

• To-the-point blog posts (e.g., “Best SEO Strategies for Calgary Small Businesses in 2024”)
• Local business directories and Google My Business optimization (as local searches are high)
• Webinars and live Q&As – Interactive content works well.

3. Paid Ads & Social Media: What Converts Best?

Vancouver:

• Facebook & Instagram ads (visual, aspirational messaging)
• Google Ads with high-intent keywords (e.g., “best digital marketing agency in Vancouver”)
• LinkedIn for B2B lead gen (tech and corporate buyers are active here)

Calgary:

• Direct-response Facebook ads (discounts, free consultations)
• Google Search Ads (targeting service-based queries like “SEO services near me”)
• Twitter/X and local Facebook groups – Community engagement matters more.

4. The Final Takeaway: Adapt or Lose Leads

Whether you’re a digital marketing agency near me in Vancouver or Calgary, the key to success lies in localized, data-driven strategies.

Vancouver = High competition, needs trust-building and premium positioning.

Calgary = Relationship-driven, responds to direct value and local credibility.

By tailoring your conversion rate optimization, SEO, and social media marketing services to these differences, you’ll generate more qualified leads—no matter which city you’re targeting.

Struggling to get your lead gen playbook right for your own market? Schedule a free strategy call with us today (backhanded CTA, not too pushy).

In the B2B lead gen space, most marketers use LinkedIn, email marketing, and paid advertising. But there’s an underutilized channel that’s silently generating high-quality leads for astute businesses—Telegram.

Yes, Telegram is not only for private conversations or crypto groups. Used intentionally, it can be a mighty weapon when it comes to B2B lead generation. Let me dissect how you can use Telegram in a non-spammy, non-salesy way to generate leads.

Why Telegram for B2B Lead Gen?

As opposed to busy platforms such as LinkedIn or email (where inboxes are full), Telegram provides a more personal and interactive means of reaching prospects. Here’s why it’s successful:

Higher Rates of Engagement – Telegram channels and groups have much higher open and interaction rates than emails.

Fewer Competitors – Most B2B marketers aren’t presently using Telegram for lead gen, providing you with an advantage.

Direct & Personal – Unlike cold emails, Telegram enables real-time discussions, so building relationships is easier.

How to Use Telegram for B2B Lead Generation

1. Build a Value-Driven Telegram Channel

Rather than directly pitching your services, create a channel where you provide:

• Industry insights
• Case studies
• Quick tips & tricks
• Exclusive content (e.g., free templates, guides)

Example: If you’re a full-service digital marketing agency, share bite-sized marketing strategies that businesses can use immediately.

2. Participate in Relevant B2B Groups

Telegram boasts thousands of niche-specific groups where industry experts share trends. Participate in these groups by:

• Responding to questions
• Posting helpful resources (without promoting yourself)
• Networking with decision-makers
• Pro Tip: Don’t spam. Establish trust first and then introduce your services subtly.

3. Utilize Telegram Bots for Lead Capture

Bots can qualify leads without being obtrusive. For instance:

• A question-asking bot that qualifies leads before linking them to your sales team.
• A bot that gives away a free lead magnet (e.g., an eBook) for contact information.

4. Host Exclusive Webinars or AMAs

Host a live “Ask Me Anything” session or a mini-webinar in a Telegram group. This establishes you as an expert while drawing in potential leads.

5. Use Direct Messaging (The Right Way)

Cold messaging on Telegram can work if done with care:

• Personalize every message (no copy-paste spam).
• Provide real value (e.g., “I saw your post on X, here’s a brief tip…”).
• Don’t pitch right away—try to begin a conversation.

Key Advantages of This Strategy

✅ Increased Conversion Rates – Telegram leads tend to be warmer since they’ve interacted with your content initially.

✅ Budget-Friendly – Unlike paid advertising, Telegram lead generation takes little budget.

✅ Long-Term Community Building – A solid Telegram group or channel keeps your audience engaged in the long run.

Conclusion

Whereas the majority of B2B marketers are trapped in the LinkedIn-email-ads cycle, Telegram is an untapped, new platform. The secret is to give value first and then sell.

If you need a full-service digital marketing agency to assist you in executing innovative lead gen techniques such as this one, 7thGrowth can develop a customized plan for your business.

Have you used Telegram for B2B lead gen? Comments below!

Urgency is effective.

Time-limited offers and scarcity have been selling things for decades. But there is a thin line between ethical urgency and manipulative tricks.

A couple of years ago, we conducted an experiment with one of our SaaS clients. We tried a traditional urgency tactic—countdown timers with messages such as, “Only 3 spots remaining at this price!” and “Offer ends in 2 hours!”

The outcome? A 217% rise in conversions in two weeks.

But here’s the catch—we discontinued using it.

Why? Because although it increased short-term numbers, it damaged long-term trust. And in online marketing, trust is paramount.

How Fake Urgency Works (And Why It’s So Effective)

Our brains are programmed to fear missing out. When we see:

• “Only 2 left in stock!”
• “Sale ends tonight!”
• “Join 500+ marketers before doors close!”

We feel a sense of urgency to act—even if the scarcity isn’t real.

In our test, we employed:

• Fake countdown timers (resetting for each visitor)
• Artificial stock restrictions (“Only 5 seats available” when unlimited slots were available)
• False deadline extensions (“Because of high demand, we’ve extended the deal for 24 hours!”)

It worked—too well.

The Hidden Cost of Fake Urgency

Later, after a few months, we observed:

• Higher Refund Rates – Those who were bullied into purchasing were more likely to ask for refunds.
• Negative Reviews – Some consumers caught on and called out the “scammy” approach.
• Lower Lifetime Value (LTV) – Erosion of trust equated to fewer repeat buys.

We learned that although false urgency can drive spikes in conversions, it tends to backfire over time.

What We Use Instead (Ethical Urgency That Converts)

We didn’t drop urgency completely—we just made it genuine.

Here’s what does the trick without manipulation:

1. Real Limited-Time Bonuses

Rather than artificial countdowns, we created real bonuses for early adopters (e.g., “First 50 sign-ups receive a complimentary 1:1 strategy call”).

2. Event-Based or Seasonal Promotions

Black Friday, New Year sales, or product launch discounts create inherent urgency without manipulation.

3. Honest Deadlines

If enrollment closes at midnight, it truly does—no false extensions.

4. Social Proof + Urgency Combo

Rather than “Only 3 spots remaining!”, we employed:

✅ “Join 1,200+ marketers who upgraded this week—enrollment closes Friday.”

This maintains urgency honest and ethical.

Key Takeaway: Trust > Short-Term Gains

Manipulated urgency may get the job done—but at the expense of trust.

If you’re executing email marketing for lead generation or full-service digital marketing campaigns, emphasize truthful scarcity.

Because ultimately, sustainable growth trumps quick wins every time.

Need Ethical Digital Marketing That Converts?

At 7thGrowth, we assist businesses in growing with strategic, open marketing. No gimmicks—just results.

Check out our budget-friendly digital marketing packages

Need a high-converting website? Take a look at our custom website design services

What’s your take on urgency tactics? Have you seen them backfire? Let’s discuss in the comments!

In the ultra-competitive world of digital marketing, standing out isn’t just about ranking for your own brand—it’s about strategically positioning yourself where your competitors are already winning. One of the most effective (yet underutilized) tactics is hijacking competitor-branded search traffic.

Yes, you read that right.

We didn’t just optimize our clients’ websites for generic keywords—we went after their competitors’ branded terms. And the results? A steady stream of high-intent traffic that was already looking for similar solutions.

Here’s how we did it—without shady tactics or black-hat SEO.

Why Target Competitor Branded Searches?

Before diving into the “how,” let’s talk about the “why.”

When people search for a competitor by name (e.g., “Best digital marketing company near me”), they’re already in buying mode. They know what they want—they’re just deciding where to get it.

By appearing in these searches, you can:

• Intercept high-intent leads before they commit to a competitor.
• Increase brand visibility by positioning yourself as an alternative.
• Steal market share without heavy reliance on expensive generic keywords.

Now, let’s break down the exact strategies we used for three different clients.

Case Study #1: The Email Marketing Agency

The Challenge

Our client was a mid-sized email marketing agency struggling to compete with bigger players. They had a solid service but weren’t ranking for high-value searches like “Affordable digital marketing packages.”

The Strategy

Instead of going head-to-head for broad terms, we targeted competitor-branded searches like:

• “[Competitor Name] email marketing pricing”
• “[Competitor Name] alternatives”
• “Is [Competitor Name] good for lead generation?”

We created comparison blog posts and landing pages positioning our client as a better, more cost-effective option.

The Result

Within 3 months:

• 27% increase in organic traffic from branded competitor searches.

15% higher conversion rate (since visitors were already comparison-shopping).

Case Study #2: The Custom Web Design Company

The Challenge

A custom website design company was losing leads to well-known competitors ranking for terms like “Best digital marketing company near me.”

The Strategy

We optimized their content to appear for searches like:

• “[Competitor Name] website design reviews”
• “[Competitor Name] vs [Our Client] pricing”
• “Cheaper alternatives to [Competitor Name]”

We also ran Google Ads on competitor keywords, capturing immediate traffic while SEO efforts matured.

The Result

• 40% more inbound leads from competitor-branded queries.
• Lower customer acquisition cost (since these leads were already warm).

Case Study #3: The Full-Service Digital Marketing Agency

The Challenge

A full-service digital marketing agency wanted to dominate local searches but was overshadowed by bigger agencies.

The Strategy

We leveraged:

• Local SEO optimizations (Google Business Profile, localized content).
• Competitor comparison pages (e.g., “Why [Our Client] is better than [Competitor] for lead generation”).
• PPC campaigns bidding on competitor names.

The Result

• Tripled search visibility for competitor-branded terms.
• Higher-quality leads (since searchers were actively evaluating options).

How You Can Do the Same (Without Getting Sued)

Before you rush to bid on your competitor’s name on Google Ads, a few ethical guidelines:

1. Don’t use trademarks in ad copy (Google can disapprove them).
2. Focus on comparisons, not defamation—be factual, not aggressive.
3. Provide real value—if you’re positioning yourself as an alternative, make sure you actually are better in some way (price, service, features).

Final Thoughts

Competitor-branded traffic is a goldmine—most businesses ignore it, leaving easy wins on the table. By strategically positioning yourself in these searches, you can intercept ready-to-buy leads and grow your market share without relying solely on expensive generic keywords.

Want to see how this could work for your business? Let’s talk.

Marketing is supposed to push boundaries. If it doesn’t make you a little uneasy, you’re probably playing it too safe.

At 7thGrowth, we’ve seen businesses stick to the same old strategies—comfortable, familiar, and… ineffective. The truth? Real growth happens outside your comfort zone.

Here’s why discomfort is a sign your marketing is working—and how to embrace it.

Why Comfortable Marketing Fails

Most businesses fall into a routine:

• Posting the same type of content
• Relying on the same lead-generation tactics
• Avoiding bold messaging because it “might not resonate”

But here’s the problem—safe marketing blends in. If your campaigns don’t challenge you, they won’t challenge your audience either.

The Psychology Behind Discomfort

Discomfort means you’re trying something new. It could be:

• A bold lead-driven content strategy that directly addresses pain points instead of vague industry tips.
• A high-converting landing page that cuts fluff and focuses on hard-hitting benefits.
• A paid ad campaign with a polarizing message (because neutrality doesn’t convert).

If your marketing feels risky, that’s a good sign.

3 Ways to Make Your Marketing Uncomfortable (And Effective)

1. Stop Hiding Behind “Professional” Tone

Corporate jargon doesn’t build trust—it builds boredom.

Instead of:

“We offer comprehensive digital marketing solutions to enhance your brand’s online presence.”

Try:

“Most marketing agencies waste your money. We don’t.”

Why it works: It grabs attention, sparks emotion, and filters out uninterested leads.

2. Double Down on What’s Working (Even If It Feels Repetitive)

Found a lead-generation tactic that converts? Good. Now scale it aggressively, even if you worry about overusing it.

Example:

• If case studies bring in clients, publish more—even if competitors aren’t.
• If a specific ad angle works, run variations instead of abandoning it too soon.

Uncomfortable truth: Most businesses quit right before a strategy hits its peak.

3. Charge More (Yes, Really)

Undervaluing your services attracts the wrong clients. If your pricing doesn’t make you hesitate, it’s too low.

• Higher prices = Higher perceived value
• Better clients = Fewer headaches

Test it. Raise your rates on your next proposal. The right customers will still say yes.

Final Thought: Discomfort = Growth

If your marketing feels easy, you’re not pushing hard enough.

At 7thGrowth, we help businesses break out of stagnant strategies with:

✅ Lead-driven content that converts (not just fills a blog calendar)
✅ High-speed, high-converting websites (because slow sites kill leads)
✅ Google ranking strategies that actually work (not just keyword stuffing)

Ready to make your marketing uncomfortable? Let’s talk.