Lead Generation

What types of lead generation content actually work? Insights, statistics, and proof points

In the digital age, content is king when it comes to generating leads for your business. But not all content is created equal. Some types of content consistently outperform others in capturing attention, driving engagement, and converting leads into customers. Understanding which content formats work best can significantly improve your lead generation strategy and boost your ROI. In this blog post, we’ll explore the types of lead generation content that actually work, backed by statistics and proof points.

1. Ebooks and whitepapers

Why they work: Ebooks and whitepapers are powerful tools for lead generation because they offer in-depth insights on a particular topic, positioning your company as a thought leader in your industry. These content formats are particularly effective in the B2B space, where decision-makers are looking for comprehensive information to inform their purchasing decisions.

Statistics & proof points:

  • According to Demand Gen Report’s 2023 Content Preferences Study, 61% of B2B buyers say they find whitepapers to be the most valuable content format during the early stages of the decision-making process.
  • 77% of marketers reported that ebooks are highly effective for lead generation, according to a study by the Content Marketing Institute.

Best practices: To maximize the effectiveness of ebooks and whitepapers, ensure they are gated behind a lead capture form. This allows you to collect valuable contact information in exchange for the content.

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2. Webinars and online events

Why they work: Webinars and online events offer real-time interaction and provide prospects with an opportunity to engage directly with your brand. They are excellent for demonstrating expertise, showcasing products, and answering questions, making them ideal for generating high-quality leads.

Statistics & proof points:

  • A study by GoToWebinar found that 73% of B2B marketers and sales leaders consider webinars to be the best way to generate high-quality leads.
  • The average webinar conversion rate is 55%, meaning more than half of the people who register for a webinar are likely to become leads, according to ON24’s Webinar Benchmarks Report.

Best practices: Promote your webinars well in advance and follow up with attendees afterward with additional content or offers to nurture the leads further.

3. Case studies

Why they work: Case studies provide real-world proof of your product or service’s effectiveness, showcasing how you’ve helped other clients achieve their goals. This content format is especially persuasive because it tells a story that potential customers can relate to, making it easier for them to see the value in your offerings.

Statistics & proof points:

  • The Content Marketing Institute’s 2023 B2B Content Marketing report found that 73% of marketers consider case studies to be highly effective for lead generation.
  • According to HubSpot, 13% of sales professionals say that case studies are the most important type of content they use when converting leads into customers.

Best practices: When creating case studies, focus on specific metrics and outcomes that demonstrate tangible results. Highlight the challenges faced by your client, the solution you provided, and the measurable impact of that solution.

4. Video content

Why they work: Video content is one of the most engaging and versatile formats for lead generation. It can be used for product demos, testimonials, explainer videos, and more. Videos are particularly effective because they can convey complex information in a concise, visually appealing way.

Statistics & proof points:

  • 86% of marketers say video has helped them generate leads, according to a report by Wyzowl.
  • The same study found that 83% of video marketers say video content has helped them increase the average time visitors spend on their website, which correlates with higher engagement and conversion rates.

Best practices: Include a clear call to action (CTA) in your videos, such as encouraging viewers to sign up for a webinar, download a whitepaper, or contact your sales team. Hosting videos on landing pages can also increase conversions.

5. Interactive content

Why they work: Interactive content, such as quizzes, assessments, calculators, and polls, actively engages prospects by requiring their participation. This type of content is not only more engaging but also provides valuable data that can help you better understand your audience’s needs and preferences.

Statistics & proof points:

  • According to Demand Metric, interactive content generates two times more conversions than passive content.
  • 81% of marketers agree that interactive content grabs attention more effectively than static content, leading to higher engagement rates, as per the Content Marketing Institute.

Best practices: Ensure that your interactive content is relevant to your audience and provides value. For example, a calculator that helps prospects estimate ROI or savings can be particularly effective in generating qualified leads.

Conclusion

The key to successful lead generation lies in understanding which types of content resonate most with your target audience and effectively drive engagement. Ebooks, whitepapers, webinars, case studies, video content, and interactive tools have consistently proven to be highly effective in capturing leads and moving them through the sales funnel. By leveraging these content types and following best practices, you can optimize your lead generation strategy, resulting in more qualified leads and higher conversion rates.

As the digital landscape continues to evolve, staying informed about what works best in lead generation will help you maintain a competitive edge. Use these statistics and proof points to refine your content strategy and drive better results for your business.

Natasia Langfelder
Content Marketing Manager

As Content Marketing Manager, Natasia is responsible for helping strategize, produce and execute Data Axle's content. With a passion for writing and an enthusiasm for data management and technology, Natasia creates content that is designed to deliver nuggets of wisdom to help brands and individuals elevate their data governance policies. A native New Yorker, when Natasia is not at work she can be found enjoying New York’s food scene, at one of NYC’s many museums, or at one of the city’s many parks with her two teacup yorkies.