If you’re relying on paid ads to grow your startup, you’re wasting money. What if you could generate 10X more leads—without spending a single dollar on ads?
I’ve coached over 50 startups and billion-dollar companies to scale using strategies that don’t rely on paid ads.
Let me show you my top 10 organic lead generation strategies that you can use right now to skyrocket your startup growth. The only question is – what are these powerful lead generation strategies every startup should use?
Let's dive in!
I’ve coached over 50 startups and billion-dollar companies to scale using strategies that don’t rely on paid ads.
Let me show you my top 10 organic lead generation strategies that you can use right now to skyrocket your startup growth. The only question is – what are these powerful lead generation strategies every startup should use?
Let's dive in!
You will learn:
→ 10 organic lead generation strategies to grow your startup.
→ Pro tips and insights to maximize your success.
→ A bonus tip to skyrocket your lead gen.
→ Pro tips and insights to maximize your success.
→ A bonus tip to skyrocket your lead gen.
#10. Sell assessments
At Number 10, we have a powerful organic strategy that many founders actually miss. If you have a product - of course you want to sell it. The problem is that many people aren't ready to buy directly - because they don't even know what they need.
So, instead of selling your product directly, think about selling an assessment first. For example, if you offer marketing advice in your startup, you could offer your customers an assessment like "Where you should focus your marketing on".
And here's the magic: These assessments do two things. First, they provide immediate value to your customers. And second, you can position your product or service as the solution to their challenges. That's the goal.
You want leads to see your offer as the best solution.
So think about this for your startup: What kind of assessment could help your audience better understand what they need, and how can you naturally lead them to your solution?
Then create a simple landing page for it and sell your assessment first.
Powerful STARTUP RESOURCESSo, instead of selling your product directly, think about selling an assessment first. For example, if you offer marketing advice in your startup, you could offer your customers an assessment like "Where you should focus your marketing on".
And here's the magic: These assessments do two things. First, they provide immediate value to your customers. And second, you can position your product or service as the solution to their challenges. That's the goal.
You want leads to see your offer as the best solution.
So think about this for your startup: What kind of assessment could help your audience better understand what they need, and how can you naturally lead them to your solution?
Then create a simple landing page for it and sell your assessment first.
#09. Build a waiting list
My number 9 is a big one. When I coached a Fortune 500 company, we did this exact strategy. We built this huge product that took months to build. But we didn't wait to sell it until it was ready. We built a landing page where leads could sign up for a waiting list.
And such a landing page can be really simple, but that way you can capture leads that are interested before the launch even happens. Later, you will send these people an email when you launch.
Now here's the trick.
To make this work, you need to give people a reward, such as a 10% discount on the product once it's released or access to premium features. This is an excellent strategy to build some excitement up front and grab leads organically.
For instance, if you’re launching a new app for productivity, create a simple landing page where users can sign up for early access. Add a message like, 'Be the first to try our app and get exclusive access to premium features!' Easy as that.
And such a landing page can be really simple, but that way you can capture leads that are interested before the launch even happens. Later, you will send these people an email when you launch.
Now here's the trick.
To make this work, you need to give people a reward, such as a 10% discount on the product once it's released or access to premium features. This is an excellent strategy to build some excitement up front and grab leads organically.
For instance, if you’re launching a new app for productivity, create a simple landing page where users can sign up for early access. Add a message like, 'Be the first to try our app and get exclusive access to premium features!' Easy as that.
#8 Host workshops, webinars, or expert talks
Number 8 is a classic, but a powerful one - hosting workshops or webinars. You can not only demonstrate your expertise, but also connect directly with your audience.
Now, 2 tips to make this strategy work. First, record your webinars and workshops. You can then upload them to YouTube and repurpose them to get more eyeballs.
Now, 2 tips to make this strategy work. First, record your webinars and workshops. You can then upload them to YouTube and repurpose them to get more eyeballs.
And second, make sure you use a strong call to action at the end of your webinar - make sure you lead to your solution. That's the goal of your webinars.
I mean, you can do hundreds of webinars, but if no one buys your service, your efforts are wasted. So show people exactly how your offer can help them.
To increase engagement and make it more likely that people will convert, I recommend you offer an exclusive deal or a discount for attendees.
I mean, you can do hundreds of webinars, but if no one buys your service, your efforts are wasted. So show people exactly how your offer can help them.
To increase engagement and make it more likely that people will convert, I recommend you offer an exclusive deal or a discount for attendees.
#7 Product launches with incentives
Now this is a fun one. Most startup founders launch their product like this: This is our product, you can buy it now for X dollars.
Yes, yes, you can do that. But here's a better way.
When you're promoting your offer - via or social media, for example - create some buzz with a powerful incentive. For example, offer your product for free to the first 50 customers and give runner-up prizes like 10% off to the next 100 customers.
Yes, yes, you can do that. But here's a better way.
When you're promoting your offer - via or social media, for example - create some buzz with a powerful incentive. For example, offer your product for free to the first 50 customers and give runner-up prizes like 10% off to the next 100 customers.
This works especially well for SaaS startups because they generate revenue on a monthly subscription basis. So giving your product away for free in the beginning is a great way to build your customer base.
If your product is excellent, people will stay with you and you will make your money in the long run. Excellent strategy.
I want you to think about it:
• How could you apply this strategy to your startup?
• How can you reward your early adopters?
• How can you get them to recommend your service?
startup Worksheets & templates If your product is excellent, people will stay with you and you will make your money in the long run. Excellent strategy.
I want you to think about it:
• How could you apply this strategy to your startup?
• How can you reward your early adopters?
• How can you get them to recommend your service?
#6 Live training
My number 6 is live training. Now there is an important difference to webinars. It is more personal. Often with a small group or even 1 on 1 coaching.
What I love about live training is that you can really create that hands-on experience and show your expertise. You are helping people directly.
The principles are the same with webinars - record the sessions and repurpose them. If you are just starting out, you can even create these trainings for free and put them on your website so other people can see your expertise as well.
It's a great way to build trust and get more leads.
What I love about live training is that you can really create that hands-on experience and show your expertise. You are helping people directly.
The principles are the same with webinars - record the sessions and repurpose them. If you are just starting out, you can even create these trainings for free and put them on your website so other people can see your expertise as well.
It's a great way to build trust and get more leads.
#5 Build an email list with lead magnets
Most founders make this mistake - they build their product, all ready and set, but then what? How do we get customers is their first question.
The problem is that they have no leads.
So one of the best ways to get leads - even before your product is ready - is to build an email list. Your email list is one of your most valuable assets for your startup. You use it to reach your leads and customers directly.
Now, one of the best ways to fill your email list is with a lead magnet. A checklist, worksheet or eBook that people can download for free - in exchange for their email address.
The problem is that they have no leads.
So one of the best ways to get leads - even before your product is ready - is to build an email list. Your email list is one of your most valuable assets for your startup. You use it to reach your leads and customers directly.
Now, one of the best ways to fill your email list is with a lead magnet. A checklist, worksheet or eBook that people can download for free - in exchange for their email address.
One startup I worked with - they helped companies with customer onboarding - offered a "20-step onboarding checklist" to their audience and grew their email list by 10,000 subscribers in just a few months.
So that's an excellent way to get your leads - but make sure you do it right.
I made an extra video on how to turn your leads into customers with a powerful email funnel.
Check it out.
So that's an excellent way to get your leads - but make sure you do it right.
I made an extra video on how to turn your leads into customers with a powerful email funnel.
Check it out.
#4. Partner with complementary businesses
My number 4 organic lead generation strategy is to partner with a complementary business. That's the key here - a complementary business.
Here's the thing: You don't have to do it all by yourself.
If you partner with a complementary business, you can expand your offer and provide a more holistic service. But, of course, it has to make sense. Don't partner with someone just for the sake of it.
By partnering with complementary companies, you can reach their audience and offer something valuable together.
Here's the thing: You don't have to do it all by yourself.
If you partner with a complementary business, you can expand your offer and provide a more holistic service. But, of course, it has to make sense. Don't partner with someone just for the sake of it.
By partnering with complementary companies, you can reach their audience and offer something valuable together.
For example, if you're a fitness startup, you could partner with a health food company to create a "wellness bundle.
Both businesses get more eyeballs because you can reach a new audience, and the audience gets a win-win.
Both businesses get more eyeballs because you can reach a new audience, and the audience gets a win-win.
#3. Launch a referral program
One of the most powerful forms of marketing is word-of-mouth. I mean, think about it - when was the last time you bought something because your friends or family recommended it?
Probably not too long ago.
Well, here's how you can use it for your startup. Reward your customers for bringing in new leads. For example, with discounts, free months, or exclusive perks.
Probably not too long ago.
Well, here's how you can use it for your startup. Reward your customers for bringing in new leads. For example, with discounts, free months, or exclusive perks.
The example I always like to use for referral programs is Dropbox. Dropbox is a service that allows you to store your files online.
They grew their user base with exactly this strategy: a customer refers a friend to Dropbox, and both the referrer and the referred person get free storage.
They grew their user base with exactly this strategy: a customer refers a friend to Dropbox, and both the referrer and the referred person get free storage.
But this is key - it needs to be super easy to invite friends, and second, both the referrer and the referred person need to get a reward.
Word of mouth is super powerful - so really think about how you can set up such a referral program in your startup.
Powerful STARTUP RESOURCESWord of mouth is super powerful - so really think about how you can set up such a referral program in your startup.
#2 Make your product free
My number 2 organic lead generation strategy may sound counterintuitive, but hear me out. Offer your product for free.
Free? Really?
Listen, one of the biggest barriers to buying from you is your price. Because customers have to take all the risk. The risk of disappointment, the risk of making the wrong decision.
Why not take that risk away and make your product free BUT - only for the first month. Offering something for free doesn’t devalue your product—it eliminates risk for your audience.
Once they see the value, they’ll be willing to invest in the long term.
Free? Really?
Listen, one of the biggest barriers to buying from you is your price. Because customers have to take all the risk. The risk of disappointment, the risk of making the wrong decision.
Why not take that risk away and make your product free BUT - only for the first month. Offering something for free doesn’t devalue your product—it eliminates risk for your audience.
Once they see the value, they’ll be willing to invest in the long term.
This works especially well for SaaS companies - that's why you get a trial period in the beginning. Think about Slack or Zoom.
And if people like your product, they will stay with you.
And now for my favorite organic lead generation strategy.
My number one strategy.
Ready?
And if people like your product, they will stay with you.
And now for my favorite organic lead generation strategy.
My number one strategy.
Ready?
#1 Content marketing with a niche focus
If you know me a bit, you know that I love content marketing. And it's great, but I want to take it a step further. Content marketing with a niche focus.
Instead of creating general content about your industry, focus on hyper-targeted topics that speak directly to the specific needs of your audience.
I learned just how important that is the hard way with my startup. In the beginning, I did everything - marketing, design, business strategy. Only once I got super clear on my mission - helping early-stage founders get their first 100 customers with proven business strategies - I was able to scale my business.
Because I got super clear about my focus. My content revolves around the same themes.
So my recommendation - be very clear about who you are helping and create content around your specific niche.
Instead of creating general content about your industry, focus on hyper-targeted topics that speak directly to the specific needs of your audience.
I learned just how important that is the hard way with my startup. In the beginning, I did everything - marketing, design, business strategy. Only once I got super clear on my mission - helping early-stage founders get their first 100 customers with proven business strategies - I was able to scale my business.
Because I got super clear about my focus. My content revolves around the same themes.
So my recommendation - be very clear about who you are helping and create content around your specific niche.
I love this quote from Sean Cannell - founder of ThinkMedia "Niche down until it hurts".
So what niche content could you create that addresses your audience's biggest challenges?
So what niche content could you create that addresses your audience's biggest challenges?
Bonus tip
My bonus tip is to combine organic lead generation strategies with ads. Organic strategies provide long-term growth, while ads give you short-term spikes. When you combine both, you can scale faster while keeping your costs manageable.
The problem with relying solely on ads is that they can be expensive, and you pay for them regardless of whether you generate qualified leads.
So, focusing only on ads can turn into an expensive bet.
Here's how we approached it: We focused heavily on organic lead generation strategies like content marketing and referral marketing. Every month, we posted 4 promoted posts on social media.
It was a great way to get those short spikes, but the main traffic—and most customers—long-term, came from organic efforts. Combining both strategies is definitely something I’d recommend doing.
So, focusing only on ads can turn into an expensive bet.
Here's how we approached it: We focused heavily on organic lead generation strategies like content marketing and referral marketing. Every month, we posted 4 promoted posts on social media.
It was a great way to get those short spikes, but the main traffic—and most customers—long-term, came from organic efforts. Combining both strategies is definitely something I’d recommend doing.
What's next
These are my top 10 organic lead generation strategies that I recommend every startup founder should use. But should you use them all? No. That would dilute your focus.
Pick one or two strategies and focus on them. See what works, and double down on those that bring in new customers. Now, while these strategies will help fill your funnel, building a successful startup requires much more than that.
But hey, I've got something for you!
If you want to build a successful startup, check out my Startup Success Bundle. You will learn how to turn your startup idea into the successful, thriving business of your dreams with proven frameworks and worksheets.
Check it out!
Pick one or two strategies and focus on them. See what works, and double down on those that bring in new customers. Now, while these strategies will help fill your funnel, building a successful startup requires much more than that.
But hey, I've got something for you!
If you want to build a successful startup, check out my Startup Success Bundle. You will learn how to turn your startup idea into the successful, thriving business of your dreams with proven frameworks and worksheets.
Check it out!
