Lead Generation Companies for Small Businesses: The Honest Filter

Lead generation companies for small businesses often oversell and under-deliver. Here's the honest filter.

The 3 questions that separate real from fake

1. "Who specifically will be calling my prospects?" If they cannot name the SDR or show you a photo, that SDR is pooled and will spend 3 hours a week on you.

2. "What is your average cost per booked meeting for a client my size?" If they dodge, they don't know, or they're hiding a bad number.

3. "Can I talk to a current client in my industry doing similar volume?" If no, either they have no clients like you, or their clients hate them.

Solid options for small businesses

Lead Engine (month-to-month, US-based, scope and qualification criteria agreed in writing, rates quoted on a call), CIENCE (deeper data ops, higher minimums), and Belkins for larger budgets. Avoid any company selling pay per appointment with 6+ month commitments.