Resources/Lead Generation Basics
Lead Generation Basics
HowtoGenerateLeadsforSoftwareDevelopmentCompanies
10 proven tactics for enterprise buyers, from SEO to targeted outbound campaigns. Learn which methods work best for geospatial and location-analytics software vendors.
15 min readBy Justin GriffioenPublished March 15, 2024Updated December 18, 2024

Generating qualified leads is the lifeblood of any software development company, especially in specialized markets like geospatial and location analytics. While the fundamentals remain consistent across B2B software, the tactics and messaging need to be tailored to your specific market, buyer personas, and sales cycle complexity.

In this comprehensive guide, we'll cover 10 proven lead generation tactics that work for software companies, with specific insights for geospatial vendors. Each tactic includes expected timelines, difficulty levels, and implementation best practices.

10 Proven Lead Generation Tactics

Content Marketing & SEO

Create valuable content that answers your prospects' questions and ranks in search results.

Time to Results: 6-12 months
Difficulty: Medium
Technical blog posts addressing common GIS challenges
Case studies showcasing successful implementations
Whitepapers on industry trends and best practices
Video tutorials and product demonstrations

Targeted Outbound Campaigns

Reach decision-makers directly through personalized email and LinkedIn sequences.

Time to Results: 30-60 days
Difficulty: High
Research and build qualified prospect lists
Craft personalized messaging for each industry vertical
Multi-touch sequences across email and LinkedIn
A/B testing of subject lines and CTAs

Industry Events & Conferences

Build relationships and generate leads through strategic event participation.

Time to Results: 3-6 months
Difficulty: Medium
Speaking at GIS and geospatial conferences
Sponsoring relevant industry events
Hosting educational workshops
Networking with potential customers and partners

Partner & Referral Programs

Leverage existing relationships and create incentives for referrals.

Time to Results: 3-9 months
Difficulty: Medium
Partner with complementary software vendors
Create formal referral programs for existing customers
Develop co-marketing campaigns with partners
Establish reseller and channel partner networks

Paid Advertising (SEM/PPC)

Drive immediate traffic through targeted search and display advertising.

Time to Results: 7-30 days
Difficulty: High
Google Ads targeting GIS-related keywords
LinkedIn advertising to specific job titles and industries
Retargeting campaigns for website visitors
Industry publication advertising

Product-Led Growth

Use your product as the primary driver of customer acquisition and expansion.

Time to Results: 60-120 days
Difficulty: High
Free trial or freemium model implementation
In-product upgrade prompts and expansion opportunities
User onboarding sequences that drive engagement
Viral features that encourage user sharing

Geospatial Software Considerations

When implementing these tactics for geospatial and location-analytics software, consider these industry-specific factors:

Geographic Segmentation

Segment your outbound lists by geographic markets where your software has the most value (e.g., urban planning departments in growing cities).

Industry-Specific Messaging

Tailor your messaging to specific verticals: utilities focus on asset management, retail on location analytics, logistics on route optimization.

Technical Credibility

Showcase your GIS expertise through detailed technical content, integration guides, and data accuracy specifications.

Compliance & Security

Highlight compliance with geospatial data standards (OGC, ISO) and security certifications important to enterprise buyers.

Choosing the Right Mix for Your Business

The key to successful lead generation isn't picking one tactic—it's choosing the right combination based on your resources, timeline, and market maturity. Here's how to decide:

If you're just starting (0-6 months)

Focus on outbound campaigns and events for immediate results while building your content foundation.

If you have some traction (6-18 months)

Add content marketing and SEO to your outbound efforts. Consider paid advertising for specific campaigns.

If you're established (18+ months)

Implement product-led growth and partner programs while optimizing your existing channels.

Ready to Implement These Tactics?

See how we implement these lead generation strategies specifically for geospatial and location-analytics companies in our detailed process guide.