How To Get High-Quality Leads Online - Fractional CMO Agency
Key Takeaways:
- Generate 150-200 high-quality leads monthly using YouTube and X combined with strategic retargeting
- Build trust through the "professor method" - educating without selling directly
- Use the 24x3 system: be seen 24 times across 3 platforms until prospects are ready to buy
- Implement relationship-first retargeting ads that focus on connection over immediate sales
- Leverage organic content plus paid ads for maximum lead generation effectiveness
Hi, I'm Brad Smith, founder of Automation Links, where I help business owners and marketers generate consistent, high-quality leads using automation, YouTube, and X. In my marketing agency, we generate 150 to 200 leads every single month using the exact system I'm sharing with you today.
If you've ever felt stuck trying to attract the right leads or unsure how to scale your marketing system, this guide will walk you through real strategies that work across any industry - whether you're a coach, agency owner, or service provider.
I generate high-quality leads by combining educational content on YouTube and X with strategic retargeting campaigns. The key is using the "professor method" - providing genuine value without selling directly, then staying top of mind across multiple platforms until prospects are ready to buy.
- Best For: Business owners, coaches, and service providers looking to build long-term client relationships through value-first marketing.
How Does the Professor Method Lead Generation System Work?
The foundation of my lead generation success comes from what I call the "professor method." Instead of pushing sales messages, I focus on being the educator and providing genuine value. When you can truly build value and educate your audience without selling them, they're going to be more likely to trust you and hire you.
This approach works because it builds authentic relationships with potential clients. I'm not telling people to buy something in my content - I'm basically saying "Hey, if this provided value, leave a comment or subscribe. That'd be awesome." When they're ready to learn more about me or get my full system, they naturally look for the link in my bio.
What Platforms Should You Focus On For Lead Generation?
The first step is identifying where your ideal customers spend their time. For me, I get my best leads from X and YouTube because that's where business owners hang out. They go to YouTube to learn something and use X to discuss topics about their business, connect with other entrepreneurs, and stay informed.
To find where your audience is, I recommend this simple research method:
- YouTube Research: Go to YouTube and search "how to [something related to your business]" - see what content already exists and what questions people are asking
- Google Validation: Search Google for "how to get leads for my [your industry]" and look for Reddit discussions and YouTube videos in the results
- Platform Assessment: Ask yourself - are your customers on Google with high search intent needing something immediately? Are they scrolling Instagram or looking at news on X? Or are they on YouTube trying to learn?
For business owners specifically, I've found they use YouTube to learn and X to connect, rant about business challenges, look at news, and build relationships. When I post something relatable - maybe a picture of myself playing pickleball - another business owner might follow me because they also play pickleball. Then they see that I consistently educate and provide value, which leads them to watch my YouTube videos.
How to Create Educational Content That Actually Converts
My content strategy focuses on two main types of posts: how-to educational content and relationship-building posts. The key is providing helpful education without ever asking people to buy something.
On YouTube, I upload videos three times a week showing exactly what we're doing to get results. I share my screen and break down our strategies in hopes that viewers copy and paste the approach for their own businesses.
On X, I provide helpful education about running ads, share connections I've made, and demonstrate how we stay profitable with our campaigns. I'm not asking anyone to sign up for anything - I'm just showing exactly what works.
The goal is to build genuine relationships first. When someone is ready to buy, they'll know where to look because I've consistently provided value and stayed top of mind.
The Strategic Implementation: Combining Organic and Paid Strategies
Here's how the complete system works from start to finish:
Step 1: Content Creation and Organic Posting
I create educational content on both YouTube and X, focusing on providing genuine value. On YouTube, this means detailed how-to videos. On X, it's helpful tips, case studies, and relationship-building posts.
Step 2: Landing Page Setup with Pixel Tracking
When someone watches my YouTube videos, learns from me, and connects with me on X, they eventually look at my landing page or express interest. I add a pixel to track these visitors, which triggers my retargeting system.
Step 3: Relationship-First Retargeting
Once someone visits my website, I start showing them retargeting ads across different platforms. But here's the crucial difference - these ads aren't saying "buy my awesome stuff." Instead, they focus on building relationships.
My retargeting ads ask things like:
- "What's your X account? Let's connect and support each other"
- "What's your YouTube channel? I'll subscribe and check out what you offer"
- "Let's connect and build a relationship"
The number one goal with retargeting ads is relationship building, not immediate sales.
The Follow-Up System That Converts Long-Term
When someone fills out my landing page, they immediately see a YouTube video case study that provides tremendous value. This isn't a sales pitch - it's genuine education that helps them understand how the system works.
They also receive an automated email that delivers exactly what I promised: a free guide they can start using immediately. Again, no selling - just pure value delivery.
The ultimate goal is for prospects to see me 24 times across three different platforms every day, every week, and every month until they're ready to make a decision. This might happen today, tomorrow, next week, or even next year - I've had clients sign up three years after first entering my network.
Why the Long-Term Relationship Approach Works Better Than Direct Selling
If someone sees a retargeting ad that says "buy my awesome stuff" when they don't really know me or trust me yet, they're not going to purchase. They want to understand exactly what I offer, how it benefits them, and how it will get them results.
By focusing on relationship building first, I ensure that when prospects are ready to buy, they know exactly where to look. The system works through consistent value delivery across multiple touchpoints:
- YouTube educational videos
- X helpful posts and engagement
- Email newsletters with education
- Instagram relationship-building ads
- Blog content and resources
- Retargeting ads focused on connection
- Community building and referrals
Eventually, when they're ready, they either refer someone or buy without me having to ask directly.
The 24x3 Method: Staying Top of Mind Consistently
The core principle behind my lead generation success is the 24x3 method: prospects need to see you 24 times across 3 different platforms until they're ready to make a decision.
This happens through a systematic approach:
- Organic content posting (educational YouTube videos and X posts)
- Automated email sequences with valuable resources
- Retargeting ads focused on relationship building
- Cross-platform engagement and community building
- Consistent value delivery without aggressive selling
The system works because it builds genuine trust over time. When someone finally decides they need my services, I'm the obvious choice because I've consistently provided value and maintained a helpful presence across multiple platforms.
Advanced Retargeting Strategy: Beyond Basic Remarketing
Most businesses make the mistake of using retargeting ads that immediately push for a sale. My approach is different - I use retargeting to deepen relationships and provide additional value.
Here's how I structure retargeting campaigns:
- First Touch: Educational content that addresses specific pain points
- Second Touch: Case studies showing real results without pitching services
- Third Touch: Relationship-building content asking for connections
- Fourth Touch: Community-focused content encouraging engagement
The key is never making the prospect feel like they're being sold to. Instead, each touchpoint should feel like a natural extension of the valuable relationship we're building.
For more advanced retargeting strategies that convert consistently, check out our Ultimate Retargeting Marketing Strategy guide.
Tools and Platforms That Power This System
To implement this lead generation system effectively, I use several key tools:
- Content Creation and Automation: HypeFury helps me schedule and automate social media posts across platforms while maintaining authentic engagement.
- CRM and Lead Management: GoHighLevel serves as my all-in-one CRM system for tracking leads, automating follow-ups, and managing the entire customer journey.
- Email Marketing: MailerLite powers my email automation sequences and newsletter delivery to nurture leads over time.
- Website and Landing Pages: Duda provides the website builder platform for creating high-converting landing pages with proper pixel tracking.
These tools work together to create a seamless experience from first contact through conversion, ensuring no leads fall through the cracks.
Measuring Success: What Results to Expect
With this system properly implemented, you can expect to see:
Short-term results (30-60 days):
- Increased engagement on organic posts
- Growing email subscriber list
- Better ad performance and lower costs per click
- More meaningful connections and conversations
Medium-term results (3-6 months):
- Steady lead generation of 50-100+ qualified prospects monthly
- Higher conversion rates from retargeting campaigns
- Stronger brand recognition and authority in your space
- Referrals from existing network connections
Long-term results (6+ months):
- Consistent 150-200+ high-quality leads monthly
- Clients signing up without direct selling
- Strong referral network generating passive leads
- Sustainable business growth through relationship marketing
The key is consistency and patience. Some clients sign up immediately, others take months or even years. The system works because it maintains relationships until prospects are ready.
If you want to learn more about measuring and optimizing your lead generation efforts, our Marketing Accelerator program provides detailed tracking and optimization strategies.
Implementation Timeline: Getting Started This Week
Week 1: Platform Setup and Research
- Identify where your ideal customers spend time online
- Set up profiles and optimize them for your target audience
- Research content topics that resonate with your market
Week 2: Content Creation and Pixel Installation
- Create your first batch of educational content
- Set up landing pages with proper tracking pixels
- Install retargeting pixels on your website
Week 3: Organic Content Launch
- Begin posting valuable content consistently
- Engage authentically with your target audience
- Start building your email list with lead magnets
Week 4: Paid Strategy Implementation
- Launch your first retargeting campaigns
- Test relationship-building ad creative
- Monitor and optimize based on early results
The most important thing is to start with genuine value creation. Don't worry about having everything perfect - focus on helping your audience solve real problems.
Ready to Transform Your Lead Generation?
The professor method isn't just about generating more leads - it's about building a sustainable business through genuine relationships and consistent value delivery. By focusing on education over selling, relationship building over pushing, and long-term trust over short-term gains, you create a lead generation system that compounds over time.
Remember, the goal is to be seen 24 times across 3 platforms until your prospects are ready to buy. Some will convert quickly, others will take months or years. The system works because it maintains those relationships consistently until the right moment arrives.
Your Next Steps:
- Identify where your ideal customers spend their time online
- Create valuable educational content consistently
- Set up proper tracking and retargeting systems
- Focus on relationship building over direct selling
- Stay patient and consistent with long-term thinking
If this guide provided value, I'd love to connect with you and support your business growth. You can get more strategies like this by subscribing to my YouTube channel where I share real systems that work.
Key Takeaway: True lead generation success comes from becoming the professor in your space - consistently educating, building relationships, and staying top of mind until prospects are ready to buy. Focus on providing genuine value, and the leads will follow naturally.
How long does it take to see results with this lead generation system?
You can start seeing engagement and initial leads within 30-60 days, but the full compound effect typically takes 3-6 months. I've had clients sign up three years after first entering my network, so patience and consistency are key.
What's the difference between this approach and traditional lead generation?
Traditional lead generation focuses on immediate conversion through direct selling. My professor method builds relationships first through education, then converts prospects when they're ready to buy. This creates higher-quality leads and better long-term customer relationships.
How much should I budget for ads using this system?
You can start testing retargeting campaigns with as little as $5 per day. The key is starting small, focusing on relationship-building creative, and scaling what works. Organic content costs nothing but time and provides the foundation for everything else.
Can this work for B2B businesses or is it only for coaches and consultants?
This system works across industries because it's based on relationship building and trust. Whether you're a law firm, accounting practice, marketing agency, or any other service business, the principles remain the same - provide value first, build relationships, then convert when prospects are ready.
What if my audience isn't on YouTube and X?
The platforms don't matter as much as the strategy. If your audience is on LinkedIn and Instagram, or Facebook and TikTok, apply the same principles there. Research where your ideal customers spend time, then provide value and build relationships on those platforms.
How do I know if someone is ready to buy without being pushy?
Prospects will naturally signal interest by engaging more deeply with your content, asking specific questions, or directly reaching out. The beauty of this system is that you don't need to push - when they're ready, they'll come to you because you've consistently provided value and stayed top of mind.
Should I focus on organic content or paid ads first?
Start with organic content to provide the foundation of value and relationship building. Once you have consistent content creation, add retargeting ads to amplify your reach. The organic content provides the trust and authority that makes paid campaigns more effective.
How often should I post content to make this system work?
I upload YouTube videos three times per week and post on X daily. The key is consistency over frequency - it's better to post valuable content twice per week consistently than to post daily for a month then disappear. Find a schedule you can maintain long-term.
What makes someone a high-quality lead using this system?
High-quality leads are prospects who have engaged with your content multiple times, understand your expertise, and have a genuine need for your services. Because they've been educated through your content, they're more likely to convert and become long-term clients.
How do I scale this system once it's working?
Scaling happens through increased content production, expanded retargeting audiences, and systematic referral generation. You can also repurpose successful content across additional platforms and create more sophisticated automation sequences. The foundation remains the same - provide value and build relationships at scale.
