- Discover the best lead generation tools that help SMBs capture, qualify, and convert more leads
- Learn how the top lead generation platforms can streamline your outreach and scale your sales funnel
- Maximize results by putting the right tools to work with a trusted partner like LevelUp Leads
When it comes to attracting and qualifying new customers, small and mid-sized businesses (SMBs) are competing with some big players. They need smart, scalable solutions to generate strong leads that keep them in the game. Fortunately, there are some powerful lead generation technologies available to help you streamline the process and identify high-quality leads that convert.
To help you evaluate your options, we’ve put together a list of the best lead generation tools every SMB needs to know about. Whether you’re just launching your startup or looking to optimize your funnel, this list will point you in the right direction.
1. HubSpot
Why: HubSpot scales with your business, and it has a robust free tier if you’d like to test the product before committing
As an all-in-one marketing, sales, and CRM platform, HubSpot is one of the best lead generation tools for SMBs. It allows companies to capture leads via forms, chatbots, landing pages, and more. With detailed analytics and automation, it sets the bar high in terms of nurturing prospects and tracking performance.
2. LinkedIn Sales Navigator
Why: LinkedIn is one of the top B2B lead generation platforms, and Navigator’s advanced filters make targeted outreach that much simpler
If LinkedIn isn’t already one of your go-to sales lead generation tools, it should be; it’s key for building connections, targeting decision-makers, and sending personalized outreach. With LinkedIn Sales Navigator, you can drill deeper and identify prospects by role, industry, geography, activity (like job changes/promotions), and more.
3. Lead411
Why: Lead411 provides highly accurate contact data and real-time intent signals
Lead411 is a B2B sales-intelligence tool that helps SMBs find verified emails, direct dials, and decision-makers quickly. With advanced filters and “trigger” alerts like funding, hiring, or company growth, it makes it easier to identify prospects who are most likely to buy. It also integrates seamlessly with CRMs, making list building and outreach much more efficient.
4. Hunter.io
Why: Hunter.io delivers affordable and accurate email discovery
Need email addresses for professionals that fit your ideal customer profile? (ICP) Hunter.io helps verify contact info and ensures your email outreach lands in the right inboxes.
5. Mailchimp
Why: With its user-friendly interface, Mailchimp is great for SMBs who need to jump straight into marketing automation without a steep learning curve
Though primarily known for email marketing, Mailchimp also offers features for segmenting audiences, automation, and landing page creation. These capabilities make it one of the best lead generation tools for businesses that want a simple way to drive traffic and nurture leads.
6. Pipedrive
Why: Pipedrive is highly customizable, so it aligns with your specific sales processes
Pipedrive is one of the top lead generation technologies for businesses that need a platform tailored to their outreach. It puts pipeline visibility front and center, and easily integrates with other sales lead generation tools to maximize functionality.
7. OptinMonster
Why: OptinMonster ranks as one of the best lead generation tools because of its ease of use
OptinMonster lets you create various opt-in campaigns that convert website traffic into subscribers, increasing visitor engagement and growing lead lists quickly. You don’t need coding skills, and it works well with other commonly used seller tech like WordPress and Shopify.
8. Leadfeeder
Why: SMBs like Leadfeeder because it seamlessly integrates with CRMs and automatically filters out irrelevant traffic
Typically, anonymous website visitors can’t be identified, but Leadfeeder helps uncover other businesses that visit your site. Among lead generation platforms, it’s one of the strongest for helping you turn passive traffic into actionable prospects.
9. Unbounce
Why: Unbounce focuses on the value of landing pages, helping SMBs build and optimize these key pages
With its numerous templates and drag-and-drop interface, Unbounce is one of the best lead generation tools for optimizing landing pages without requiring coding skills. It also has a built-in A/B testing feature to try out different versions of site pages to gauge which generates more meaningful engagement.
10. Apollo.io
Why: Apollo.io combines prospecting, email sequencing, and data into a single dashboard
As a full-service sales lead generation tool, Apollo.io pairs a robust B2B database with powerful outreach automation. It lets you run multichannel campaigns and design custom workflows for maximum versatility.
Choosing the Right Sales Lead Generation Tool(s)
With so many lead generation tools on the market, selecting the best for your company comes down to your goals. Ask yourself:
- Do you need better outreach automation?
- Are you struggling to gain high-quality leads?
- Is your website traffic converting at a low rate?
Each tool on this list addresses different pain points, and the most effective strategies often involve using multiple tools in tandem.
Navigating Lead Generation with the Right Partner
While tapping the best lead generation tools can give you a leg up, mastering them takes time and resources. Without support, it can be challenging to get the most out of these lead generation platforms. That’s where partnering with an agency that has run hundreds of successful projects can make a real difference.
At LevelUp Leads, we offer experienced full-service and fractional SDRs who strategically deploy lead generation technologies while optimizing outreach that consistently leads to sales meetings. We know how to align data, tools, list building, metrics, and messaging to deliver strong pipeline growth for SMBs.
When you’re looking to take the guesswork out of prospecting, schedule a call with LevelUp Leads. Let our team help you harness the full potential of the best lead generation tools and fast-track your success.
