Welcome to our next lead generation ideation session, focusing specifically on freight brokers! Your brokerage business’s future growth and survival depend on producing high-quality leads in logistics and transportation.
That’s why we thought of developing highly responsive lead generation strategies for freight brokers- where we curated a list of 9 lead generation ideas for your brokerage services!
Let’s kickstart together!
What is the Lead Generation for Freight Brokers?
When brokers become involved in identifying and attracting potential clients who need freight brokerage services, this is known as lead generation for freight brokers. Lead generation involves various tactics like networking, cold calling, email marketing, social media outreach, and more. It is more likely to create interest and generate inquiries from shippers as well as carriers.
It’s a systematic approach that considers the steps of identification, attraction, and conversion. Lead generation is not just about acquiring contact details but it’s about nurturing relationships along with understanding the prospect’s needs.
Generating leads for freight brokers can expand towards;
- Wider client base
- Increase sales opportunities
- Grow within the logistics industry
Why does the US need to Crank out Leads for Freight Brokers?
The United States Freight Brokerage Market is growing at a CAGR of 8.35% during the forecast period (2024-2029) and is believed to reach USD USD 26.82 billion by 2029. Recently (2024), the United States Freight Brokerage Market’s size has been almost USD 17.96 billion.
The above data signifies that generating leads for freight brokers has become more of a responsibility than a chore. This is to support the transportation industry, which plays an essential role in the economy.
Insiders from the industry claim that the US freight brokerage sector is gaining a significant market share in the entire freight market. Over time, the number of US players registering has gradually increased. Cracking out leads for freight brokers, the US is likely to improve its transportation infrastructure, thereby generating more business opportunities for brokers.
The Freight service comprises advanced technological and automation solutions that simplify the transportation of products. Artificial Intelligence principles at the frontier are used for automatic matching. Companies that rely on machine learning algorithms, namely Transfix, Uber Freight, Loadsmart, etc., can match the carrier and load depending on the origin, destination, pricing, etc.
Freight brokers are required for plenty of reasons;
- Make use of modern technology and connections provided by the broker
- Lower shipper freight costs
- Upgrade scalability
- Acquire insight into market trends
- Reduce transit time
- Assure Legality.
Large companies are joining this sector because of its huge potential. They own massive amounts of money. They are implementing the latest technologies for automation in their firm since they are making significant investments in it.
Thus, competition is rising, and effective lead generation strategies might allow companies to showcase their services while standing out from competitors.
Top 9 Highly Responsive Lead Generation ideas for Freight brokers
1. Offer Freight Consultation and Make an Abundance of Interactions
Create a wealth of interactions with sales dialers to provide freight consultation. Cloud-based sales dialer software helps you reach out to many leads, developing meaningful conversations with them about their freight needs.
Why is it essential to reach potential clients in bulk?
Constructing interactions in bulk is essential for freight brokers as it assists them in connecting with a large number of potential clients through sales dialers. Brokers can cast a wider net and recognize prospects seeking freight consultation services. The more interactions you have, the more opportunities you create to grab attention.
2. Showcase your Expertise with Freight Brokerage Industry
Another highly responsive lead generation ideation could be creating and informing valuable content like blog posts, case studies, FAQs, industry reports, and tips for new customers. Sharing industry insights with informative content will build trust and demonstrate a firm’s capabilities in the market.
According to HubSpot, “companies that prioritize blogging are 13% times more likely to have a positive response or say ROI”.
By producing high-quality content daily that addresses the pain points and challenges faced by clients in the freight industry, brokers can attract and nurture leads throughout the buyer’s journey.
3. Go with the Email Marketing Automation Tool
Following this, you can segment your email list and send personalized email content to your targeted audience.
Another strategic way to generate quality leads is segmenting your email lists based on criteria like shipping preferences, industry type, or any particular service requirements and sending them to meet the needs of each segment. Marketing automation empowers freight brokers to set up automated workflows that trigger personalized emails based on user behavior.
A great example of this could be a lead consistently engaging with a specific ZXC Content related to international shipping, so you can automatically send them personalized information about your brokerage’s expertise in that spot.
4. Present your Service with Voicemail Drops
By promoting your services through ringless voicemail in a nonintrusive manner, you can reach potential leads in the freight brokerage sector and create a valuable connection.
Craft a brief and engaging voicemail message spotlighting the advantages of your freight brokerage services i.e. economical shipping solutions.
The non-intrusive manner portrays a picture of leaving a personalized voicemail message that directly connects to your prospects and captures their interest, all without any cause of interruptions.
Sample Ringless Voicemail Script for Freight Brokerage
“Hello, This Uplift Freight Brokerage. We specialize in efficient freight solutions designed to your requirements. Our recent achievement- aiding a manufacturing client cut costs by 15%. Eager to learn more? Reach us at ***************.”
5. Attend Events for Networking: Generate Shipping Leads.
Networking at events is the greatest lead-generation tactic for exchanging business cards and conducting meaningful discussions with decision-makers in the shipping industry. Make sure to build rapport with attendees at such events- to hold valuable leads and referrals.
Attending industry events or conferences is an open-ended opportunity to connect with interested clients, partners, and some industry experts who may look up freight brokerage services.
One pro hint: Act proactive while initiating conversations, ask them insightful questions, and don’t forget to follow up quickly after the event ends.
6. Social Media to Engage Shippers & Build Presence
Create compelling, crispy, creative, and engaging social media content. Make a ritual of sharing social media posts consisting of short captions, reels, polls, creative visuals, infographics, and photos to make your post more appealing and shareable.
How about creating a fun and informative video series on Instagram flaunting various products that can be shipped?
Join online communities on various social media platforms, such as Instagram, Facebook, Pinterest, Twitter, and LinkedIn, where shippers gather, allowing you to network and build relationships. You may also run targeted social media advertising campaigns to reach and engage shippers who may not be in your immediate network.
7. Make Cold Calls: To strike up a Conversation.
Cold calling will initiate the sales pitch and develop relationships into valuable opportunities for your freight brokerage business. It is crucial to begin a conversation on a positive note while clearly explaining the purpose behind your call. When conversing with a potential client, highlight the value your brokerage can offer.
Want to enhance cold calling? Insert the most essential pain points into the cold-calling script. Some common pain points your client might experience are escalating fuel prices, inefficient route optimization, or need for real-time tracking.
The additional advantages of cold calling are that one can build rapport and set up a connection beyond just pitching services, but this can be possible with active listening.
8. Establish Partnerships with Local Import Export Businesses
Lastly, the valuable lead generation tactic is establishing partnerships with local businesses to expand the client base. This can be started by recognizing potential partners within your local area who may require freight services for their import-export activities. Another great way to engage with local businesses is reaching out to such businesses via networking events, cold outreach, or say, participating in industry conferences.
When partnering with local businesses, remember to mention the benefits of your brokerage services, such as cost-effective shipping solutions, streamlined logistics, and access to a reliable carrier network.
9. Consider Retargeting Strategies: To stay top-of-mind.
Retargeting allows the freight industry to stay top of mind with potential leads for great success. This strategy allows freight brokers to maintain a consistent presence, increasing the chances of conversions. Retargeting strategies can be developed by displaying targeted ads to individuals who previously visited the broker’s website or interacted with the content.
It’s just a reminder – pitching the value proposition and offering services. The right retargeting approach will take away directly to drive engagement and nurturing leads in a more sophisticated manner.
Conclusion
Don’t remove yourself from the race of lead generation as it’s an ongoing process that involves dedication, innovation, customer-centric, and some head full automation approach. Always choose those lead generation ideas that ensure sustainable growth and long-term success for your freight brokerage. Thus, hoping for the best for your quality leads and strong and wide client base in your freight firm.
