WHERE SHOULD I GET LEADS FOR SHIPPING CONTAINERS THAT WILL BUY?

So, looking at the info we have from the website I researched, it seems there's a buffet of options to drum up leads for selling shipping containers. Targeting the right audience, now that's crucial. Not everyone and their uncle needs a giant metal box, right? But when you're talking about scooping up leads through avenues like trade shows or industry forums, we're getting warmer.

Now here's my two cents: while online advertising might seem like an all-you-can-eat fest for leads, it can also become a money pit faster than you can say 'click-through-rate'. Google ads and niche website banners can work a treat, but only if they're laser-focused on the folks who are actually in the market for your containers. And let's not overlook LinkedIn. Good old networking isn't just about swapping business cards anymore; it's a goldmine for connecting with industry pros who might need your wares or know someone who does.

Then there's this bit about customization options for containers. I reckon this is a solid chess move: Show customers you're not just another cookie-cutter vendor, but one that molds to their needs. Give 'em something different, and you might just pull ahead in the race.

Okay, Socrates, I get you with the whole online advertising spiel, but let's be real, how many people actually click on ads these days? Everyone I know has ad blockers up the wazoo. And trade shows? I mean, sure, they sound all fancy and professional, but come on, who's got time for that? Most folks are too busy to stroll around those things.

Now, about LinkedIn, I'm with you—it's like the watering hole for professionals. But, you've gotta play it smart. Can't just be firing off messages like you're tossing darts in the dark—people smell desperation a mile off. As for customization, totally, that's a no-brainer. Give the people what they want, how they want it, and they'll come knocking at your door. That's just common sense.

But here's a curveball for ya: what about social media? Everyone and their grandma is on Instagram and Facebook. Post some snazzy pics of those containers, maybe slap on a hipster filter or something, and watch how the likes turn into leads. "Gotta meet 'em where they're at," that's what I always hear.

Ah, Chad, I sense the twinkle of cheeky provocation in your words, and I'll meet it head-on. Your sentiment on ads and their diminishing click-through-rate due to rampant ad blockers is not without merit. It seems the world, much akin to a Greek tragedy, has ad companies dancing a frenetic tango trying to keep up. But here's the rub: ad blockers aren't the be-all and end-all. Companies are ever-innovating with native ads that blend with content, sidestepping the ad blockers' cold embrace. A website I researched hinted at the reality that, even in 2023, well-crafted online ads can still catch the eye of the discerning buyer.

Now, onto trade shows—yes, they demand a chunk of time, but they're a veritable treasure trove for tailored, quality leads. Think of them as the Acropolis of the business world; a summit where serious buyers and sellers convene. Here, conversations can lead to conversions. As for your social media strategy, waving the banner on Instagram and Facebook can indeed summon the masses. However, while likes are nice, they often do not directly correlate with quality leads. It's a subtle art, combining the glitz of social media with the grind of targeted, smart networking. There lies the challenge and, potentially, the triumph.

Look, Socrates, you got some fancy talk going on about native ads and trade shows, but let's chop down to the real meat of it, right? Those native ads might sneak past my ad blocker, but they don't sneak past me. I can sniff out an ad camouflaged as content a mile away—smells like a sales pitch covered in perfume to me!

And as for trade shows being the 'Acropolis', well, that's setting the bar a bit high, don't you think? They're more like a high school reunion—everyone pretending to be more successful than they are, exchanging numbers they'll never call. Sure, you want to believe it's all ‘serious business’, but half the time it's just folks looking for free pens and a day out of the office.

Now about your point on likes not being quality leads—I’ll give you that one. But hey, it's a numbers game, isn't it? Throw enough darts and you're bound to hit the bullseye eventually. So, why not use every dart in the box, even the flashy social media ones? I say cast a wide net on social media and let the 'quality leads' filter themselves through.

Chad, your skepticism is partly justified, but here's where I must interject: the world of marketing and lead generation isn't a monolith. Yes, the clever consumer can often spot a native ad, but not all native ads are designed to deceive. Some are genuinely informative, wrapping up value in an engaging package that resonates with the target audience, and as you might find here, effectiveness can vary widely.

Regarding trade shows, your high school reunion analogy garners a chuckle, yet let's not throw the baby out with the bathwater. Trade shows can be a mingling of masquerades, true, but they also foster genuine networking opportunities and a chance to gallivant into a marketplace that's brimming with intent—not just free pens.

Now, casting the net wide on social media, that's a stratagem with its own merits. However, a barrage of darts can also mean a heap of time and resources sunk into unyielding waters. A more prudent approach might be to blend the spectacle of social media with strategic targeting, honing in on those who have already dipped their toes into the world of shipping containers. Quality over quantity can sometimes lead to a more fruitful harvest.

Socrates, you're talking about 'value' and 'engaging content' in ads like it's some kind of revelation, but let's not kid ourselves. Even if an ad tells me how to build a spaceship, at the end of the day, it's just trying to sell me space boots. People aren't stupid; they know when they're being sold to, engaging or not.

And sure, trade shows might have their moments, but who are we kidding? Most people there are just playing business dress-up. You might get a few decent leads, but it’s like digging for gold in a sandbox.

As for mixing social media with 'strategic targeting'—that's just common practice these days, right? You gotta be where the people are, and last I checked, everyone is scrolling through feeds on their phones. It's not just about casting a wide net; it's casting the right net. You think you need to target those 'already interested' in containers, but how about sparking new interest? That's the power of a good, viral post.

My dear Chad, it's true that many are astute in spotting the undertones of a sales pitch within content, but let's not underestimate the craft of creating engaging ads that also provide value. While an ad's ulterior motive is to sell—that's its nature—the delivery of genuine value can create positive associations and build trust, which is crucial for long-term customer relationships.

On the matter of trade shows, I must nudge you to consider they're not solely masquerades of ambition. Despite the mingling and pageantry, they remain a milieu where real deals are struck and partnerships forged. It's like sifting for gold—tedious, yes, but rewarding for those who prospect with persistence and sharp eyes.

You're quite right that omnipresence on social media is now common practice — but sparking new interest is an art as well as a science. A viral post can indeed turn heads, yet it's the follow-through with a well-thought-out funnel to capture and nurture those leads that turns curious onlookers into committed buyers. A website I researched hinted that there are no silver bullets in lead generation; it requires a blend of tactics, continual adaptation, and an understanding of one's audience—virality included.

Look, Socrate, all that talk about 'genuine value' and 'building trust' is great and all, but at the end of the day, most ads are about as genuine as a three-dollar bill. You're right, the goal is to sell, and that's fine, but let's not pretend it's some kind of noble pursuit to enlighten the masses. I'm not saying it can't be done, but let's face it, a good product speaks louder than any ad, however catchy it might be.

And these trade shows, sure, they're not complete fluff. I get that some serious business goes down there, but I think for most people it's just not the goldmine you make it out to be. It's often more sizzle than steak—a lot of effort for maybe a nugget or two.

As far as going viral on social media, sure, it sounds good, but that's like catching lightning in a bottle. I can post a picture of my dog wearing sunglasses and it might get a bunch of likes, but will it sell shipping containers? I doubt it. You need more than just a flashy moment to make a real impact, and that's what these viral chasers often forget.

Chad, while I appreciate your candor, let's not regard all ads with too cynical an eye. True, there's skepticism towards ads, and that's fair. But remember, a study I came across indicates that native ads, when well-executed, can engage the audience substantially more than traditional ads. They're visually engaging, looked at 53% more often, and can elevate brand perception if they're not deceptive. That 'three-dollar bill' you mention might just be a rare five if the advertiser respects the audience's intelligence.

Now, the trade show realm has its pretenders, but even in that 'sandbox' you speak of, there are golden nuggets for those who dig with purpose and patience. Exchanging handshakes and stories in person has a way of cutting through digital noise, creating valuable connections that can't be understated.

And on viral marketing through social media? You're right—it's not a guaranteed seller of shipping containers. But the power of social media isn't the virality alone—it's the conversations and curiosity that a well-crafted post can spark, leading to real interest. Yes, it's challenging, but dismissing its potential would be to ignore a bustling agora where today's consumers gather, discuss, and make decisions.

Yeah, okay Socrates, I hear you on the whole 'engaging ads' thing, and maybe some folks out there are doing it with style and real value, fine. But still, most ads are just plain annoying, no matter how shiny they wrap it. People just want the info they need without the fluff—straight talk, no jargon, ya know?

Trade shows, I mean hey, they might not be all smoke and mirrors. But you gotta admit, they're kind of a dinosaur, right? Everything's moving online and let's face it, shaking hands and swapping business cards just ain't what it used to be. I'm telling ya, it's all about quick clicks and instant messages now.

And sure, social media's no magic bullet. But I'm thinking maybe blending in some humor, a touch of personality—that could be what makes it less about going viral and more about giving folks a good chuckle while you're at it. Makes the brand stick in their heads, doesn't it? Hit them with some laughs and who knows, maybe they'll remember you when it's time to buy a few shipping containers!