I, Resolve

I’m starting to like Slideshare. In 2009 I uploaded 4 presentations and got 478 views (and 2 favorites!), or so they informed me in a recent email. Last month I starting using their new Leadshare tool to see if it would generate leads and what they would cost.

Leadshare is a self-service (DIY) tool to spread your marketing message and collect leads from people who view your presentations and documents. There’s no set-up fee, and you pay only when you collect a lead (starting at $3.00 per lead). You’re required to deposit funds in advance and get “credits.”

There are 3 ways viewers can make contact:

• When the viewer visits your presentation, they see the “Contact Me” option and fill out the form to learn more
• When the viewer downloads your Powerpoint or PDF they’re asked to fill out a short contact form
• The contact form shows up again (either after slide 3, or at the end or via a call to action on the bottom)

This flips the standard process of asking for information before people can view your documents. With LeadShare people view your document first, and then they’re asked for their contact info. When someone submits the contact form, you receive an email notification (and your account is charged for the lead).

Leads you collect are opt-in from people who demonstrated an interest in your content, so it would seem they’re more qualified than leads from AdWords. Your leads can be further qualified through questions you add to the form, from just name and email address, to address, phone, and up to 5 custom questions.

So, does it work? Since I set up Resolve Digital’s campaign a couple weeks ago we’ve received 9 leads at a cost of $27.00. After my initial follow-up I received no replies. I can’t say the leads have led to any prospects.

But I am encouraged by the program and plan to upload more presentations tailored to our prospects. It just makes sense that someone who provides their contact information after viewing one of our presentations is more qualified than somebody who simply clicks on an ad. And with ever-increasing competition and rising keyword bids on Google AdWords, I suspect it will lead to a higher ROI.

We’ll see. Meanwhile you can learn more about LeadShare here. And if you have experience with Leadshare please let us know how it works for you.