Finding leads is one of the most important skills in sales. Without leads, you have no one to talk to, no one to pitch, and no one to close. The good news? Leads are everywhere — online and offline. You just need the right systems, tools, and habits to bring them in consistently.

Below is a full, detailed guide on how to find leads even if you're just starting out, even if you have zero audience, and even if you don’t have money to spend on ads.

1. What Exactly Is a Lead?

A lead is anyone who could potentially buy what you’re selling.
Not everyone is a good lead — some will be too busy, not interested, or not a fit — but the more you find, the more opportunities you have.

There are 3 types of leads:

Cold Leads

People who have never heard of you before.
(Examples: cold calls, cold emails, strangers online.)

Warm Leads

People who know of you, but haven’t shown interest yet.
(Examples: followers, people in your network.)

Hot Leads

People who have shown interest, such as replying to your messages or asking about your pricing.

Your goal is to generate all three — but focus on turning cold and warm leads into hot ones.

2. Online Lead Sources

Online is the easiest place to find leads, especially for beginners. Many platforms already group people by interests, problems, or industries, making your search easier.

A. Social Media (Instagram, TikTok, LinkedIn, Facebook)

You can find leads by:

• Posting helpful content

• Messaging people who follow similar accounts

• Engaging on posts

• Joining groups or communities

• Commenting with value

For example, if you sell fitness coaching, find people following fitness pages, gyms, or motivational accounts.

B. Reddit

Subreddits are gold mines because each one gathers people with a shared topic or problem.

Examples:

• r/Entrepreneur

• r/SmallBusiness

• r/Marketing

• r/LearnProgramming

• r/GraphicDesign

Don’t spam — offer value, answer questions, and send private messages only when appropriate.

C. Discord Communities

There are Discord servers for almost every interest, industry, or hobby.

Join servers related to:

• business

• design

• writing

• gaming

• tech

• productivity

Be active. Add value. Build relationships. Leads will naturally come.

D. YouTube Comments

Creators attract niche audiences.
Those audiences often need services.

Example:
Someone selling editing services can find leads under “YouTuber tips” videos.

3. Offline Lead Sources

Even in a digital world, offline is still powerful — especially if you want less competition.

A. Family, Friends, Neighbors

Your warmest and easiest leads.
Tell people what you offer. Ask who they know.

Don’t underestimate your personal network.

B. Local Businesses

Restaurants, stores, gyms, salons, tutoring centers — all need help with marketing, social media, photos, websites, or management.

Walk in confidently and introduce yourself.

C. School or Community Events

If you’re a student, your environment gives you unique opportunities:

• clubs

• teachers

• parents

• local business fairs

• volunteering events

Offer your service or ask who you can help.

4. Lead Generation Through Referrals

Referrals are the highest-quality leads because they come from trust.

How to Ask for Referrals (Simple Script)

“Hey, I’m glad you’re happy with the service. Do you know anyone else who might benefit from this too?”

Most people say yes because it’s low-pressure.

Why Referrals Convert Better

• they already trust you

• they’ve seen your results

• they were pre-sold by someone they know

One good customer can turn into 5.

5. Cold Outreach (Cold Calls, Cold Emails, DMs)

Cold outreach is scary for beginners — but incredibly effective.

A. Cold DMs

Ideal for social platforms.

Structure of a great cold DM:

1. Personalize: “Hey, I saw your post about…”

2. Connect: “I help people with…”

3. Offer value: “I noticed ____ and have an idea.”

4. CTA: “Want me to send it?”

Short. Clean. Natural.

B. Cold Emailing

Perfect for contacting businesses.

Cold Email Format

Subject: Quick question about your website

Body:

• “Noticed your site loads slowly on mobile.”

• “I help businesses fix this.”

• “Would you like 3 quick improvements you can use today?”

Always make it useful.

C. Cold Calling

Scary but powerful.

Keep it simple:

• Introduce yourself

• Ask a qualifying question

• Offer value

• Ask if they’re open to hearing more

The real key is staying calm and confident.

6. Content Creation as Lead Generation

Your content is your salesperson that works 24/7.

Types of Content That Pull Leads In

• tutorials

• tips

• educational posts

• transformations

• previews of your work

• problem-solving videos

Example: A graphic designer posting “Before/After logo redesigns” gets leads passively because people see their skill.

Why Content Attracts Leads Easily

• It builds authority.

• It builds trust.

• It shows your expertise.

• It lets leads come to you.

Even one viral post can bring hundreds of leads.

7. Lead Magnets (Beginners Can Use These Too)

A lead magnet is something valuable you give away for free in exchange for contact info.

Examples:

• free guide

• free checklist

• free templates

• free video training

• free strategy call

People love free value.
Once you have their email or DM, you can nurture them into buyers.

8. Using Tools to Find Leads

Here are simple beginner-friendly tools you can use:

A. Google Maps

Find local businesses to contact.

B. LinkedIn Search

Find professionals by role or industry.

C. Instagram Hashtags

Look for your target audience using:

• #smallbusiness

• #fitnessgoals

• #contentcreator

• #realestate

• #artistcommunity

D. Lead Databases

If you get more advanced:

• Apollo

• Clay

• Lusha

• Hunter

But beginners do NOT need paid tools.

9. Qualifying Leads (Don’t Waste Your Time)

Not all leads are equal.
You need to prioritize the ones more likely to buy.

Good Lead Checklist

• They have the problem your service solves.

• They want a solution.

• They can afford the solution.

• They have authority to say yes.

• They have urgency or motivation.

A qualified lead is worth 10 unqualified ones.

10. Tracking Leads (The Secret Behind Consistency)

Most people fail in sales because they forget to follow up.
Tracking leads solves this.

Use:

• Google Sheets

• Notion

• Trello

• CRM tools (HubSpot, Zoho)

Track:

• name

• contact info

• status

• last message

• next follow-up date

A tracked lead is twice as likely to close.

11. The Real Secret to Finding Unlimited Leads

Give value before asking for anything.

Help people.
Share tips.
Solve problems.
Educate.
Make something better for them.

When you lead with value:

• people trust you

• people respond

• people follow you

• people buy from you

Sales becomes natural instead of stressful.

12. A Simple Plan to Find Your First 50 Leads

Day 1–2: Social Media Leads (20)

• message followers

• comment on posts

• DM people in your niche

Day 3–4: Local Leads (15)

• walk into businesses

• talk to neighbors

• ask family for referrals

Day 5–6: Online Communities (10)

• Discord

• Reddit

• Facebook groups

Day 7: Referrals (5)

Ask 5 people:
“Do you know anyone else who might need this?”

You now have 50 leads — in just one week.

13. Final Advice

Leads come from action.
Not thinking.
Not planning.
Not hesitating.
Action.

The more people you talk to, the more money you make — simple as that.