An ICP Fit Lead is Forever, not just for Christmas!
Why Your Ideal Clients Are Always Worth the Investment
Imagine if you could focus all your marketing efforts on leads who don’t just come and go, but who stay close, engaged, and ready for the day they need what you sell. In the world of Fried Egg Marketing®, these are your “yolk” leads, your Ideal Client Profile (ICP) prospects who should become the centre of your market focus. These are the businesses who may not buy from you today, but because they fit your ICP, they’re likely to need your product or service someday. And when they do, you’ll be the first name that comes to mind.
So, let’s dive into why an ICP-fit lead is a lead forever, why nurturing these leads is always a worthwhile investment, and how focusing on your “yolk” is a long-term strategy that drives growth.
Why an ICP Fit Lead is Forever
1. They’re Aligned with Your Value
The beauty of an ICP-fit lead is that they already align with the core value of what you offer. They’re the clients who will benefit most from your product, who share your vision, and who are most likely to appreciate the value you bring. While they may not have an immediate need, they’re the clients for whom your solution makes sense. This alignment means that, one day, when they do need a solution like yours, they’re more likely to turn to you over any other provider.
2. Future Demand is Almost Inevitable
Many B2B products and services solve essential business needs—whether it’s for growth, efficiency, compliance, or innovation. Even if an ICP-fit lead isn’t in the market today, it’s likely that, over time, they’ll face the very challenges your solution solves. We know that at any one time only about 2% of your potential market is ready to make a purchase. This leaves the majority out-of-market, but not to be ignored! By staying engaged with ICP-fit leads, you position yourself as the obvious solution when they’re ready.
3. Relationship Building Becomes Your Competitive Edge
By nurturing ICP-fit leads, you build relationships that go beyond sales. You’re not just a company waiting for the right moment to pounce; you’re a partner providing insights, support, and value right across the buying team, from day one. This ongoing engagement and trust-building mean that, when the time comes to make a buying decision, your ICP-fit lead won’t see you as just another vendor making noise, they’ll see you as the obvious choice.
4. The Cost-Effectiveness of Long-Term Focus
Marketing to a broad audience that lacks alignment is costly and often unproductive. You end up with high churn, low conversion rates, and clients who don’t stick around. With ICP-fit leads, you’re focused on quality over quantity. Yes, it requires patience and investment, but the returns from loyal clients with high lifetime value and low churn rates really are worth it.
Fried Egg Marketing, Why Focus on the Yolk?
In Fried Egg Marketing, we concentrate on the “yolk”, your ICP, the clients who are at the heart of your business value. Just as the yolk is the richest, most nutrient-dense part of an egg, your ICP-fit leads represent the highest potential for long-term growth and loyalty. The white (everyone else) might add volume, but the yolk is where the substance and sustenance lie.
Focusing on your ICP means targeting the leads who are most likely to engage with your brand, find value in what you offer, and remain loyal over time. This strategy requires dedication, but the reward is a client base that’s aligned with your mission, your values, and your growth goals.
How to Keep Your ICP Leads Warm Until They’re Ready
Nurturing ICP leads isn’t about bombarding them with sales pitches, quite the opposite, it’s about building relationships over time. Here’s how to keep your ICP-fit leads engaged until they’re ready to buy:
1. Offer Value-Based Content
Position yourself as a resource. Share insights, industry news, and practical advice that speaks directly to their challenges. Educational content, such as whitepapers, blogs, or webinars, is a great way to stay on their radar while demonstrating your expertise.
2. Personalise Communication
Personalised communication shows that you value them as an individual business, not just another name on a list. Send targeted updates, congratulate them on milestones, or share content specifically tailored to their industry. This one-to-one approach keeps your relationship warm and lets them know you’re paying attention.
3. Demonstrate an Understanding of Their Pain Points
Show them that you understand their challenges and that your solution is uniquely positioned to help. Share case studies, success stories, or testimonials from clients in similar industries to highlight your experience and expertise.
4. Engage Through Long-Term Campaigns
Campaigns that span months or even years can keep your brand front-of-mind. Consider a mix of emails, direct mail, and social media touchpoints that keep your business relevant. Create a communication schedule that allows you to check in periodically without overwhelming them.
5. Involve Them in Your Brand’s Story
Keep your ICP leads feeling involved by sharing news about product updates, company achievements, and upcoming events. Inviting them to participate in surveys, focus groups, or even beta tests can strengthen their sense of connection and loyalty to your brand.
Invest in Your Yolk for Sustainable Success
An ICP-fit lead may not buy today, but if you nurture the relationship and remain relevant, they’re likely to buy tomorrow. By focusing on these high value leads you’re not just casting a net and hoping for sales, you’re building relationships with clients who see your value and will remain loyal over time.
In Fried Egg Marketing, the yolk represents the clients who bring the most long-term value, who are worth the investment, and who will ultimately help you build a sustainable, resilient business. When you focus on the leads that truly align with your mission, you’re not just creating clients, they become advocates, partners, and friends of the brand who will support you for years to come.
In other words, an ICP-fit lead is indeed a lead forever. Make them a priority, nurture the relationship, and watch as they become a lasting part of your business journey.
