Battlecards
Lead Gen Agencies
Differentiate from generic lead-gen vendors.
The Lead Gen Agency Landscape
Prospects often compare us to offshore lead gen shops and low-cost providers. The key is differentiating on quality, not just cost.
Common Competitor Weaknesses
The Offshore/Low-Cost Model
- Volume over quality: Spray-and-pray approach damages brand
- Generic messaging: Copy-paste templates that feel spammy
- Poor targeting: Loose ICP = unqualified meetings
- No strategic thinking: Just execute, don't advise
- High churn: Constantly changing reps = inconsistent results
- Communication gaps: Timezone and language barriers
The "Pay Per Lead" Model
- Quantity gaming: Incentivised to book any meeting, not qualified ones
- Lead fraud: Some providers use questionable tactics
- No control: You don't know what's being said in your name
- Hidden costs: Cheap per-lead but low conversion = expensive pipeline
Our Positioning
Key Differentiators
Typical Lead Gen
Apparate
Objection Responses
"We've been burned by agencies before"
"I hear that a lot—and honestly, I'm not surprised. Most lead gen agencies are volume shops that damage your brand. Here's how we're different: [specific differentiators]. But I don't expect you to take my word for it. Can I connect you with a client who had the same concern and can share their experience?"
"The other agency is cheaper"
"I totally get that—cost matters. But let me ask: what's the cost per qualified opportunity, not just cost per lead? If a cheaper provider sends 100 leads but only 10% convert, you're paying more for pipeline than if we send 50 meetings that convert at 40%. The maths usually works in our favour. Would you like to see a comparison?"
"We just need leads, not a strategic partner"
"Fair enough—some companies just need execution. Here's the thing: we've found that strategy and execution aren't separable. The messaging, targeting, and approach all affect results. We'll definitely execute, but we'll also tell you when something isn't working and how to fix it. That's the difference between leads and pipeline."
"How do I know you're different from the last agency?"
"Great question. Here's what I'd suggest: let me show you our process in detail—exactly how we build ICP, craft messaging, and ensure quality. Then talk to 2-3 of our clients. If you're not convinced we're different, I'll be the first to tell you we're not the right fit. But if you see the difference, I think you'll feel confident moving forward."
Proof Points
- Meeting quality: "70% of our meetings convert to opportunities vs. industry average of 30%"
- Client retention: "Our average client tenure is [X] months vs. industry churn of 3-6 months"
- Brand protection: "We've never had a client complaint about messaging or brand damage"
- Transition success: "Clients who switched from other agencies saw [X]% improvement in conversion"
Red Flags to Highlight
Help prospects evaluate other vendors with these questions:
- "Can I see examples of actual emails you'll send in my name?"
- "What's your meeting-to-opportunity conversion rate?"
- "Can I speak to 3 current clients, not just case studies?"
- "Where is your team located and who will be working on my account?"
- "What happens if meeting quality is poor?"
Key Messages
- Quality over quantity: Better meetings, not more meetings
- Your brand matters: We represent you professionally
- True cost comparison: Cheap leads ≠ cheap pipeline
- Strategic partnership: We advise, not just execute
- Transparency: You see everything we do