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Introduction
In the fast-paced financial industry, generating quality leads is a challenge, especially for new businesses trying to establish a foothold in a competitive market like Singapore. Onehub Capital, a then-relatively new business specializing in SME loans, approached us with a clear goal: to attract high-quality leads and build credibility in the crowded loan market. They needed a partner who could help them navigate the digital advertising space and deliver measurable results. That’s where we, Protechle, came in.
Understanding the Challenge
When Onehub Capital approached us, their primary concern was breaking through the noise in a highly saturated market dominated by well-established players. With limited brand recognition and a modest marketing budget, they needed a solution that would deliver quick results while being cost-effective.
Key challenges included:
- Highly Competitive Keywords: Loan-related keywords in Singapore, such as “SME loan,” “business funding,” and “low-interest loans,” had high competition and cost-per-click (CPC).
- Target Audience Behavior: Singaporean business owners are cautious and prefer dealing with established brands.
- Budget Constraints: As a new business, they could not afford to burn cash on trial-and-error campaigns.
Our Approach
To address these challenges, we developed a multi-platform advertising strategy tailored to Onehub Capital’s needs.
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Google Ads for High-Intent Leads
We designed highly targeted Google Ads campaigns focused on search intent.- Keyword Research: Using tools like SEMrush, we identified niche, long-tail keywords such as “fast SME loan Singapore” and “small business funding low interest.”
- Landing Pages: We optimized their landing pages with clear CTAs, trust badges, and testimonials to increase conversions.
- Geo-Targeting: Campaigns were restricted to Singapore to ensure every click was relevant.
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Facebook Ads for Awareness and Retargeting
To complement high-intent search ads, we leveraged Facebook Ads for building awareness and nurturing potential leads.- Ad Creatives: We created visually appealing ads with simple messaging like “Get Your Business the Funds It Needs – Fast!” paired with carousel formats showcasing loan benefits.
- Audience Segmentation: We targeted small business owners, using behavioral insights like interest in entrepreneurship and SME tools.
- Retargeting: Visitors who interacted with the Google Ads but didn’t convert were retargeted with personalized offers.
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Reddit Ads for Niche Engagement
Recognizing that Reddit hosts vibrant communities for entrepreneurs, we ran Reddit Ads on subreddits like r/SingaporeEntrepreneurs and r/SmallBusiness.- Non-Intrusive Strategy: The ads blended seamlessly into the feed, providing value with content like “Top 5 Mistakes to Avoid When Applying for SME Loans.”
- Engagement: We monitored discussions and provided thoughtful responses as part of organic engagement, further building credibility.
The Results
Our combined efforts delivered impressive results within the first three months:
- Cost Per Lead (CPL): Decreased by 27% compared to the initial projections.
- Lead Volume: Over 300 qualified leads generated within the first quarter.
- Conversion Rate: Google Ads campaigns achieved a conversion rate of 11.5%, well above industry benchmarks.
- ROI: A return on ad spend (ROAS) of 4.2x was achieved, ensuring that the marketing spend translated into tangible business growth.
Lessons Learned
Through our partnership with Onehub Capital, we reinforced some critical lessons about lead generation in competitive markets:
- Hyper-Specific Targeting Works: Focusing on niche keywords and audiences delivers better results than casting a wide net.
- Platform Synergy is Key: Combining high-intent platforms like Google with awareness-building platforms like Facebook creates a balanced funnel.
- Trust Takes Effort: For new businesses, establishing credibility through testimonials, responsive communication, and value-added content can make all the difference.
Conclusion
Helping Onehub Capital succeed in the competitive loan market was a rewarding challenge for our team at Protechle. Our data-driven approach, combined with creative problem-solving, enabled us to deliver results that exceeded expectations.
If you’re looking for a team that understands the nuances of your industry and can craft strategies to drive measurable results, reach out to us today. Let’s work together to turn your business goals into reality.