Low Intent Scores

Getting lots of leads, but they're all scoring 3-4? Here's why and how to fix it.

Understanding the Problem

Low intent scores mean the leads match your keywords but don't show strong buying signals.

This usually means:

Keywords are too broad
You're monitoring general discussion areas
There just aren't many high-intent conversations right now

Fix 1: Add Intent Signals to Keywords

Broad keywords match lots of posts, but most won't be buying signals.

The Problem

"marketing" matches:

"I love marketing" (no intent)
"Marketing trends in 2024" (no intent)
"What marketing tool should I buy?" (high intent)

The Solution

Add intent signals to your keywords:

| Instead of | Try | |------------|-----| | marketing | "need a marketing tool" | | CRM | "looking for a CRM" | | software | "recommend software for" | | tool | "best tool for" |

High-Intent Phrases to Include

"looking for"
"need a"
"recommend"
"best tool for"
"alternative to"
"switching from"
"budget for"

Fix 2: Target Buyer Communities

Different platforms and communities have different intent levels.

Higher Intent Communities

Reddit: r/Entrepreneur, r/smallbusiness, r/SaaS
Places where people go to solve problems

Lower Intent Communities

Reddit: r/programming, r/technology
Places where people go to discuss topics

Action

Review your subreddit list. Remove discussion-focused communities. Add solution-seeking communities.

Fix 3: Use Competitor Keywords

When someone searches for "[Competitor] alternative," they're actively shopping.

These leads almost always score high.

How to Add

Go to Projects → Keywords
Add your top competitors:
- "[Competitor] alternative"
- "switching from [Competitor]"
- "[Competitor] vs"

Fix 4: Adjust Expectations

Not every day has hot leads. That's normal.

Realistic Expectations

| Score | Expected % | |-------|------------| | 9-10 | 5-10% | | 7-8 | 20-30% | | 5-6 | 30-40% | | 3-4 | 20-30% | | 1-2 | 10-20% |

If you're getting mostly 5-6 leads, that's actually normal.

What Matters

A few 8-9 leads per week is actually great. Quality over quantity.

One high-intent lead that converts is worth more than 50 low-intent leads.

Fix 5: Review What High-Scoring Leads Have in Common

When you do get a 7+ lead, analyze it:

What keyword triggered it?
What subreddit/platform?
What made the person's post high-intent?

Use these insights to refine your keywords.

Platform-Specific Tips

Focus on "Ask" threads and recommendation requests
Subreddits with "help" or "advice" in the name often have higher intent

Twitter

Complaints ("frustrated with X") often indicate readiness to switch
Direct questions to the void ("does anyone know a good X?")

Hacker News

"Ask HN" threads typically have higher intent
Technical discussions are lower intent

Indie Hackers

"What tools do you use" threads are gold
Journey updates are lower intent

When Low Scores Are Okay

Sometimes low scores are fine:

Brand building: Even low-intent conversations build awareness
Early-stage products: Gathering feedback, not closing deals
Content ideas: Low-intent discussions reveal pain points

Not every lead needs to be a sale. Some are relationship-building.

Quick Fixes Summary

| Problem | Fix | |---------|-----| | Keywords too broad | Add intent phrases | | Wrong communities | Switch to buyer-focused subreddits | | No competitor keywords | Add top 3-5 competitors | | Unrealistic expectations | Focus on the 7+ leads you do get |

Still Struggling?

Contact support@stacklead.io with:

Your current keywords
Your subreddit list
Examples of low-scoring leads

We'll review and suggest improvements.