23 Best Sales Tips to Boost Success

If there's one thing that rings true for all sales reps, it's that we never stop learning how to sell better.

Sure, we get more and more fine-tuned and well-polished over time, but there's always room for an old dog to learn a new trick.

All it takes is to hear that new guy spouting off some closer you've never heard before (and nailing it) to make you recognize that maybe you don't know everything.

In light of this, we're going to share 23 of our top sales tips right now to help you keep on improving and better and better sales results.

Sales Tip Summary

If you're in a rush, here's a concise overview of the sales tips we'll discuss — so you can easily identify which strategies fit your goals best.

Tips for B2B Sales

Selling a $200,000 software package to a committee of executives is a completely different universe than selling a $50 pair of sneakers. This is the world of B2B (business-to-business) sales, where logic trumps emotion, relationships are everything, and the sales cycle can feel like a marathon.

If you're in this space, your approach needs to be more surgeon than salesperson. These B2B sales tips are designed to help you navigate this complex, high-stakes environment.

But first…

What Makes B2B Sales Different from B2C?

In B2C (Business-to-Consumer), you're often appealing to one person's emotions for a relatively quick, lower-cost purchase. B2B sales are the polar opposite. You're almost always dealing with:

• Multiple Stakeholders: You aren't just selling to one person; you're selling to a "buying committee." The CFO cares about ROI, the IT Director cares about integration, and the end-user cares if it actually makes their job easier.
• Longer Sales Cycles: A B2B purchase can take months, not minutes. It involves multiple demos, proposals, security reviews, and negotiations.
• Higher Stakes & Price: The price tag is significantly higher, so the decision is based on hard logic: What is the business case? How will this increase efficiency, reduce risk, or grow revenue?

Tips for B2B Sales Professionals

To thrive in B2B selling, focus on strategy, consistency, and data-backed execution:

1. Research deeply and know your prospect's industry: The best reps understand their client's business challenges before the first meeting. Use sales analytics metrics to identify trends and tailor your approach.
2. Leverage account-based marketing (ABM) and personalized outreach: ABM can boost engagement rates by 70%, according to research. Align sales and marketing messages to target high-value accounts.
3. Use automation and CRM software to scale: CRMs like Ringy streamline workflows, automate sales activity metrics, and track progress toward KPIs in real time.
4. Collaborate with sales and marketing teams: Shared data across teams improves lead quality and closes the loop between campaigns and conversions.
5. Optimize your pipeline: Regularly review sales funnel metrics, including conversion rates, deal velocity, and forecast accuracy, to identify bottlenecks and improve efficiency.

Business-to-Business Sales Tips vs. SaaS/Startup Sales Cycles

While traditional B2B sales focus on enterprise clients and relationship building, SaaS and startup sales cycles rely on speed, scalability, and automation. The table below highlights the key differences:

In both cases, the key lies in tracking the right sales metrics and KPIs, whether you're managing complex enterprise deals or fast-paced SaaS sales funnels. Data-backed insights will always be your competitive edge.

Direct Sales Tips

Direct sales is where the rubber really meets the road. This model, often associated with party plans and network marketing, thrives on a simple principle: people trust people.

What Is Direct Sales?

Direct sales is the process of selling products or services directly to consumers outside of a traditional retail store.

It's the original social selling—think in-home parties, face-to-face consultations, or modern network marketing.

But don't mistake "classic" for "outdated." Today, direct sales has evolved. It's less about door-to-door and more about leveraging personal relationships through social media, virtual parties, and direct DMs. It's a massive industry; in 2022 alone, the U.S. direct selling channel generated $40.5 billion in retail sales, proving that personal connection still wins.

Generating Direct Sales Leads Effectively

In direct sales, you are the brand. Your biggest challenge is consistently finding direct sales leads without feeling like a spammer. You can't just buy a list; you have to build a community.

• Master Social Selling: Your social media profile is your new storefront. Don't just post product photos. Share your story, offer valuable content related to your product (e.g., styling tips if you sell fashion), and engage in real conversations. Be a human first and a salesperson second.
• Embrace the Referral: This is the lifeblood of direct sales. A happy customer is your best marketing tool. After a positive experience, don't be afraid to ask, "Do you know anyone else who might love this?" Create a simple referral perk to thank them.
• Network (Online & Off): Join local groups, Facebook communities, or online forums where your ideal customer hangs out. The golden rule: Participate, don't pitch. Build relationships by adding value to the conversation. The sales will follow.

Direct Sales Tips for Beginners vs. Veterans

The journey from a new consultant to a top-earning leader requires a shift in focus. Here are some good sales tips tailored to where you are in your business.

Common Mistakes in Direct Sales and How to Avoid Them

Even skilled sellers fall into traps that slow momentum or hurt credibility, and here's how to avoid them:

• Neglecting follow-ups: 80% of sales require five or more follow-ups, yet most reps stop after two. Use CRM automation to stay consistent.
• Relying on scripts too rigidly: Authenticity sells. Adapt your pitch based on the buyer's tone and needs.
• Ignoring data: Failing to analyze sales efficiency metrics like cost per lead or time to close means flying blind.
• Overlooking customer experience: Happy customers become referral engines, track sales effectiveness metrics like NPS and repeat purchase rates to gauge satisfaction.

Direct sales thrives on connection and consistency. The reps who pair strong communication with disciplined sales metrics tracking will always outperform those relying on instinct alone.

Outside Sales Tips

If you thrive on face-to-face interaction and can't stand being chained to a desk, outside sales is your arena. This is the classic "field sales" role that includes visiting clients, walking factory floors, and closing deals with a handshake (or at least, an in-person meeting).

But being effective on the road requires a totally different skill set than selling from an office. These outside sales tips focus on maximizing your impact when you're in the field.

What Is Outside Sales and How It Differs From Inside Sales

Outside sales (or field sales) involves salespeople who travel to meet prospects and customers in person. Inside sales, by contrast, is done remotely from an office, using tools like phones, email, and video conferencing.

The line has blurred in recent years, but the core difference is proximity. Outside sales reps spend the majority of their time on the road, which is why their roles are often more autonomous and relationship-focused.

While inside sales teams can reach more prospects per day, outside sales reps traditionally have a much higher close rate.

Top Outside Sales Tips for Field Reps

Success in the field boils down to two things: relentless efficiency and the ability to build genuine rapport. Here are some top sales tips for field reps.

1. Master Time and Territory Management: A field rep can spend a significant portion of their week just traveling. Use route-planning software. "Cluster" your appointments geographically to avoid zig-zagging across your territory. Qualify prospects before you drive 90 minutes to see them. Treat your time as your most valuable asset.
2. Leverage Mobile CRM for Real-Time Data: The best field reps live in their mobile CRM app. Update the opportunity immediately after a meeting, while you're still in the parking lot. This ensures your data is 100% accurate, your follow-ups are timely, and your manager knows exactly what's happening in your pipeline.
3. Build Deeper, In-Person Relationships: An inside salesperson can't easily read a room's body language or see the "ah-ha" moment when a client understands a concept. Use this to your advantage. Take the time to ask about the family photo on their desk. Listen actively. Your goal isn't just to make a sale; it's to become a trusted advisor they want to see walk through the door.
4. Overcome Objections in Person: It's one thing to get an objection over email; it's another to get it while sitting across from a skeptical CFO. The key is to not get defensive. When you hear "Your price is too high," don't jump in. Pause. Take a breath. Then, lean in and ask a question: "That's a fair point. Can you help me understand what you're comparing it to?" Being physically present allows you to show confidence and empathy, turning a confrontation into a collaboration.

Insurance Sales Tips (with Focus on Life Insurance)

Nobody wakes up excited to buy a new policy. They buy it because they need to protect what matters most, including their family, their home, their business.

This is especially true for life insurance. You're not just selling a product; you're facilitating one of the most difficult and important conversations a person can have. These insurance sales tips are focused on building the deep trust required to do this job well.

Why Insurance Sales Is Different

The entire industry runs on two things: relationships and trust.

A customer isn't buying a tangible item. They are buying a promise—a piece of paper that says, "If the worst happens, we will be there for you and your family."

They have to trust you before they can trust the company or the policy. They need to believe you've truly listened and are recommending a solution for their unique needs, not just selling the product with the highest commission. This is the foundation of all tips for insurance sales.

Tips for Insurance Sales Agents

Here are a few tips for insurance sales agents to move from being a simple "quote provider" to a lifelong, trusted advisor.

1. Build Rapport Before Selling: Don't start a meeting by opening your laptop to a spreadsheet of rates. Start by asking human questions: "What are your biggest financial goals?" "What worries you most about the future?" "What do you want to make sure is taken care of, no matter what?" People will only open up about their fears and finances if they feel genuinely heard.
2. Sell Value, Not Just Coverage: Many prospects are conditioned to shop for the cheapest price. Your job is to reframe the conversation from price to value. The cheapest policy is cheap for a reason—it's often full of gaps. Clearly explain, in simple terms, what they are (and aren't) protected from. Show them how a few extra dollars a month translates into true peace of mind.
3. Use Storytelling for Life Insurance Sales: A "$500,000 policy" is just an abstract number. A story about a family who was able to stay in their home and send their kids to college after a tragedy... that's real. Use simple, relatable (and anonymous) client stories to illustrate why this policy matters. Logic makes people think. Emotion makes them act.
4. Follow Up Consistently With Automation: Unfortunately, most clients only hear from their agent at renewal time. This is a massive missed opportunity. Use a simple CRM or automated email service to schedule annual policy reviews, send birthday messages, or share relevant content. This consistent contact builds loyalty, turning clients into referral-generating fans.

Motivational Sales Tips & Sales Team Motivation

Sales is one of the few professions where you face direct rejection every single day. One moment you're on top of the world, and the next you're wondering if you've lost your touch.

Keeping a team, or even just yourself, fired up is one of the hardest parts of the job. True, sustainable motivation is about building a resilient culture and smart, consistent habits.

These motivational sales tips focus on creating the daily momentum that leads to long-term success.

1. Set Micro-Goals to Build Momentum

A massive annual quota is daunting. It can paralyze you before you even start. The solution? Break it down.

Forget the yearly number; focus on the day. These are your daily sales tips. Instead of "close $250k this quarter," the goal becomes "make 5 new contacts," "book one demo," or "send 3 personalized video follow-ups."

These are "micro-goals" you can control. Ticking off these small boxes builds momentum and provides a daily dose of achievement, which is far more motivating than a distant-future commission check.

2. Celebrate Wins — Big and Small

If you only celebrate when a massive, six-figure deal closes, your team will feel like they're failing 99% of the time. This is a surefire way to kill morale.

You must celebrate the small victories that lead to the big ones.

• Did a rep book a meeting with a C-level exec they've been chasing for months? Celebrate it in the team chat.
• Did someone get a glowing review from a new client? Share it in the weekly meeting.
• Did a junior rep nail their first solo demo? Recognize it.

This creates a positive feedback loop and shows you value the process, not just the final outcome.

3. Use Data to Show Progress

Feelings are fickle. Data is data. A salesperson might feel like they're having a terrible month, but the data can tell a different story.

Use your CRM dashboard as a motivational tool. Show your reps objective proof of their progress. "Look, your call-to-meeting ratio has improved by 10% since last month." Or, "Your average deal size is up 15%."

This visualization is crucial. It shows that their hard work and skill development are paying off, even if the deals haven't all closed yet.

4. Balance Incentives with Coaching

A classic sales management mistake is to just throw bonuses at every problem. While incentives are great, they don't fix underlying skill gaps.

Your mid-level rep who is trying hard but struggling with objections doesn't just need a bigger carrot; they need a better bat. This is where a strong sales coaching methodology comes in. The best motivation is mastery. Companies that invest in quality, consistent coaching often see significantly higher revenue growth.

Invest in your team's skills. Role-play difficult calls. Help them refine their discovery questions. This commitment to their personal development builds loyalty and confidence, which are far more powerful than any short-term cash prize.

6 Tips for Closing Sales

Ah, "the close."

This is the moment that makes palms sweat. You can build incredible rapport, deliver a perfect demo, and answer every question, but if you can't confidently and capably ask for the business, it was all just a friendly chat.

Great closing isn't a high-pressure, slick tactic. It's the natural, logical next step in a conversation where you've already proven your value. These closing sales tips are designed to make this final step feel professional, confident, and successful for both you and your customer.

1. Focus on the Customer, Not the Quota

Buyers can smell "commission breath" from a mile away. If you're rushing to the close because you need to hit your quota, you'll make the customer feel like a number. Your entire focus should be on their outcome.

Have you solved their problem? Is this truly the right solution for them? When your primary intent is to genuinely help, the close feels less like a trap and more like a logical conclusion.

2. Use Trial Closes Throughout the Conversation

This is one of the most effective tips for closing sales because it prevents a surprise "no" at the end. A "trial close" is a small, low-risk question that takes the prospect's temperature.

• "Does this sound like it could solve your [problem]?"
• "How do you see your team using this feature?"
• "Based on what we've discussed, does this seem like a good fit so far?"

Their answers (and just as importantly, their tone) tell you if you're on track or if you need to stop and address a hidden objection.

3. Leverage Social Proof and Case Studies

When a prospect is on the fence, they aren't looking for more of your opinions; they're looking for reassurance that they aren't making a mistake. This is where social proof is your best friend. Studies have consistently shown that people overwhelmingly trust recommendations from their peers.

Instead of just telling them your solution works, show them. Have a relevant, one-page case study or a quick testimonial ready. Saying, "Our client, [Similar Company], faced the exact same challenge. They implemented this and saw a 30% increase in efficiency," is infinitely more powerful.

4. Create Ethical Urgency with Sales Promotion Tactics

There's a fine line between pressure (which is manipulative) and urgency (which is helpful). "Buy now or the price doubles forever" is pressure. "Ethical urgency" is based on real-world factors that help a prospect overcome simple procrastination.

• "If we can get this signed by Friday, I can guarantee you'll be in the first implementation group for next month."
• "Just so you know, our 10% new-client discount is set to expire at the end of the quarter."

It frames the decision around a logical reason to act sooner rather than later.

5. Ask Directly, but With Confidence and Respect

After you've confirmed the value and handled objections, the time comes to actually ask. Too many salespeople get to the one-yard line and then fumble by saying, "So, uh, what do you think?" It's weak and invites uncertainty.

Be clear, confident, and respectful. Ask a simple, direct question: "Are you ready to move forward with this?" Or: "Would you like me to send over the agreement?"

And then, the most important part of this sales tip: Stop. Talking. Be comfortable with the silence and give them the space to answer.

6. Always Follow Up

This is a non-negotiable rule. Did you know that 80% of sales require five or more follow-ups after a meeting? And yet, a huge percentage of reps give up after just one "no" or one "no response."

A "no" rarely means "never." It almost always means "not right now." Your follow-up must continue to add value. Don't just send emails "just checking in." Send a new article, share another small success story, or offer a new idea. Be professionally persistent.

Conclusion

Put these 21 sales tips into action, and you'll be closing deals left, right, and center.

Of course, even the best sales rep is only as good as the tools in their tool chest. So, why not give yours a little upgrade?

Check out Ringy, the CRM built for high-performing sales reps, or book a demo today and let us show you around a little.