How to Double Your Sales with an Effective Lead Follow Up System
Discover the secret to doubling your sales by mastering the art of lead follow up.
Why Most Sales Are Lost in Silence
The journey from lead to sale often stalls right after the initial contact. Many businesses assume that high ad spend is the key to more sales, but the truth is, silence after a lead inquiry is the real culprit. The initial interest fades when businesses take too long to respond. The lead doesn't disappear; it simply finds a more responsive competitor.
The Power of Speed: Responding Within Five Minutes
Speed is crucial in lead follow up. Research shows that reaching out to a new lead within the first five minutes significantly increases the chance of a meaningful conversation. This initial contact signals to the lead that their inquiry is important. The first business to respond is often the one that wins the deal, not necessarily the cheapest.
"Reach a fresh lead in the first five minutes and your odds of a real conversation jump dramatically."
Persistence Pays Off: The Seven Touch Rule
One of the biggest mistakes business owners make is stopping follow up after one message. Most sales happen after several touches. Implement a follow up schedule on day 1, day 2, day 4, day 7, and day 14. This persistent approach shows care and keeps your business on the lead’s radar, increasing the likelihood of conversion.
Adding Value in Every Message
Each follow-up message should offer something of value. Avoid generic messages like 'just checking in.' Instead, provide answers, useful tips, or customer success stories. This approach not only maintains interest but also builds trust and credibility, making it more likely for the lead to engage with you.
Automating the Follow Up for Consistency
Human willpower is fallible, but a system is not. Creating an automated follow-up system ensures that every lead receives a consistent and timely sequence of communications. This automation frees up your time while ensuring no lead falls through the cracks, compounding your efforts into sustained growth.
Evaluating Your Current Follow Up Process
Take a hard look at your current follow up process. How many times do you actually reach out before giving up? Chances are, you stop too soon. With a seven-touch system, you can vastly improve your odds of closing a sale, transforming a leaky process into a robust revenue driver.
Frequently asked
How soon should I follow up with a lead?
Ideally, reach out within the first five minutes to maximize engagement chances.
How many follow ups are needed to secure a sale?
Aim for at least seven follow ups, spread over a two-week period, to increase conversion rates.
What should I include in a follow-up message?
Offer value by including helpful tips, answers to questions, or customer success stories.
Can follow-up processes be automated?
Yes, automating your follow-up sequence ensures consistency and saves time.
Why is immediate response important in lead follow up?
Responding quickly demonstrates attentiveness and increases the chance of a real conversation.