telloTello / Following up with leads
How to follow up with new leads quickly
A lead is a person who asked for something. A simple routine keeps them from slipping away.
Reply while they are still interested
People often contact several businesses and go with the one that answers helpfully first. You do not have to answer in seconds, but the sooner you reply, the better your chance.
A simple follow-up routine
- 1. Say thanksUse their name and mention what they asked about.
- 2. Answer the questionGive the answer or tell them when you will have it.
- 3. Ask one questionMake it easy to reply, for example the best time to talk.
- 4. Set the next stepOffer a quote, a visit or a call, with a date.
Keep track of who is waiting
Every lead needs an owner and a status. A spreadsheet works. What matters is that you can see, every day, who is still waiting for a reply.
If they do not reply
Follow up once or twice, a few days apart, then stop. Be polite and make it easy for them to say no.
Where Tello fits
Tello answers customers on your website at any hour and takes the name and phone or email of anyone who wants a quote or a callback. Each morning, Today with Tello shows you who is still waiting for a reply and can read it aloud. Tello is an AI and can be wrong, so read your leads and reply yourself. Try it free for 7 days.
Frequently asked questions
How fast should I reply to a new lead?
As soon as you reasonably can. The faster you reply, the better your chance of keeping their interest. Set a goal you can keep, such as the same business day.
How many times should I follow up?
Once or twice, a few days apart. Then stop, and leave the door open.
What should I say in a first reply?
Thank them, answer what they asked, ask one simple question and suggest the next step.
How do I stop leads slipping away?
Write down every lead, give each a status and check the list every day.