How quickly do you need to respond to leads before they go cold?
In this article, we'll cover:
Let’s talk about leads. No, not those leads electricians use, we’re of course talking about sales leads!
Whether you’re new to the industry or have decades of experience, the importance of quickly responding to leads should not be underestimated.
Speeding up too much could lead to mistakes in your response. Taking too long will usually mean your lead goes cold and turns into nothing.
How quickly should you respond to leads?
According to recent studies, companies that respond to leads in under five minutes are 100 times more likely to convert that lead. The success rate drops significantly after this five-minute window.
A study by Harvard Business Review suggests that responding to leads within an hour increases conversion success by only seven times. After an hour leads usually go cold.
With so much competition, it is essential that you react quickly to any leads. Customers today expect extremely high levels of interaction with businesses.
For busy companies, this can be difficult to achieve. This is where responding to leads while at work is essential for attracting new customers.
Managing leads on the go
When you’re in the middle of fitting a new bathroom suite or building a home extension, leads may be the furthest thing from your mind.
If you receive a message alert to your phone, you will probably ignore it and wait until later to respond. After all, you want to give it the time it needs to respond properly.
As we’ve already seen, by doing this, you’re likely going to lose that lead.
Managing leads on the go is essential to achieving business success. There are several ways to manage leads while working.
The best method for you will depend on the resources you have at hand. Some lead management techniques include:
- Automated responses – Triggered e-mails and text messages can be set up on your phone. A standard message can be sent to any leads showing that you are engaged with them and want their custom.
- Website chat pop-ups – If you have a website management contract, potential customers can connect with your business directly via live chat. Chatbots can also be used to connect with customers automatically.
- Customised mobile apps – The Checkatrade App is designed to simplify running your business on the go. It offers a wide range of features available only to Checkatrade members.
Benefits of the Checkatrade app
The Checkatrade Trade app helps tradespeople to maximise their business while on the go.
It helps you to manage any leads while working and provides a range of features and benefits, including:
- Receive alerts from customer enquiries
- Instant message response system
- Upload images and videos of completed projects
- Boost your reputation with positive customer reviews
- Access exclusive membership offers
Job alerts are a game-changer for our members
If you’re a member and there’s a job for you, we’ll let you know on the app and via email.
If you’re on the app, all that’s needed from you is for you to accept the job. To accept the job, you just need to tap the button that says you accept the job. Simple.
The customer is then told by us that you’re interested in their job and that you’ll be in touch to discuss it in more details.
The Checkatrade app has helped many members to improve their business performance. Find out more here.
Get the app now to keep your leads hot!
There’s a slight catch though – first, you’ll need to pass our checks!
Once you are approved to become a Checkatrade member you can then get the app to help you:
Meeting customer expectations
Customer expectations are at an all-time high. The internet has created a world where we all expect instant answers.
If a potential customer doesn’t get a quick response to a message, they’re highly likely to contact one of your competitors.
To ensure that you don’t lose potential business, it’s essential to engage with customers as quickly as possible. First impressions matter. You’re far more likely to convert that lead if you can respond to the first customer message quickly.
Customers will feel valued when they receive a prompt reply. This will positively influence their whole experience working with you.
Quick lead response is not only about securing that single lead. It’s about building the future of your business.
Building your businesses’ online reputation
According to recent statistics, over 80% of customers carry out online research before choosing a product or company. Your online profile is a hugely important part of your business. It is the first point of contact for potential customers and should showcase your reputation and expertise.
A high-quality website is essential in today’s digital world. As a trade installation company, your website should show potential customers that you are the best choice for them. It should also provide a simple method of contact and interaction between you and the client.
One of the most effective ways of enhancing your business reputation is through positive online reviews. To increase positive reviews, you must make the whole customer experience as easy as possible with superb communication at every stage.
You can also significantly boost your online business reputation by becoming a Checkatrade member.
Lead response time = lead conversion rate
You now know that there is a direct link between lead response time and lead conversion rate. To stop leads from going cold, an immediate reaction is essential. The quicker you respond, the more likely you’ll secure your next customer.
The best way to do this while on the go is by using an automatic message response system. Whether you’re responding to leads via your website’s contact form, e-mail, text message, phone call, or the Checkatrade app, quick contact can make the difference between lead conversion and loss.
Lead response time FAQs
What is a good lead response time?
The best lead response time less than five minutes.
Why is lead response time important?
Quick lead response enhances the customer experience. It reduces customer frustration and increases the likelihood of lead conversion.
Why do leads go cold?
Leads go cold as a direct result of slow lead response times. If you don’t respond to a lead within 24 hours, the potential customer will likely have chosen a different contractor.
How many times should you follow up a lead?
This depends on the amount of previous interaction. If you have had only one message from a lead which has then gone quiet, sending up to three further messages is acceptable. For leads with greater previous interaction, the number of follow up attempts can be increased.
How can you improve lead response times?
Use Customer Relationship Management (CRM) software such as chatbots, automated messages, and apps like the Checkatrade Trades app.
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