What’s one marketing tactic that always delivers results?
Most businesses fail to capitalize on the leads they already have. They send one email, make one call, or run one ad, and when they don’t get an immediate response, they move on. That’s a huge mistake.
The reality is that most leads won’t convert on the first touchpoint. People are busy, skeptical, or just not ready to buy yet. Studies show that it takes an average of 7-10 touchpoints before a lead turns into a customer. If you give up after the first or second try, you’re leaving money on the table.
Why Follow-Ups Work
- People Need Reminders – Your prospects are not sitting around thinking about your offer all day. They might be interested but forget to take action. A well-timed follow-up keeps you top-of-mind.
- Trust Takes Time – Building trust isn’t instant. Regular follow-ups position you as a reliable, consistent presence in their decision-making process.
- Your Competitors Are Slacking – Most businesses don’t follow up enough, if at all. If you stay persistent while others don’t, you win.
How to Do Follow-Ups Right
- Automate Where Possible – Use email sequences, CRM reminders, or even chatbots to keep the conversation going without relying on memory.
- Vary Your Approach – Don’t just send “Just checking in” emails. Provide new insights, testimonials, or case studies to keep the conversation valuable.
- Mix Up the Channels – Some prospects prefer email, others LinkedIn, some respond better to calls or even text messages. Find out where your leads engage best and follow up there.
- Have a Clear Next Step – Each follow-up should make it easy for the prospect to move forward. Include a direct booking link, a call-to-action, or a limited-time offer to encourage action.
The Magic of the “Breakup” Email
One of my favorite follow-up strategies is the “Last Chance” or “Are You Still Interested?” email. Something as simple as:
“Hey [Name], I haven’t heard back, and I don’t want to keep bothering you. If you’re still interested, let me know. If not, no worries—I won’t follow up again.”
This works amazingly well because it forces a decision. People who were on the fence will reply, either to move forward or to officially opt out—which is still a win because it saves you time.
Bottom line? Following up is the difference between leaving money on the table and closing deals. If you’re not doing it, start today.