So, you have been working closely with a marketing professional like Priddey Marketing to promote your latest service or product or to build brand awareness. Throughout the campaign, the number of leads has increased, which is just what you wanted. But, perhaps the next steps aren’t clear, and you are worried about how to follow up without being too salesy. If you’re wondering how to follow up leads effectively, you’re in the right place.
The best way to follow up leads
Unfortunately, there is no ‘one size fits all’ when it comes to how to follow up leads effectively. Every organization and potential client is different. Therefore, you have to find the best means of follow-up for your business and your brand.
Create a follow-up process.
Think through your sales process, who is responsible for which action? Identify which materials are needed and what can be automated – without losing the personal touch if this is important. This is where your CRM (see our guide here) can be a real asset.
Categorise your leads.
Identify where the leads have come from and whether they are warm or hot leads. For example, someone who has requested a meeting may not be satisfied with an email, whereas someone signing up for the newsletter may be put off by a phone-call.
Identify the best form of contact.
There are numerous options for contact including phone calls, email, social media chat or Whatsapp. However, none of these options is failsafe, and it is important to pick those which are ideal for your clients as well as for you and your personality.
Avoid the aggressive sales pitch.
No one enjoys a one-sided aggressive sales pitch. Take time to understand pain points before evaluating whether and explaining how a product or service could be the answer to their problems.
Offer value.
With warm leads, like newsletter subscribers make sure the newsletters offer value (information, how-tos, discounts) which will prevent them from unsubscribing before becoming clients. Click here for a good guide from LinkedIn!
Know when to stop.
Always follow up with leads within 24 hours, but if you fail to make contact don’t ‘pester’ them with multiple voice messages or emails. Learn the techniques to find out if your efforts are being wasted or whether checking back at regular intervals may be appreciated in the long run.
The best way to counter the potential pitfalls when following up leads is to have a schedule, and make sure you stick to it. Outline how you contact specific lead types, and how often. When will you follow-up with those who haven’t responded, and more importantly when will you stop contacting them?
Getting it right when dealing with new leads can be tricky.
Getting it right when dealing with new leads can be tricky. If you need advice on how to follow up leads effectively, speak to the team at Priddey Marketing today as we are waiting to help you. Contact us on +44 1235 606077 or info@priddeymarketing.co.uk