Insights

The Best Way To Follow Up Leads

By PSC Pipeline

8 November 2024

You’ve Got Leads, What Next? Best Ways to Follow Up Leads

So, you’ve got a new lead, now what? It’s good to be organised and have a system to make it easier for yourself to keep on top of progress within a potential project. Let’s look at the best ways to follow up leads like a pro and get that pipeline flowing!

1. Speed is Your Superpower 
Don’t wait! The quicker you follow up, the better your chances of converting a lead. This can be a quick email or a friendly phone calls. In the world of BD, time is your biggest competitive edge. Be the first, and set the tone for a positive relationship right from the start.

2. Personalise, Don’t Generalise 

No one wants to feel like they’re just another name on a spreadsheet. Personalise your follow-up by referencing your last conversation or highlighting something specific about their organisation. This shows you’re genuinely interested in helping them and not just chasing a sale. Maybe they mentioned a project or a challenge—use that information to tailor your approach.

Example:
Instead of, “Hi, I’m following up on our meeting,” try:
“Hi [Name], I really enjoyed hearing about your upcoming project. I’ve been thinking about some ways our services could help streamline [specific need or challenge they mentioned]. Would you be open to a quick chat?”

3. Offer Value Before Asking for Anything 

Don’t rush to pitch. Offer value upfront, whether it’s sending a relevant industry report, a helpful resource (like PSC’s Free Lead), or even a quick tip based on their organisations challenges. You want them to see you as a trusted advisor, not just a vendor.

4. Keep it Friendly, Not Pushy 

We get it—you want to close the deal. But keep the follow-up light and friendly. People buy from people they like, so stay approachable. Follow up with curiosity, not pressure. Ask how things are going with their project, what their current challenges are, and where you could fit in to help.


5. Follow Up, But Don’t Be a Pest 

There’s a fine line between persistence and pestering. Following up once or twice is key, but beyond that, it’s important to give them breathing room. A great tactic? Space out your touchpoints. Send a follow-up email, then drop a message a week or two later with a different approach—perhaps share an article or invite them to an event. The goal is to stay on their radar without overloading them.


6. Use Different Channels 
Don’t limit yourself to just emails! Try connecting on LinkedIn, sending a friendly text, or even a direct message on social media (where appropriate). Different people prefer different communication styles, so mixing up your outreach keeps things fresh and increases the likelihood of getting a response.

7. Track, Track, Track! 

Every lead follow-up is a learning opportunity. Track your communication—what worked and what didn’t. Maybe certain phrases or approaches get better responses. Keep notes, stay organised, and refine your process as you go. 

8. Know When to Let Go 

Not every lead will turn into a client, and that’s okay! Sometimes, despite your best efforts, a lead goes cold. Learn to spot the signs early and shift your energy elsewhere.

 
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