A follow-up routine for enquiries

Most small businesses lose sales not because customers say no, but because nobody follows up. A routine fixes that in a few minutes a day.

Why follow-up matters

A customer who asked you a price is busy, comparing, or waiting for someone at home. Silence usually means "not yet", not "no". A short, friendly message at the right time is often what turns an enquiry into a sale. The cost is a minute; the lost sale is the whole order.

The routine

Same day: reply to the enquiry, answer what they asked and ask one question back.
Two days later: a short follow-up if they have not answered.
One week later: a message that adds something new, such as a photo, a sample or an offer that ends on a date.
Three weeks later: a last, polite check. Tell them you will not message again unless they ask.

Four contacts are enough. More than that turns help into pressure and can get your number reported.

Messages to copy

Hello [name], I hope you are well. I wanted to check if you had a chance to look at what I sent. I am happy to answer any questions.

Hello [name], a small update: [new photo, sample or date]. If it suits you, I can reserve it for you until [date].

Hello [name], this is my last message about this. If you would like to go ahead later, just message me and I will be glad to help. Thank you for your time.

How to keep track

Write each lead in the lead tracker with a follow-up date, and look at the "needs attention" list every morning. Change the date after each contact so a lead is never left without a next step.

Respect the customer

Message at sensible hours, once and politely, and stop when someone says no. Do not add people to groups or lists without asking.

Common questions

How many times should I follow up?

Three to four contacts over three to four weeks is common. Stop earlier if the person asks you to.

What if the customer is rude?

Stay polite, thank them and mark the lead as lost. Never argue in a chat.

Keep going

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