intermediateSales

Speed to Lead

How fast you respond to a new lead — the difference between calling back in 5 minutes versus 2 hours can literally cut your close rate in half.

Full Definition

Speed to Lead measures the time between when someone submits a lead request and when you make first contact with them. Research shows that calling a lead within 5 minutes makes you 21 times more likely to close the deal than waiting an hour. For concrete contractors averaging $8,000 jobs, this timing difference is worth thousands.

For Contractors

Why It Matters

A concrete contractor in Phoenix getting 20 leads per month at $42 each could see their close rate jump from 25% to 40% just by responding faster. That's 3 extra jobs per month — an additional $24,000 in revenue monthly, or $288,000 per year. The lead that goes to your competitor isn't because they're cheaper — it's because they called back first.

Real-World Example

A concrete contractor in Denver gets a lead for a $12,000 driveway at 2 PM on Tuesday. If he calls back within 5 minutes, he has a 50% chance of closing it. If he waits until 5 PM, that drops to 15%. If he waits until the next morning, it's down to 5%. Same lead, same price quote, but timing determines whether he gets a $2,400 profit or watches his competitor get it.

Common Mistakes

  • -Thinking you can call leads back 'when you get off the job site' — by then they've already hired someone else
  • -Only checking HomeAdvisor or Thumbtack once or twice a day instead of having instant notifications
  • -Calling once and giving up — most leads need 3-5 contact attempts but 80% of contractors stop after one try
  • -Having your phone on silent during work hours — every missed call is potential lost revenue

What to Do

Set up instant push notifications on your phone for every lead source you use. When a lead comes in, stop what you're doing and call within 5 minutes — even if it's just to schedule a callback time. This one change alone can double your close rate.

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Related Terms

Frequently Asked Questions

What's considered a 'fast' response time for concrete leads?
Under 5 minutes is ideal, under 30 minutes is good, and anything over 2 hours puts you at a serious disadvantage. Studies show that after 24 hours, your chances of reaching the lead drop by 600%.
Should I drop everything to call a lead immediately?
Yes, especially for high-value concrete jobs like driveways or patios. A 2-minute call to schedule a proper callback time is better than a perfect call 3 hours later when they've already hired someone else.
What if I'm on a job site and can't take calls?
Send an immediate text like 'Got your request for concrete work! I'm finishing a job but will call you in 2 hours at [time]. What's the best number?' This shows you're responsive and gives you a specific callback appointment.
Do weekends and evenings matter for response time?
Absolutely. Many homeowners browse for contractors on weekends and evenings. Having a system to respond quickly during off-hours can give you a huge competitive advantage over contractors who only work 9-5.
How many times should I try calling if they don't answer?
Try calling once immediately, then text, then call again in 2 hours, then again the next day. Mix calls with texts and emails. Most contractors give up after one attempt, but persistence pays off for concrete leads.

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