Marketing Academy
Automating Lead Follow-Up
How to set up automated SMS and email sequences so no lead falls through the cracks.
The Speed-to-Lead Problem
78% of customers buy from the first business that responds. If you're taking hours or days to follow up with leads, you're handing revenue to your competitors. Automation solves this by responding in seconds, 24/7.
The Perfect Follow-Up Sequence
Immediate: automated text confirming you received their inquiry. 5 minutes: personalized email with next steps. 1 hour: if no response, second SMS. Day 2: follow-up email with value (tips, case study). Day 5: final check-in. This isn't pushy — it's professional.
Pro Tips
- SMS gets 98% open rates vs. 20% for email
- Keep messages short and conversational
- Always include a clear next step in every message
Tools You Need
A CRM with automation capabilities (like the one built into the Liftoff Growth System). You need: automatic lead capture from forms, SMS and email sending, sequencing logic, and notification when a lead responds.
Setting Up Your First Automation
Start with one automation: when a form is submitted, send an instant SMS confirmation and notify your team. This alone can increase your conversion rate by 30%+. Build from there.
Key Takeaways
- 78% of customers buy from the first to respond
- Respond within minutes, not hours
- SMS > email for initial follow-up
- Start with one automation and build from there
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