Woman Working at Desk with Client

3 Simple Steps to Turn New Leads into Clients — Without the Overwhelm

October 23, 20243 min read

"I had to make my own living and my own opportunity. But I made it! Don’t sit down and wait for the opportunities to come. Get up and make them." -Madam C.J. Walker

It's the most important moment in your service-based business - the second a new lead comes in!

Woman sitting at desk with client

That moment is your window to capture their attention, build trust, and turn that lead into a paying client.

But if you’re like most service-based business owners, you’re already juggling a hundred things, and managing follow-ups probably feels like just another task to add to the list.

The good news? It doesn’t have to be. With the right system in place, you can nurture leads quickly and effectively, without adding more to your workload.

Here’s a foolproof, automated 3-step process to ensure no lead ever slips through the cracks.

Email First: Stay Top of Mind

The first step is simple: send a value-packed email the moment the lead comes in. Emails generate $42 for every $1 spent, with an ROI of 4,200% on average. Crazy, right?!

Email keeps the momentum going after the lead has shown an interest in your services. And, it gives the new lead a reason to take the next step to engaging deeper with your business.

Whether it's a free resource, a discount, or a link to schedule a consultation call, your email is designed to build excitement and show your value right away. It’s about creating that instant connection while your business is still fresh in their mind.

Text Next: Make It Personal

People are glued to their phones, so why not take advantage of that? SMS open rates are as high as 98%, with response rates by clients of around 45%, making it a highly effective for of follow-up communication.

Therefore, after the email, send a quick text. Not a long-winded message, but something short and sweet — "Hey [Name], just sent you some info. Let me know if you have any questions!"

It's personal, immediate, and shows that you’re ready to connect on a more direct level without overwhelming them. This keeps the engagement going in a way that feels natural.

Call: Seal the Deal

Now that you’ve warmed the client lead up with email and text, it's time to solidify the relationship with a call. Leads that receive a call after an initial email and text follow-up are 70% more likely to convert into paying customers compared to those who only receive one form of follow-up.

The call is where you get to listen to their needs, offer personalized solutions, and build real trust. The phone call isn’t just a sales pitch — it’s an opportunity to show that you genuinely care about their business and are ready to help solve their problems.

Pro Tip: Automate It All!

Here’s where the magic happens—automation. You can set up all of these steps to happen automatically, so you’re not manually following up with each lead (because, let’s be honest, who has time for that?).

Go High Level is a fantastic CRM and automation tool. With it you can ensure that your leads get the attention they deserve, while you focus on running your business.

Follow this simple and easy 3-step system to turn more client leads into paying customers with less effort — and that’s the ultimate goal, right? You're service-based business will grow!

Chelsey Gilchrist has a background in local business ownership and community programs. She is the owner of Digital Frogging, an online marketing agency focused on supporting service-based businesses with Meta Ads and Email Campaigns. She lives in Stratford, Ontario.

Chelsey Gilchrist

Chelsey Gilchrist has a background in local business ownership and community programs. She is the owner of Digital Frogging, an online marketing agency focused on supporting service-based businesses with Meta Ads and Email Campaigns. She lives in Stratford, Ontario.

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