How to automatically follow up with new enquiries
Useful whether or not you ever hire anyone. Including when automation isn't the answer.
The problem
An enquiry arrives while you're busy. You mean to reply, but by the time you do, the person has found someone else, or the email has slipped down the inbox and never gets an answer at all.
Why it happens
Enquiries arrive at random times, while replying depends on a person being free. Nothing reminds you, and nothing records the enquiry anywhere except the inbox, so it's easy for one to fall through the gap.
Your options
Free, and helps, but still depends on you being available.
Instant, but generic. It confirms the email arrived without actually helping.
Each enquiry is saved to a list and gets a relevant reply straight away, and you follow up properly when you're free.
When automation makes sense
- ✓You get enquiries every week, not once a month
- ✓Enquiries come through a website form or a single email address
- ✓You've lost work because a reply was slow
When it probably doesn't
- ✓You get a handful of enquiries a year
- ✓Every enquiry needs a long, bespoke conversation before any reply makes sense
- ✓Enquiries come by phone call only
A practical example
Enquiries sent through betechnical.co.uk are read automatically, saved to a customer list, and answered with a reply written about what the person asked, within seconds. A person then follows up properly.
See it →How Betechnical could help
If automation makes sense for you, this is exactly the kind of job I build, at a fixed price with a ceiling it can never go above. More about email and enquiries →
Common questions
Is an instant reply better than a personal one?
It isn't either-or. An instant, relevant acknowledgement stops people going elsewhere, and a personal reply follows.
Do I need a CRM for this?
No. A simple spreadsheet or customer list works well for most small businesses.
Not sure if yours can be automated?
Describe it to Bea, and you'll get an honest answer and a ballpark price in about a minute. If it isn't worth automating, I'll say so.