My Favorite Sales Cadence Openings for Real-time Inbound Leads (for Lead Buyers)
Get the conversation started with these messages and templates
Getting that first reply and starting a conversation is one of the biggest challenges in sales.
Yet, there is surprisingly little written about it.
So, today I’m going to get super practical (like, cut and paste practical) and share some of my most effective sales cadence openings.
Opening contact templates
In all of my sales cadences, I prefer an omnichannel approach – using multiple communication channels to rise above the noise of our digital world and to identify my prospect’s desired way to communicate quickly.
For real-time, inbound leads, this is my template.
Voicemail drop that introduces myself, why I’m reaching out (i.e., how I got your information), and foreshadowing a more detailed email with the opportunity to schedule an appointment
Immediately follow your voicemail with a text message that references your voicemail and again mentions that you’re sending an email shortly
10-15 minutes (Give a little pause. You want them to think you just typed out this email) after your voicemail and text message, send your opening email introducing yourself, giving them a little more detail on the next steps and asking them when it’s convenient to talk, giving them the option to use your scheduling link
Here is an alternate version that doesn’t open with a voicemail drop:
Send a quick text informing them that you got their web form submission and will call them ASAP.
10-15 minutes (Give a little pause. You want them to think you’re busy with another client, and maybe you will be.) Call, which will probably result in a voicemail, and let them know that you’re sending them a detailed email with the next steps and the opportunity to schedule a time to chat.
5-10 minutes, send that email follow-up with your scheduling link
Cut and paste scripts for opening contact
Here are some examples of these messages you can cut and paste into your lead management system and give a go.
Opening Call, Voicemail, or Voicemail Drop
Hey Ali! This is Bill from Hometown Lender. I just got your request from the web form you filled out — no need to call me back. I’m going to shoot you a quick text message and a detailed email with the next steps. Look for those, and we’ll schedule a time to talk.
Secret Tip: Did you notice the “no need to call me back” line? This little psychological trick works like a charm and lowers the consumer’s sense of pressure and anxiety.
Text Message Followup
Message #1
Hey Antoine, this is Bill. I just got your request from the web form. I wanted to make sure this is the right number and that it’s okay to text?
Bill Rice, loan officer with Hometown Lender. NMLS 55555
Message #2 (a few seconds after)
Of course, you can always opt-out by texting ‘Stop’
Secret Tip: Notice I used two messages instead of one. Think about when you text friends and family. You don’t peck out one long message; you break the chat into shorter ones. Plus, multiple texts in a row will be irresistible to check their notification screen.
Email Followup
Subject Line: {{first_name}} I got your request. Next steps…
Hi {{first_name}}!
I got your information from the form you filled out on our website, and looking forward to working with you.
Our next step is to set up a call so that we can go through your specific situation, goals, and preferences and get you qualified.
It’s a pretty simple process and only takes about 15-20 minutes of your time.
When is the best time to talk? If it’s more convenient, just grab a time on my calendar: https://calendly.com/bill-rice/quick-call.
- Bill
{{signature_block}}
These should get you started, bring you lots of quick responses, and increase your contact rates. But don’t stop here. Constantly tweak and test these messages to find your own secret sauce to high contact rates.
A final note on rhythm
Before I wrap this up, I want to touch on sales cadence rhythms.
Just like I never try to make initial contact through one channel, I never assume I will get a response with a single burst of messages. Instead, set up a steady rhythm.
Here’s mine.
Day 0: Omnichannel burst to get a reply
Day 1: Follow up text and re: to my previous email to bump it to the top
Day 3: Phone/voicemail follow-up and afternoon email
Day 7: Omnichannel burst again. You can use almost the same scripts.
Day 10: Phone/voicemail and email letting them know you’re ready when they are
Add to nurture campaign: Add them to your lead nurture campaign, which should be driven by evergreen content to get a response or push them back to the website to trigger remarketing (future topic).
What do you think? Are you going to try these? Do you have your own proven messages and scripts?
Drop your winners in the comments.