Turn Cold Leads Into Customers With These 11 Follow-Ups.

Turn Cold Leads Into Customers With These 11 Follow-Ups.

If you're trying to get through to cold leads but keep hearing crickets, there's a smarter, smoother way to stay on their radar without sounding desperate.

1. REFERENCE PREVIOUS CONTACT Reminding a lead of their past interaction with you resets the context and shows you’re paying attention. Mention where they came from an ebook signup, webinar, or call.

Action step: Open with a sentence like Based on your download of my checklist, I thought you’d appreciate this next quick tip.

Example: A lead who downloaded a planning guide gets a follow-up about implementing one small tip that week.

Prompt: Write a follow-up opener referencing a freebie the lead downloaded last week.

2. SHARE A QUICK VALUE DROP Instead of asking for the sale, give a micro–value that solves a tiny problem. This builds goodwill and shows your expertise.

Action step: Send a short tip via email or message that addresses a common pain point - with no ask attached yet.

Example: You send a one-line subject: “Try this hack to double your email open rates.”

Prompt: Draft a value-rich line to help a cold lead boost a specific ad performance metric.

3. ASK A SIMPLE QUESTION Inviting a yes/no or easy response reduces barriers to reply. Questions like Did this help or Are you using this tip now? open conversations.

Action step: Follow a tip with Did that make sense or Did you try it yet.

Example: After sharing advice on writing engaging headlines, ask "Was that helpful to you?"

Prompt: Create a friendly follow-up question to prompt feedback on a shared tip.

4. OFFER A QUICK CONSULTATION Propose a short call or chat to help the lead with a specific problem. You don’t have to pitch a service just focus on helping first.

Action step: Offer a 15-minute slot this week and explain what you’ll cover in the call.

Example: "Want to connect for 15 minutes to fix your funnel’s first step?"

Prompt: Write a 2 line email offering a 15-minute consult for users who downloaded a funnel checklist.

5. SEND A SUCCESS STORY People trust social proof from others like them. Share a mini case study or testimonial that speaks to their situation.

Action step: Include a brief story with measurable result - like "How X reduced ad cost by 30 percent with a simple change."

Example: A follow-up email showcases someone who used your tip from the free guide and got immediate improvement.

Prompt: Draft a short case story about a client who gained 500 new subscribers after using your training.

6. PROVIDE A “BEHIND-THE-SCENES” UPDATE Show behind-the-scenes in a follow-up to reveal effort and authenticity. You could show a screenshot or explain what went into your newest guide.

Action step: Send a video showing your current project and say "What I uncovered may help you too."

Example: As you write your next lead magnet, share a preview tip in advance.

Prompt: Write a behind-the-scenes note that shares one new insight you’re working on today.

7. CREATE A LIMITED BONUS OPPORTUNITY Adding scarcity motivates cold leads to re-engage. Offer added value like a bonus video or checklist available only to respondents.

Action step: Announce that early respondents will receive a free add-on.

Example: Offer a bonus live audit to the first five people to respond this week.

Prompt: Generate a short bonus offer invite for first responders.

8. USE A VIDEO REPLY A quick screen-recorded video adds personality and clarity without requiring a call. You can walk through a tip or site.

Action step: Record a 60-second Loom video addressing their situation and send via email.

Example: A lead replies with surprise at how helpful seeing the tip animated felt.

Prompt: Write a simple script to record a short video helping set up an email sequence.

9. RE-SHARE ORIGINAL CONTENT Resend a past post, tip, or piece from your archive that fits their context. Let them know you remembered what they liked.

Action step: Find relevant content, add a personalized note, and link it.

Example: "I thought you’d enjoy this how-to post from last month still super useful today."

Prompt: Draft a follow-up note to share a past blog post related to a tool they mentioned.

10. OFFER A CHALLENGE INVITE Challenges engage people with short-term goals and are easier to join than full products. Invite cold leads to join a free 3-day or 5-day email challenge.

Action step: Frame it as low commitment and specific - like 5-Day Email Subject Line Challenge.

Example: A follow-up says "Join this free 3-Day Funnel Refresh Challenge this week"

Prompt: Write an email invite to a short challenge around topic relevant to your lead.

11. ASK FOR FEEDBACK ON YOUR OFFER Cold leads can help you improve while giving you a reason to reconnect. Ask what they thought of the tool or link you shared.

Action step: Send an email with "What would make this resource better for you?"

Example: A simple "What could be improved in this guide?" leads to thoughtful replies and relationships.

Prompt: Craft an email asking for feedback on a free checklist you provided earlier.

SUMMARY 

Cold leads don’t have to stay cold. Use these 11 follow-up tricks to build warmth, value, trust, and urgency - without pushy sales pitches. With consistent follow-up, cold leads become relationships, and relationships become sales.