The Secret to Business Growth: Speed to Lead in Marketing

Hi there, Tyler Williams here, owner of Mammoth Marketing for Plumbers. Today, I’m pulling back the curtain on one of the biggest challenges businesses face when trying to grow: Speed to Lead. Let’s dive into why it’s so important and how you can implement strategies to master it. Warning: jokes may appear unexpectedly.

What Is Speed to Lead and Why Should You Care?

Speed to lead refers to how quickly you respond to potential customers when they reach out. Imagine calling a plumber about a broken pipe, only to hear back hours later. By then, you’ve probably contacted someone else who answered right away. The same concept applies across industries—your ability to respond quickly builds trust and ensures you’re not leaving money on the table.

Here’s the hard truth: responding within 5 minutes is drastically better than 10, and hours later might as well be never. Quick responses mean more revenue because customers want a responsive business. Nobody wants to feel like they’re shouting into the void.

Why Speed to Lead Matters in Plumbing Marketing

In a Facebook group recently, I saw a post about Google’s Local Service Ads (those “Google Guaranteed” ones). When someone leaves a message, they’re prompted to send it to other providers too. Translation: if you’re not the fastest, you’re out.

For plumbers, this is especially critical. Customers don’t wait around; they’re looking for someone to fix their problem NOW. If you don’t respond, someone else will, and they’ll secure that customer (and their loyalty) for the next 5-10 years. Ouch.

Challenges for Small Plumbing Businesses

I get it—you’re busy. Small shops with a couple of technicians don’t always have the bandwidth to answer every call. But when that phone rings and nobody picks up, you’re losing more than a lead. You’re losing the money you spent on ads and the potential lifetime value of that customer. It’s like filling a bucket with holes in it. Frustrating, right?

Solutions to Master Speed to Lead

So, what can you do to fix this? Here are some solutions, ranging from quick and affordable to advanced and a bit pricier.

1. Drop Everything and Answer the Phone

Obvious, but not always realistic. You’re busy fixing pipes and can’t always pick up. Plus, calls often come in after hours when customers finally remember to call a plumber. If this is your plan, stock up on coffee. Lots of coffee.

2. Implement a Missed Call Text-Back System

This is one of the simplest and cheapest solutions. Set up an automation that sends a text when you miss a call:

“Hi, we missed your call. Our office is currently closed or we’re on a job. Please text us your problem, and we’ll get back to you ASAP.”

Just letting customers know you’ve “received their message” reassures them and keeps them from calling your competitor. You can also expand this system to include website forms, chat widgets, and even Google My Business messages.

3. Hire a Customer Service Representative (CSR)

Having a dedicated CSR during business hours is a game-changer. A CSR can:

• Answer calls and messages promptly.

• Schedule appointments.

• Follow up on missed messages.

• Handle administrative tasks like organizing emails and dispatching jobs.

This investment lets you focus on what you do best: solving plumbing problems.

4. Explore AI Agents

AI is getting smarter every day. These virtual assistants can answer phones, schedule appointments, and even gather details about a customer’s issue. Imagine a friendly bot saying:

“Hi, I’m Maribel from Mammoth Marketing. How can I help you today?”

While AI agents are still developing, they’re available 24/7 and can fill gaps after hours. But fair warning: they require fine-tuning to avoid going rogue (nobody wants a bot booking “plumbing for extraterrestrials”).

5. Use a Call Answering Service

For those who aren’t ready to dive into AI, call answering services are a great alternative. Companies like Plumline specialize in handling calls for plumbers. They’re real people who can ensure your customers feel heard.

However, these services need proper training. The effort you put into setting them up will determine their success. Think of it as training an employee—the better the setup, the better the results.

The Importance of Taking Action

Here’s the deal: failing to respond promptly means your leads disappear, taking their dollars elsewhere. Whether it’s a missed call text-back, hiring a CSR, or using AI, the key is to have a system in place.

Speed to lead isn’t just about answering the phone; it’s about creating a process that ensures no customer gets left behind. Trust me, your future self (and your bank account) will thank you.

Schedule Your Consultation Today

If you’re ready to take your business to the next level and want a tailored strategy for growth, let’s chat. Visit TylerWilliams.net to schedule a free consultation. My team and I will help you pinpoint the next steps to growing your plumbing business. Whether you’re drowning in missed calls or just need a little nudge in the right direction, we’ve got your back.

Thanks for tuning in, and remember: the faster you respond, the faster your business grows. See you next time!