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How Fast Should I Follow Up With a New Lead?

Under 60 seconds. Leads contacted in the first minute close 3–5x more often than leads contacted in the first hour. Automate the first text; a human calls next.

Chris HeidlebaughUpdated July 2026Q&A answer

Chris Heidlebaugh — Digital Marketing Coach

Written & reviewed by

— Digital Marketing Coach & author of Digital Marketing for DIYers

  • 25+ years in marketing
  • 18+ years on the job site
  • 20,000+ students taught
  • Home services specialist
  • M.S., Computer Science
  • B.S., Internet Marketing
  • College professor, digital marketing
  • Owner of multiple seven-figure marketing agencies
  • Published author and speaker
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by Chris Heidlebaugh (Q&A)

Every guide here is written from real client work with contractors, roofers, plumbers, HVAC, electricians, and landscapers — then re-checked against current Google, Google Business Profile, and AI search behavior before it's updated. Meet the expert review board →

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Short answer

Under 60 seconds. Leads contacted in the first minute close 3–5x more often than leads contacted in the first hour. Automate the first text; a human calls next.

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Chris Heidlebaugh — Digital Marketing Coach

About the Author

Chris Heidlebaugh is a former construction worker turned Digital Marketing Coach with 25+ years of experience helping home service businesses — contractors, roofers, plumbers, HVAC, electricians, landscapers, and remodelers — build in-house marketing systems they actually own. He spent 18+ years on the job site while building a web and marketing company on the side, so he speaks both languages. He's also a former college professor who has taught 20,000+ students, the author of Digital Marketing for DIYers, host of the Digital Marketing Coach Podcast, and creator of the Insourced Marketing Blueprint.