The System That 8Γ Your Close Rate
How to Respond to Leads Fast (Under 5 Minutes)
Learn / Lead Management
Quick Answer
Set up instant SMS + email alerts with LeadDuo, use AI scoring to prioritize hot leads, and create response templates. This system lets you respond within 5 minutesβeven when you're away from your desk.
Why Speed Matters More Than You Think
Companies responding within 5 minutes are 8Γ more likely to close (Harvard Business Review)
78% of customers buy from the company that responds first (InsideSales.com)
Waiting 10 minutes makes you 10Γ less likely to reach the lead (MIT Study)
The data is clear: Speed wins. But how do you respond fast when you're in meetings, driving, or sleeping?
The 5-Minute Response System
Here's the exact system to respond within 5 minutes, every time:
Get Instant Alerts (SMS + Email)
Use LeadDuo to receive SMS and email alerts within 60 seconds of form submission.
Why: You can't respond fast if you don't know a lead exists. SMS alerts mean you see leads even when away from your computer.
β Action: Set up LeadDuo instant alerts (free plan includes unlimited email alerts)
Prioritize with AI Scoring
AI scores every lead 0-100 based on intent, budget signals, and urgency.
Why: Not all leads are equal. Focus on 65+ scores firstβthese are ready to buy now.
β Action: Enable AI scoring ($15/mo for 200 credits). Hot leads get flagged in your SMS alert.
Create Response Templates
Pre-write 3-5 response templates for common inquiries (pricing, availability, scheduling).
Why: Templates let you respond in 30 seconds instead of 5 minutes. Personalize the first line, then use template.
β Action: Save templates in your phone's Notes app or use LeadDuo's quick replies (coming soon)
Use One-Tap Actions
LeadDuo shows [Call], [Text], and [Email] buttons directly in the alert.
Why: One tap to call or text means you can respond while walking to a meeting.
β Action: No setup neededβworks automatically in LeadInbox
Set Expectations
If you can't respond immediately, send a 10-second acknowledgment: 'Got your message! I'll call you in 30 minutes.'
Why: Even a quick acknowledgment keeps you top-of-mind and prevents them from contacting competitors.
β Action: Save this as a template for busy times
Real-World Examples
π You're in a meeting
Check email 2 hours later. Lead already hired someone else.
Get SMS alert β Send template: 'Thanks! I'll call you at 3pm.' β Close deal.
π You're driving
Miss the lead entirely. No notification.
Get SMS alert β Pull over β Call them immediately using [Call] button β Close deal.
π You get 10 leads at once
Respond to all 10 in order. Waste time on tire-kickers.
AI shows 2 hot leads (85+ score) β Respond to those first β 2Γ close rate.
Pro Tips for Speed
Enable Push Notifications
Turn on push notifications for LeadDuo emails so you see alerts even when your phone is locked.
Use Quiet Hours
Set Quiet Hours (11pm-7am) so you don't get woken up, but still get email alerts you can check in the morning.
Focus on High Scores
If you're busy, only respond to 65+ scores immediately. Lower scores can wait 1-2 hours.
Send Scheduling Links
For demo requests, send your Calendly/Cal.com link immediately. Let them book a time while intent is high.
Common Questions
β What if I'm sleeping?
Use Quiet Hours to pause SMS alerts at night. Email alerts still work, so you can respond first thing in the morning (still faster than competitors).
β Do I need to respond to every lead?
No. Use AI scoring to prioritize. Respond to 65+ scores within 5 minutes. Lower scores can wait or be auto-qualified first.
β What if I don't have time to write a custom response?
Use templates! Even a templated response within 5 minutes beats a perfect response 2 hours later.
β Can my team share the workload?
Yes! Agency plan ($99/mo) lets you add unlimited team members. First person to respond claims the lead.