Answering Calls and Winning Business: Why it's Important to Pick Up the Phone

As a business owner, you may be juggling multiple tasks at once, but it's crucial to make sure that you prioritize answering phone calls from potential new customers. By doing so, you can increase the chances of closing a sale and building a positive reputation for your business.

Research has shown that a missed call can have a significant impact on a business's bottom line. According to a survey by CallRail, 61% of people who call a business expect to talk to someone immediately, and 80% won't leave a voicemail if they don't reach a live person. This means that if you're not answering your phone, you could potentially miss out on 80% of potential customers.

In addition, the same survey found that 57% of people are likely to call a competitor if they can't reach a live person at a business. This means that a missed call not only leads to a lost sale but could also result in a lost customer who may never consider your business again.

But it's not just about losing business. Answering your phone can also have a positive impact on customer satisfaction and retention. A study by Invoca found that customers who call a business are 10 times more likely to make a purchase than those who only visit the website. Furthermore, customers who call and speak to a representative are 3 times more likely to become repeat customers.

So, what can you do to make sure you're not missing out on potential business? First, make sure you have a phone system in place that allows you to answer calls promptly. This could mean having a receptionist on staff, using a virtual phone system, or setting up an automated greeting that directs customers to the right department.

If you can't answer a call immediately, be sure to follow up as soon as possible. Research by Harvard Business Review found that responding to a customer within 5 minutes of receiving an inquiry makes them 100 times more likely to become a customer compared to if they waited 30 minutes to hear back.

In conclusion, answering phone calls from potential new customers is crucial to the success of your business. By doing so, you can increase the likelihood of closing a sale, build customer satisfaction and retention, and ultimately grow your business. So don't let a missed call be a missed opportunity, and make sure you prioritize answering your phone.