Why Talking to Leads in the First 60 Seconds Wins More Jobs

When a homeowner submits a quote request or calls about a service, they're not browsing — they're ready to buy. The question isn't whether they'll hire someone. It's whether they'll hire you.

And the answer almost always comes down to one thing: who gets there first.

The Data Is Clear

Studies consistently show that businesses who respond to leads within the first minute are significantly more likely to convert than those who wait even five minutes. By the time you hit the 30-minute mark, your odds have dropped dramatically.

This isn't theory — it's math. Leads go cold fast. And in competitive service categories like HVAC, plumbing, roofing, and pest control, your competitors are one click away.

Why Speed Wins

When you respond instantly, you accomplish three things:

• You catch them while they're still engaged. They're on your site, thinking about their problem. That's the moment to connect.
• You set the bar. If you're the first to respond professionally, you become the benchmark. Everyone else is just "another quote."
• You build trust early. Fast response signals reliability. Slow response signals the opposite.

The Problem for Most Service Businesses

Most owners and office managers aren't sitting by the phone 24/7. They're on job sites, in meetings, or handling operations. By the time they see a new lead, hours have passed — and the lead has moved on.

This is the gap that automation was built to close.