Most contractors think they lose jobs because:

• “My price was too high.”
• “They found someone cheaper.”
• “The lead wasn’t serious.”
• “They ghosted me.”

But here’s the truth:

You didn’t lose the job because you were too expensive.

You lost because you didn’t follow up enough.

85% of estimates are won after the first message.
Most contractors follow up once, then give up.

Top performers follow up 5–7 times—professionally, politely, and with value.

And they close 2–3× more jobs without lowering prices.

This article gives you the exact Follow-Up Framework your company can implement today.

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Why Homeowners Don’t Respond Immediately

Homeowners aren’t ignoring you.
They’re doing what normal humans do:

• They get busy
• They forget
• They’re comparing quotes
• They’re unsure
• They want reassurance
• They don’t understand the scope
• They feel overwhelmed

Follow-up removes uncertainty.

And uncertainty—not price—is what kills deals.

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The Follow-Up Framework (7 Steps)

This is the system used by elite contractors across every trade:

1. Immediate Response
2. Same-Day Check-In
3. 24-Hour Clarification
4. 72-Hour Value Add
5. 1-Week Nudge
6. 2-Week Future-Pace
7. 30-Day Win-Back

Let’s break each one down with the exact scripts you can use.

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1. Immediate Response (0–5 minutes)

Speed = competence.

Your first message should be:

“Estimate sent! Let me know if you'd like me to walk you through any details.”

This isn’t salesy—it’s supportive.

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2. Same-Day Check-In (2–4 hours later)

Most contractors skip this.

But it’s the step that “activates” the lead.

Script:

“Just checking in—did the estimate come through on your end? Some emails filter it out.”

This gets more replies than anything else.

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3. 24-Hour Clarification

Homeowners rarely understand the details inside an estimate.

The goal here is clarity.

Script:

“I wanted to highlight the 2–3 most important items in your estimate so you feel confident about the decision. Want a quick breakdown?”

You’re guiding—not pushing.

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4. 72-Hour Value Add

Now you shift from information to value.

Examples:

• warranty details
• timelines
• materials info
• why the solution prevents long-term issues

Script:

“One quick note: fixing this now prevents bigger problems in spring. Happy to explain if you’d like.”

This is ethical loss aversion.

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5. One-Week Nudge

This is a soft, pressure-free reminder.

Script:

“Following up in case you’re still deciding! We can reserve a spot on the schedule if needed.”

Clients appreciate the helpful tone.

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6. Two-Week Future-Pace

Now you paint the picture of relief.

Script:

“If you want this wrapped up before weather gets worse, we can get it handled quickly. Just say the word.”

Future pacing sells the feeling, not the task.

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7. 30-Day Win-Back

A final follow-up that reopens the door.

Script:

“Checking in one last time—totally fine if you chose another direction. If you still need help, we’d be glad to take care of it.”

Zero pressure.
Maximum professionalism.

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Why This Works

This sequence works because it speaks to buyer psychology:

• clarity
• reassurance
• simplicity
• consistency
• safety
• timeliness

Homeowners don’t choose the cheapest estimate.

They choose the least stressful estimate.

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The Metrics of High-Closing Contractors

Elite contractors have:

• 50–70% estimate approval rate
• 24-hour average response time
• 5–7 follow-ups per lead
• 10–15% win-back rate at 30 days

Average contractors?

• 20–35% approval
• 1–2 follow-ups
• No tracking
• No win-back process

You don’t have to be “salesy.”
You just have to be consistent.

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The Follow-Up Automation Stack

You can run this whole system manually…
but that’s a nightmare.

With automation, you get:

• instant estimate notifications
• automated follow-up sequences
• text reminders
• win-back messages
• read receipts
• status tracking
• no forgotten leads

And that’s where Lead Dog comes in.

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How Lead Dog Automates the Entire Follow-Up Framework

Lead Dog handles every step:

• Instant estimate sent
• 24-hour follow-up
• 3-day value add
• Review when estimate is viewed
• 1-week reminder
• 2-week nudge
• 30-day win-back
• Automated “tech on the way” messages
• Payment reminders
• Invoice follow-up

All without you lifting a finger.

Contractors who use these automations report:

• Higher approval rates
• Faster close times
• Fewer ghosted leads
• Shorter sales cycles
• Higher customer trust
• More consistent revenue

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The Final Word: Follow-Up Is a Superpower

Most contractors are great at the work.
Few are great at the communication.

Follow-up is where money is made.

If you want to:

• close more estimates
• stop relying on cheap leads
• stand out from competitors
• increase trust
• scale revenue

…then build a system like this.

Consistency beats charisma.
Professionalism beats pressure.
And follow-up beats price.

Your next 100 jobs are hiding in your follow-up—go get them.