Speed‑to‑Lead: Why the First 5 Minutes Decide the Sale (and How to Hit It 24/7)

Response probability drops fast. The fix: give shoppers an immediate call‑back or live answer—any time, any timezone—without hiring.

Reading time: 4 minCategory: Sales Ops

1) The classic decay curve

Seminal research popularized by Harvard Business Review shows that contacting online leads within minutes dramatically increases qualification and conversion—waiting even an hour can slash your odds.

Harvard Business Review — The Short Life of Online Sales Leads (link). MIT/InsideSales study PDF (link).

2) Modern shoppers expect immediacy

Today’s buyers—mobile‑first and comparison‑shopping—expect instant answers. If they can’t get help now, they’ll try a competitor. Speed‑to‑lead is no longer a sales hack; it’s table stakes.

3) How to hit the first 5 minutes, 24/7

AI phone support can auto‑call back a new lead in seconds, greet them in their language, qualify intent, answer common questions, and route urgent cases to you. No missed evenings or weekends.

Practical setup: publish your number, connect your store FAQs, enable instant call‑backs for lead forms, and set escalation rules. Live in 2 minutes.

Turn interest into a conversation

Don’t leave leads waiting. Meet the five‑minute window automatically and keep momentum while intent is highest.