FOLLOW-UP SEQUENCES The 5-Touch Cadence · 5 Messages + Objection Handlers Black Flag Media =============================================================================== INSTRUCTIONS =============================================================================== Copy any message below. Paste into your CRM automation, email tool, or SMS platform. Change the text inside [BRACKETS] to fit the specific lead. Do NOT rewrite the structure. These messages test well because they sound human and they lead with value, not pressure. Send them on this schedule after tagging the lead "cadence-active": Touch 1 -> 2 hours later Touch 2 -> Day 2 Touch 3 -> Day 7 Touch 4 -> Day 14 Touch 5 -> Day 30 =============================================================================== TOUCH 1 · SAME-DAY APPRECIATION Send 2 hours after the sales conversation ends. Channel: text or email. Purpose: prove you were listening, confirm next step, no pressure. =============================================================================== Hey [FIRST NAME], great talking today. Quick recap of what I heard: you're looking to [WHAT THEY WANT] and the biggest thing on your mind is [THE ONE THING THEY WORRIED ABOUT]. I'll do the [NEXT STEP AGREED ON] and get back to you by [DATE]. Text me any time before then if anything comes up. - [YOUR NAME] =============================================================================== TOUCH 2 · VALUE DROP Send Day 2 after tagging. Channel: whatever fits the value being sent. Purpose: deliver value with zero ask. Rare. Signals long game. =============================================================================== Hey [FIRST NAME], thought this might help you decide. [LINK TO A SPECIFIC THING]. [ONE-LINE WHY IT MATTERS FOR THEM]. No response needed. Just wanted you to have it. =============================================================================== TOUCH 3 · OBJECTION CUT Send Day 7 after tagging. Channel: text (highest reply rate). Purpose: name the elephant. Ask directly. Get real answer. =============================================================================== Hey [FIRST NAME], want to be respectful of your time so I'll be direct. I don't want to keep guessing what's holding this up. Is it [MOST COMMON OBJECTION #1], [MOST COMMON OBJECTION #2], or something I haven't thought of? Whichever it is, I'd rather hear it than not. Even a one-word answer works. =============================================================================== TOUCH 4 · SOCIAL PROOF Send Day 14 after tagging. Channel: email (so they can read the story). Purpose: proof from someone like them, not from you. =============================================================================== Hey [FIRST NAME], I know you were on the fence about [THEIR ORIGINAL CONCERN]. Sharing this because it reminded me of you: [CUSTOMER STORY, ONE PARAGRAPH]. Now they [SPECIFIC RESULT]. If you want the details on how we got them there, happy to walk you through it. =============================================================================== TOUCH 5 · CLOSE-OR-CLOSE Send Day 30 after tagging. Channel: text. Purpose: give them permission to say no. Free up your pipeline. =============================================================================== Hey [FIRST NAME], last touch on this so you don't hear from me forever if the timing isn't right. Three options: 1. YES: text back and we'll book it in this week 2. NOT YET: I'll check in every 90 days, no pressure 3. NO: text NO and I'll wipe the file, no hard feelings Whichever it is, I'll respect it. =============================================================================== OBJECTION HANDLERS · WHEN THEY REPLY WITH... =============================================================================== If they reply "just thinking about it": Totally fair. What's the one thing you're most unsure about? I'd rather help you get clear on that than pitch you again. If they reply "need to talk to my spouse/partner": Smart. Would it help if I put together a one-page summary you can share with them? Or I could join a 10-min call with both of you so nobody has to repeat everything. If they reply "can't afford it right now": Appreciate the honesty. Two options: (1) I've got a lighter version that might fit. (2) I can put you on a 90-day check-in and touch base when things line up. Which fits? If they reply "shopping around": Makes sense, big decision. If I could ask one favor: when you decide, would you text me either way? Not to sell you, just so I can close the file. Curiosity, not pressure. If they reply "not the right time": Got it. What would make it the right time? A season, a milestone, a specific event? Whatever it is, I'll set a reminder and check back then. If they reply "let me get back to you": Sounds good. So I'm not just hovering, is a week too soon or about right? Whatever you say I'll respect it. =============================================================================== STOP RULES (exit the cadence when...) =============================================================================== - Any reply from the lead: PAUSE cadence, handle live conversation. If it ends without a sale, re-enter at Touch 3. - Lead books an appointment: EXIT permanently, move to sales flow. - Lead says "stop" or "unsubscribe" or "not interested" or "NO": EXIT permanently, remove tag. - All 5 touches complete with zero reply: EXIT to cold-nurture list. 1 touch per month for 6 months, then remove. =============================================================================== ONE-LINE REMINDER (tape this to your monitor) =============================================================================== 80% of sales require 5+ touches. 44% of salespeople quit after 1. Be the one who doesn't.