Script library: by scenario

    Inbound and warm lead follow-up call script

    For demo requests, contact forms, content downloads and trial sign-ups: fast, warm and qualified. Every line is ready to use: replace each {{placeholder}}, read it aloud a few times, then make it sound like you.

    Make your own version

    Quick answer

    How do you call an inbound lead? Call an inbound lead as soon as possible after they act, reference exactly what they did, ask what prompted it and qualify before booking the meeting. The prospect already raised their hand, so the script is about understanding why and routing them to the right next step, not persuading them.

    Who this script is for

    • SDRs and inbound teams calling demo requests, contact form fills, trial sign-ups and content downloads.
    • Founders who handle inbound leads themselves and want a consistent qualification call.
    • Marketing and sales teams agreeing what happens in the first call after a form fill.

    Inbound leads cool quickly. The prospect was thinking about the problem when they filled in the form; an hour later they're in a meeting about something else. Call while it's still fresh, and treat the call as a conversation about what prompted them, not a pitch.

    Not every inbound lead is qualified. A student downloading a guide and a head of operations requesting a demo need different next steps. The script qualifies quickly and routes accordingly.

    The full annotated script

    Six parts, in the order buyers expect them. The note under each part explains why it is written that way.

    1. 1. Opener

      Hi {{first_name}}, it's {{your_name}} from {{your_company}}. You {{inbound_action}} on our website {{time_ago}}, so I thought I'd call rather than send another email.

      Is now still okay for a couple of minutes?

      Why it works: Be specific about what they did and when. It proves you're responding to them, not cold calling.

    2. 2. Reason for the call

      I wanted to understand what prompted it, so I can point you to the right thing rather than a generic demo.

      Why it works: Positions the call as helpful routing, which inbound prospects appreciate.

    3. 3. Discovery questions

      What made you look into {{topic}} now?

      How are you handling it at the moment?

      Are you looking at other options as well?

      Who else is involved in deciding on something like this?

      Why it works: The first question is the most important. 'Now' tells you urgency; the answer shapes the whole meeting.

    4. 4. Value

      That makes sense. That's exactly what we help {{similar_company_type}} with, and the usual result is {{result}}.

      Based on what you've said, the most useful next step would be {{next_step}}.

      Why it works: Recommend a next step that fits: a demo, a discovery call, a resource or a referral to a partner.

    5. 5. The ask

      {{ae_name}} can take you through it properly. Would {{day_time_1}} or {{day_time_2}} work?

      Why it works: Book while they're on the phone. Inbound leads who are sent a booking link instead often never use it.

    6. 6. Close and confirm

      I'll send the invite now with what you've told me, so {{ae_name}} doesn't ask you the same questions again.

      Anyone else you'd like on it?

      Why it works: Promising not to repeat questions is a small thing prospects notice and value.

    Two alternate openers

    Swap one of these in for the opener above when the situation fits.

    Content download opener

    Hi {{first_name}}, {{your_name}} from {{your_company}}. You downloaded our {{content_title}} recently. I'm not calling to sell you anything off the back of it. I'm curious what you were hoping it would help with.

    When to use it: Use for lower-intent downloads, where a softer tone fits.

    Trial sign-up opener

    Hi {{first_name}}, it's {{your_name}} at {{your_company}}. I saw you started a trial {{time_ago}}. I'm calling to see if you're getting what you need from it, or if a quick walkthrough would save you time.

    When to use it: Use for free trial or freemium sign-ups.

    Gatekeeper line

    For when reception or an assistant answers. Be honest about who you are and ask for help.

    More gatekeeper scripts

    Hi, it's {{your_name}} from {{your_company}}. {{first_name}} got in touch with us through our website {{time_ago}}, and I'm returning their enquiry. Are they available?

    Five likely objections and how to respond

    Acknowledge, ask one question, then offer a smaller step or let them go.

    All objection responses

    "I was just researching."

    That's fine, most people are at that stage. What's prompting the research? I can point you to the right information, even if it's not us.

    Why: Respect the stage and stay helpful. Research leads become opportunities when treated well.

    "Just send me the pricing."

    Happy to. Pricing depends on {{pricing_factor}}, so can I ask two quick questions to make sure I send the right one?

    Why: A pricing request is buying intent. Qualify briefly so the pricing is accurate.

    "That was quick, I only just filled it in."

    We try to call while it's fresh. If now's not good, when would be better today?

    Why: Speed surprises some prospects. Offer a later time without losing the momentum.

    "I filled it in by mistake."

    No problem at all. Thanks for letting me know. I'll take you off the list so you don't get follow-ups.

    Why: Remove them and move on. It protects your data and their experience.

    "We're comparing a few providers."

    That's sensible. What matters most to you in the comparison? I'd rather make sure the meeting covers that than give you a generic tour.

    Why: Knowing their criteria lets you shape the meeting around them.

    Voicemail

    Under 30 seconds. Skip voicemail on the first attempt and pair it with an email the same day.

    12 more voicemail scripts

    Hi {{first_name}}, it's {{your_name}} from {{your_company}}. Thanks for {{inbound_action}} on our site {{time_ago}}. I'm calling to help with {{topic}}. I'll email you a couple of times to choose from. My number is {{phone}}.

    Follow-up email

    Send it the same day as the call or voicemail. It identifies you and includes a working unsubscribe.

    Subject: Your enquiry about {{topic}}

    Hi {{first_name}}, Thanks for {{inbound_action}} on our site. I tried calling to help with {{topic}}. To point you to the right thing, could you reply with what prompted the enquiry? Or if it's easier, {{ae_name}} has {{day_time_1}} or {{day_time_2}} free for 20 minutes. {{your_name}} {{your_title}}, {{your_company}} {{phone}} Reply "unsubscribe" and we won't email again.

    Do and don't

    Do

    • Call as soon as possible after the enquiry.
    • Reference exactly what they did and when.
    • Ask what prompted it before anything else.
    • Book the meeting live and pass on what they told you.

    Don't

    • Don't treat every inbound lead as ready for a demo.
    • Don't send only a booking link and wait.
    • Don't make them repeat themselves in the next meeting.
    • Don't keep emailing someone who said it was a mistake.

    What to expect

    Nousu has not published inbound response benchmarks in its cold calling statistics. Track these from day one.

    Australian cold calling statistics
    MeasurePublished figure or what to track
    Time from enquiry to first callYour own figure. Measure it weekly.
    Inbound leads reached by phoneYour own figure
    Reached leads that book a meetingYour own figure
    Show rate for booked meetings75% to 85% for a well run program

    The show rate range is from Nousu's appointment setting benchmarks. Our speed to lead guide covers inbound response time in more detail.

    To see how many dials your own meeting target needs, use the meetings per dial calculator.

    Common mistakes

    • Calling the next day.
    • Pitching instead of asking what prompted the enquiry.
    • Booking every lead with an account executive regardless of fit.
    • Not feeding call outcomes back to marketing.

    Compliance basics

    General information only, not legal advice.

    Australian cold calling laws
    • Australia: give your name, your employer, who you're calling for and the purpose at the start of the call, call only from 9am to 8pm on weekdays and 9am to 5pm on Saturdays (never Sundays or national public holidays) unless the person agreed to another time, and end the call and remove the number when asked.
    • Business-only numbers can't be on the Do Not Call Register, but personal mobiles can, so wash any list that may contain them. Follow-up emails need consent (inferred consent can apply in B2B when the message is relevant to the person's role), accurate sender details and a working unsubscribe actioned within 5 working days.
    • New Zealand and Singapore have their own rules for follow-up messages and, in Singapore, for marketing calls to numbers on the Do Not Call Registry. See the compliance summary on the script library page.

    Make a version for your company

    This script is a starting point. The free cold call script generator builds a version around your offer, buyer and market, with your own objection responses, voicemails and follow-up emails. It runs in your browser and nothing you type is stored or sent.

    FAQ

    Inbound lead follow-up script questions

    Practical answers from the team that makes the calls.

    Still have questions?

    Book a 30-minute call

    As soon as possible after the enquiry, while the prospect is still thinking about the problem. Our speed to lead guide covers response times in more detail.

    What prompted them to get in touch now. The answer tells you urgency and shapes the rest of the call.

    No. Qualify first. Some need a demo, some a short discovery call, some a resource and some aren't a fit.

    If they gave a business phone number and the call relates to what they downloaded, yes. Keep the tone soft and ask what they were hoping it would help with.

    Treat it as buying intent. Ask one or two questions so the pricing you send is accurate, then offer a short call to walk through it.

    Yes. Nousu's inbound lead qualification service calls and qualifies inbound leads, with callers in-house in Sydney.

    Want Australian callers to run this script for you?

    Book a 30-minute call. We'll map your market and buyers and show you what a phone-first campaign would book.

    Starting at $7,000 a month. Exact fee quoted after a 30-minute call.