AI has come a long way in helping businesses streamline their operations, and lead follow-up is no exception. Concrete coating companies, like many others, can benefit from AI tools that automate communication through text messages, chatbots, and email. But—before you get too excited—let’s be real about where the technology stands today. AI can enhance your follow-up process, but not all follow-ups are created equal. When it comes to picking up the phone, AI isn’t quite there yet.

In this post, I’ll break down the pros and cons of using AI for lead follow-up, highlight where it works best, and explain why phone calls should still be handled by you or your team if you want to close more deals and maintain high-quality relationships with your leads.

The Pros of Using AI for Lead Follow-Up

1. Speed and Availability
   AI can respond to new leads almost instantly. With automated text messages or chatbot responses, you can reach out to leads 24/7, even when you’re busy on job sites or enjoying a weekend. This kind of speed makes a great first impression and keeps potential customers engaged.

2. Consistency and Efficiency
   AI doesn’t forget or get distracted. Automated follow-up ensures no leads fall through the cracks. Tools like scheduled emails and text reminders can keep communication steady without relying on your memory or manual work. Plus, using AI-powered CRMs can give your sales process a structure that’s easy to track.

3. Multi-Channel Communication
   AI shines with text, email, and chat. You can automate follow-up texts, use pre-built email sequences, or deploy chatbots on your website to answer FAQs. These channels are non-intrusive and convenient, allowing customers to engage at their own pace.

The Cons of Using AI for Lead Follow-Up

1. AI Over the Phone: Not There Yet
   When it comes to voice interactions, AI is still clunky. Sure, you’ve heard about virtual assistants trying to handle phone calls, but the results are… let’s just say awkward. AI lacks the emotional nuance and conversational flow needed for effective phone calls. No one wants to hear a robotic voice struggling through a follow-up, especially when they’re trying to book a job that costs thousands of dollars.

2. Potential for Generic Responses
   While AI can handle simple inquiries, it’s not always great at addressing more nuanced questions or unique concerns. A lead might want to know how your epoxy coating holds up in Chicago winters, and a canned AI response won’t build the same trust as a personal reply from someone on your team.

3. Risk of Losing the Human Touch
   At the end of the day, concrete coating is a people business. Your customers are investing in their homes and want to know they’re dealing with real, trustworthy people. Too much automation can make your follow-ups feel impersonal, which can hurt trust and reduce conversions.

Why Owning Your Phone Follow-Up Matters

Let’s not sugarcoat it—phone calls are hard, and most people would rather avoid them. But they’re also where deals get closed. AI can help get your foot in the door with texts and emails, but the magic happens when you pick up the phone. There’s no replacement for a real conversation when a potential customer is on the fence or has questions they need answered in real-time.

Choosing to own your phone follow-up is the smartest move you can make right now. It’s worth the effort to not only get comfortable on the phone yourself but also train your team to handle calls effectively. Think of it as a skill that pays off with every job you close—and it doesn’t come naturally, so you need processes in place to ensure quality. That means setting expectations, tracking call outcomes, and having a script or framework to follow without sounding like a telemarketer.

Final Thoughts

AI is a powerful tool that can take a lot of the hassle out of lead follow-up, especially through text, email, and chat. But when it comes to phone calls, it’s still not ready to take over. For now, the best way to close more deals and grow your concrete coating business is to put in the work yourself. Own your follow-ups, make the calls, and train your team to do the same.

Automation has its place—but the personal touch is where trust is built and deals are won. Use AI to support your process, not replace it. When you balance automation with the human connection, you’ll have a follow-up system that’s both scalable and effective.

Need help setting up AI-powered follow-ups and optimizing your lead process? Let’s chat! We can help you create a system that blends the best of both worlds—so you never miss an opportunity to close a deal. Reach out today for a free strategy session!