How fast should you call an internet lead from Angi or HomeAdvisor?

You must contact them within 5 minutes. The first contractor to get the homeowner on the phone wins the job 80% of the time.

What is the best follow-up sequence for landscaping leads?

Use an automated system that instantly sends a text message, auto-dials the homeowner, and drops a pre-recorded voicemail if they don't answer.

How to Follow Up With Landscaping Leads From Angi, Thumbtack, HomeAdvisor, and Google Ads

You just paid $45 for a landscaping lead from Angi or Thumbtack. You get the email notification, finish the lawn you are currently mowing, and call the number an hour later.

"Oh, thanks, but I already hired someone," the homeowner says.

You just burned $45 because your landscaping lead follow-up process is too slow. When you buy shared leads from aggregator sites, or generate your own via Google Ads, speed to lead is the only metric that matters.

The Reality of Shared Leads

When a homeowner submits a request for a patio on HomeAdvisor or Angi, that lead is immediately sold to you and three or four of your competitors simultaneously.

The homeowner's phone instantly starts ringing. The first contractor to get the homeowner on the phone and book an estimate wins the job 80% of the time. The second contractor is the backup plan. The third contractor is an annoyance.

The 5-Minute Follow-Up Rule

A study by MIT showed that if you call a web lead within 5 minutes, you are 100 times more likely to connect with them than if you call 30 minutes later.

If you are out in the field, you cannot consistently hit a 5-minute response time manually. You must automate the follow-up.

The Automated Follow-Up Sequence

Here is the exact sequence you need to build to beat your competitors to the punch:

Step 1: The Instant Automated Text (Minute 0)

As soon as the lead enters your system (via webhook from Angi or a form fill from Google Ads), an automated text must fire immediately.

The Text: "Hi [Name], this is [Your Name] with [Company]. I just received your request for a landscaping quote. I have a crew near you tomorrow—are you available for a quick call right now to discuss?"
Why it works: It establishes contact before your competitor can dial the number.

Step 2: The Auto-Dial / Connect Call (Minute 1)

Your phone system should automatically call you and whisper, "New lead from Google. Press 1 to connect." If you press 1, it instantly dials the homeowner.

Step 3: The Voicemail Drop and Email (Minute 5)

If they don't answer the text or the call, automate a pre-recorded voicemail drop and a professional email introducing your company, linking to your reviews, and providing a link to book an estimate on your calendar.

How to Stop Chasing Leads Entirely

Chasing internet leads is exhausting. A better strategy is forcing the leads to come to you on your terms.

Instead of buying shared leads, focus on driving exclusive calls to your business via Google Business Profile and local SEO. Then, capture every single one of those exclusive calls using BusyLine AI.

When a lead calls your business directly, the BusyLine AI receptionist answers instantly, qualifies the homeowner, and books the estimate. No chasing, no fighting three other contractors, and no wasted ad spend.