When is the Best Time to Make Business Calls?

When is the best time to make business calls? New research is showing us that depending on the nature of the call (sales calls, returning calls, etc.), how quickly you return a call matters much more than the time of day.

That’s not to say that you’d ever want to make a business-related call at 9:00 pm or 6:00 am; the goal should be to get back in touch with the prospect or caller as soon as you can during normal business hours.

If a prospect gets in touch with you via your website contact form or leaves a message on your voicemail, don’t wait for so-called “optimal calling hours” before getting in touch. Prospects appreciate speed, and it simply makes more sense – the longer you wait, the more vendors or providers your potential client has time to contact. You can be sure that they won’t be waiting to contact the lead, so neither should you.

The art of the fast follow-up

Did you know that a fast follow-up is the number one driver of sales conversions over the phone? Remember to “strike while the iron is hot” – when your product or company is still top of mind with your lead and they have only contacted you moments ago – to increase your chances of landing a sale.

“Prospects that received a call within one minute of their initial inquiry were 391% more likely to convert than those called any time after that.” – Velocify CEO Nick Hedges

That’s right – prospects are nearly 400% more likely to convert if you simply get back in touch with them right away! You’ll have the “WOW” factor on your side as well. Your prospect is likely to comment on how quickly you responded and let you know that they’re pleased about it. If you close the sale, you can be sure it’s because of the art of the fast follow-up! If you lack time, then consider trying a phone answering service that is right for your business.

The best time to make business calls

But when is the best time to make business calls if you’re not following up with leads, but rather pursuing a new client or making a call for another reason? You may want to look at the optimal calling hours to have the best chance of reaching your target at a convenient time.

The best time to make business calls is (obviously) during the work week, Monday through Friday, around 4:00 pm – 4:30 pm.

Keep in mind that Mondays are often a little busier for professionals, while Friday can be a tricky day because so many people are already in a weekend mindset around 4:00 pm on Friday. Aim for calling around 4:00 pm any other weekday – Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday – for the best chance of reaching the person you’re calling.