# Follow up on new leads automatically

> An automation that thanks each new lead by email straight away, waits three days, then sends a friendly follow-up.
>
> Source: https://docs.bcl.my/automation-lead-follow-up/

A lead who hears back within minutes is far more likely to buy. This automation emails every new lead a thank-you as soon as they submit your lead form, then waits three days and sends a follow-up with an offer. It runs for one lead form, using that form's own fields.

## What you need

A lead form with an email field. The example uses the demo form "Kopi Kampung Wholesale Enquiry", whose fields are `{full_name:1}`, `{email_address:2}`, `{phone_number:3}` and `{business_name:4}`. Your form's keys will differ: copy them from the **Variables** list.

## Build it

Start from a blank automation (see [Create an automation](/create-automation/)):

1. Go to **Automations**, click **New Automation**, name it "Wholesale Lead Follow-up" and click **Create**.
2. Click **Add Node** and pick **New Lead Received**. Double-click the trigger, pick your form in **Lead Form** and click **Save Trigger**.

   *(Screenshot: New Lead Received Trigger Settings with Kopi Kampung Wholesale Enquiry in Lead Form)*

3. Click **Add Node** and pick **Send Email**. Double-click it and fill it in as below, then click **Save Email**.

   | Field | Enter |
   | --- | --- |
   | **Action Name** | Thank the lead |
   | **Recipient Email** | Your form's email field, such as `{email_address:2}` |
   | **Email Subject** | `Thanks for your enquiry, {full_name:1}` |
   | **Email Content** | The first message below |

   ```text
   Hi {full_name:1},
   Thank you for asking about wholesale coffee for {business_name:4}.
   We have your details and will reply within one working day with our wholesale price list.
   Your reference: {submission_id}
   {business_name}
   ```

   *(Screenshot: Email Action Settings with the lead's email field in Recipient Email)*

4. Click **Add Node** and pick **Delay**. Double-click it, keep **For a Specific Period**, enter `3` in **Duration**, choose **Days** in **Time Unit**, and click **Save Delay**.

   *(Screenshot: Delay Action Settings with Duration 3 and Time Unit Days)*

5. Click **Add Node** and pick **Send Email** again. Name it "Follow up", use the same **Recipient Email**, the subject `Would you like to try our beans, {full_name:1}?` and the second message below. Click **Save Email**.

   ```text
   Hi {full_name:1},
   A few days ago you asked about wholesale coffee for {business_name:4}.
   Would a free tasting pack help you decide? Just reply to this email and we will post one to you.
   {business_name}
   ```

   *(Screenshot: Email Action Settings of the follow-up email)*

6. Click **Update Automation**.

The finished workflow runs in a line: thank-you, wait, follow-up.

*(Screenshot: The workflow canvas with New Lead Received, Thank the lead, Wait 3 Days and Follow up)*

Note the two kinds of business name: `{business_name:4}` is the lead's answer on the form, and `{business_name}` is your own business name.

## Test it

Check the recipe with a test run before you rely on it:

1. Submit your lead form yourself, from a normal browser, with your own email address.
2. Open the automation and click **Overview**. The submission shows as a run: the first email is sent at once and the run stays **Running** until the 3 days are up.

## Tips

A few ways to get more from this recipe:

- **Replies go to you.** BCL sets the reply-to address to the team member who created the automation, so a lead who answers the email reaches a person.
- **Keep the follow-up soft.** The automation cannot see whether a lead has already replied or bought, so write the second email so it still reads well if they have.
- **Alert your sales team too.** Add a **Send Email** step to your team's address right after the trigger, as in [Alert your team about new orders](/automation-notify-team/).

## Common issues

### Which variable do I use for the lead's email address?

Lead form fields use their name and id, such as {email_address:2}. Open Variables next to Recipient Email: your lead form's fields are listed under the form's name. {email} does not exist for leads.

### Can I send leads to my CRM or mailing list instead?

Yes. Use an HTTP Request step to send the fields to your CRM, or Add to Mail Niaga to put the email on a mailing list. See Send paid orders to your CRM (/automation-crm-webhook/) for the HTTP set-up.