Phone calls vs Online Forms: Which One Drives More Quality Leads?

Your goal as a digital marketer is to generate leads and drive growth for your clients.

You’ve mastered lead generation, lead tracking and analytics and your client is getting traction.

But which channels works best for your client?

The two contenders on the ring are phone calls vs. online forms.

So, let the battle begin!

We’ll dissect the pros and cons of each method and finally crown the heavyweight champion of high-quality leads.

Lead generation is hard. In the past we’ve shared our 5 favorite channels that drive leads, shared 13 proven tactics to generate high quality leads from these channels and discussed which metrics to track in lead generation.

Two popular methods that have been widely debated are phone calls vs. online forms.

Both methods have their own advantages and disadvantages, but the ultimate question remains: which one generates more quality leads for your business?

Let’s see!

• The Human Element: When it comes to connecting with potential customers, phone calls offer a personal touch that online forms simply cannot replicate. Speaking directly to a prospect allows for immediate feedback, clarification of details, and building a rapport. The human element in phone conversations helps establish trust and credibility, making it easier to convert leads into customers.
• Real-Time: Phone calls provide a better chance to convey ideas or information about your services and products. You will be able to listen to the complaints, questions and give adequate answers to what the users have asked immediately.  Receiving a call shows the level of interest the caller has in your product. The immediate response is also very impressive to prospective consumers, and it also breeds trust between you and the consumers. It brings them closer to being convinced by your sales pitch and becoming a lead. You also receive better assurance during a call, and you are also the sole determinant of what the user thinks of your service.
• Optimized for mobile: Technology should make life simpler, not harder. Mobile phones are designed to make life easier as you only need to click to perform several functions. Mobile phones are presently the most used device, and only a click is needed to make a phone call. Swiping on the phone to fill a form does not make things simpler but harder. Adapting to the fact that the phone is used more often than other devices should be taken into account when deciding the best way to collate data. Since the phone was not specifically designed for filling forms, users are easily discouraged when there is a prompt requesting them to fill in a form.

• Require time and effort to handle: Phone calls are not without their drawbacks. They require manpower and can be time-consuming, especially when dealing with a large volume of leads. Moreover, not all customers may be comfortable with phone calls, leading to missed opportunities if they prefer other communication channels.

Despite these challenges, the personal touch and immediate connection offered by phone calls make them a powerful tool for generating quality leads.   

• Convenience and efficiency: With just a few clicks, potential leads can provide their contact information and specific requirements, saving time and effort.
• Data collection: Online forms also allow businesses to gather data in a structured manner, making it easier to analyze and follow up with leads.
• Automated responses: Automated email responses can be set up to acknowledge submissions, creating a seamless experience for potential customers.

• Hard to establish trust: Forms lack the personal touch and instant feedback of phone calls, which can make it harder to establish trust and address any concerns in real-time.
• SPAM: online forms may attract spam or incomplete submissions, requiring businesses to implement measures to filter out low-quality leads.

Despite these challenges, online forms offer a scalable solution for lead generation, allowing businesses to reach a wider audience and capture valuable information efficiently.

Drumroll please!

In the battle of phone calls versus online forms, there is no clear winner.

The effectiveness of each method depends on the nature of your business, target audience, and resources available.

If your business thrives on personal connections and relies heavily on customer rapport, phone calls may be the way to go.

On the other hand, if efficiency and scalability are your priorities, online forms can help you streamline your lead generation process.

In the battle between phone calls vs. online forms, there is no definitive winner.

Both methods have their strengths and weaknesses when it comes to generating quality leads for your business. Phone calls provide a personal touch and immediate connection, while online forms offer convenience and efficiency.

The key is to understand your target audience, evaluate your resources, and adopt a lead generation strategy that combines the strengths of both methods. By doing so, you can optimize your lead generation efforts and drive the growth of your business.