EPISODE 02 SHOW NOTES

Big Ideas For Roofers Show Notes Episode 02
Noah Johnson

Your Host

Noah Johnson

I’m Noah Johnson, the host of The Big Ideas For Roofers Podcast and I’m excited that you made your way to this episode’s show notes.

Check out the Resource List the team put together for our listeners. You can find it at the bottom of this page.

The team arranged a $500 discount for any listeners who implement AI workflow automation into their business. Get a free instant demo of the platform. You’ll experience exactly what your customers will at an accelerated pace, so the communication they’ll receive from you over the course of days, weeks and months you’ll receive in just a few minutes.

Noah Johnson

Your Host

Noah Johnson

I’m Noah Johnson, the host of The Big Ideas For Roofers Podcast and I’m excited that you made your way to this episode’s show notes.

Check out the Resource List the team put together for our listeners. You can find it at the bottom of this page.

Eric H Herman FB Profile 2

Guest

Eric Herman

Hey everyone, I’m really fired up about the discussion with Noah today. I hope all the roofing contractors out there find this episode helpful.

I’m Eric Herman and I help businesses implement AI workflow automation to remove the tedious and time consuming tasks from their business and as a result, increase their bottom line profits.

Episode Show Notes

Episode 02:
The 9 Essential Nails You Must Hit to Turn Roofing Leads Into Paying Customers—Without Lifting a Finger

About The Show:
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You can find this show by going to BigIdeasForRoofers.com and selecting the “podcast” link.

Noah Johnson (Intro):
Welcome, everyone, to another exciting episode of Big Ideas For Roofers. In today’s session, we’re diving into a crucial topic: converting roofing leads into paying customers using AI Workflow Automation. We have a fantastic guest with us today who is well-versed in optimizing lead conversion strategies. Eric Herman has been at the forefront of using AI to streamline roofing business operations. Thanks for joining us today.

Eric Herman:
Thanks, Noah! I’m excited to be here because this is one of the biggest problems in the roofing industry—contractors pay thousands to generate leads, but most of those leads don’t get the follow-up they deserve. AI can fix that and increase sales without hiring more staff. Turning those leads into loyal customers can significantly boost any roofing contractor’s business, and I’m thrilled to discuss how AI can play a pivotal role in this process.

Noah Johnson:
Let’s start by discussing the importance of engaging new leads instantly. Why is speed such a vital component in the conversion process?

Eric Herman:
Speed in lead engagement is critical because the roofing industry, like many others, is incredibly competitive. The moment a potential client reaches out or shows interest, they’re likely contacting several other businesses as well. If you’re not responding within the first hour, you might already be on the back foot. AI workflow automation ensures that leads are engaged promptly, so that questions are answered and appointments booked.

Noah Johnson:
That’s an excellent point. Immediate engagement might just tip the scale in your favor. Now, can you walk us through the process of categorizing leads into short-term and long-term pipelines?

Eric Herman:
Certainly. Categorizing leads correctly is foundational for effective lead management. Hot leads. these are homeowners with an issue that needs to be addressed immediately. Warm leads are homeowners that are looking to resolve an issue within the next 30, 60 or 90 days, but their need isn’t urgent. Long-term leads, on the other hand, might have projects that get scheduled within 6 months to 2 years, maybe more. AI workflow automation excels at filtering leads into the proper follow up campaign and prioritizing the hottest leads. It also does what no human staff member realistically can, it excels at  nurturing leads over an extended period of time that could last months or even years. AI automation uses machine learning to analyze leed data and past interactions to predict urgency and needs, then automatically sorting leads into these categories.

Noah Johnson:
It’s fascinating how AI can simplify what might otherwise be a cumbersome process. How does AI extend its utility to automated follow-ups and nurturing these leads into conversions?

Eric Herman:
Automating follow-ups is one of AI’s greatest strengths. Instead of manually tracking each lead and their progress, AI can be programmed to send personalized follow-up emails, texts and outbound calls all at strategic intervals. This ensures that no lead falls through the cracks—a common problem in manual systems. By maintaining consistent communication, you keep the conversation going and build relationships, ultimately fostering trust that can lead to conversions.

Noah Johnson:
These are practical strategies that really take a big load off the team and help maintain efficiency. Could you break down the Nine Essential ‘Nails’ for Roofing Contractor Growth for us?

Eric Herman:
Absolutely. These Nine Nails are essentially key steps or strategies that, when executed effectively, can significantly boost growth. I’ll run through them one at a time2

This Nine Nails To Roofing Contractor Growth

The 9 Essential Areas Necessary To Grow Your Roofing Business

1️⃣ AI Sales Assistant – Speed to Lead Prioritization

Use AI to respond to every new lead within 60 seconds. You know how important this is? Statistically, the first roofing contractor to reach a homeowner gets the job an astounding 78% of the time. AI automation workflows ensure you’re always first.

2️⃣ AI Sales Assistant – Warm Lead Follow-Up

Next is AI Sales Assistant, Warm Lead Follow-Up. Not every homeowner is ready to sign today. AI follows up with them, Lead Filtering, Prioritization and Follow Up. AI workflow automation, it starts with an immediately response. Hot leads get a call, email and text to get a sales appointment or estimate on the calendar. Then as leads naturally age, the AI automation workflows follow up every few days with text, email, and calls to keep leads engaged. This is the break point for most roofing contractor and their sales teams. They just don’t have time for multiple follow-ups, particularly as leads become less and less responsive. AI automation workflows ensure homeowners do

3️⃣ AI Sales Assistant – Extended Lead Follow-Up

As I stated before, the longer a homeowner lead remains in the pipeline, the less responsive they become. Why is that? Well, they don’t need a new roof or a repair right now. There’s no urgent need. Or, they went to a competitor. In either case, most of your leads actually fall into this bucket. And this is really the hidden pot of gold in your business. While everyone else has their sights fixed on converting every lead today, that’s just not realistic. In fact only 3% to 5% of leads are actually “hot” leads in urgent need of a roofing contractor, outside of storm related damage of course. Your sales people get paid to close, not to nurture. Your support staff, well, could they follow up with leads week after week, month after month? Most can’t. It’s logistically impossible. At least it was, until now. 

4️⃣ Customer Maintenance & Retention

AI assistants schedule seasonal check-ins & warranty reminders. These create opportunity. Most roofers miss out on repeat business because they don’t stay in touch. An AI Assistant does it automatically.

5️⃣ Customer Reviews & Referrals

AI automation workflows request reviews at the perfect moment. The best time to ask for a review? Right after the job is done. AI workflow automation ensures that happens every time.

6️⃣ AI Sales Assistant & Closer

AI automation workflows request reviews at the perfect moment. The best time to ask for a review? Right after the job is done. AI workflow automation ensures that happens every time.

7️⃣ Proactive Seasonal AI Customer Outreach & Response

AI workflows remind customers to schedule inspections before weather changes. This keeps your compamny top-of-mind and fills your pipeline ahead of busy seasons.

8️⃣ Proactive Storm Preparation AI Customer Outreach & Response

AI workflow automation educates homeowners on how to protect their roofs before storms hit. This positions your business as the go-to expert before disaster strikes..

9️⃣ Proactive & Reactive Post-Storm Customer Communication

The AI assistant sends automated post-storm outreach within hours. Being the first to call a storm-affected homeowner can be the difference between winning or losing a job.

Implementing AI Workflow Automation

Noah Johnson:
This comprehensive breakdown really showcases the multi-step approach needed for growth. Now, provide us some practical examples of workflow automation that can be put into practice right away.

Eric Herman:
One quick-start example would be setting up automated email or SMS campaigns that activate based on leed behavior. If a potential customer has filled out a contact form but hasn’t scheduled an appointment, a series of gentle reminders could be triggered. Another example would be using AI to schedule follow-up calls for your team, based on lead scoring algorithms that predict which leads are most likely to close. By focusing on these high-potential leads, you optimize your sales efforts and improve efficiency.

Noah Johnson:
Great examples that can be implemented without much hassle, really. Can you discuss the benefits of having this structured follow-up sequence in place?

Eric Herman:
Structured follow-up sequences ensure continuity in communication, which is crucial in building and maintaining customer relationships. By standardizing the communication process, you eliminate guesswork and reduce the chances of human error. As a result, you can expect higher conversion rates because you are always in the right place at the right time with the right message, tailored to each lead.

Noah Johnson:
That targeted engagement is clearly key. Now, let’s talk about AI’s role in enhancing customer relationship management. What should be the essential focus areas?

Eric Herman:
AI’s role in CRM is transformative. The key areas should include personalizing communication using AI’s data insights, automating routine client interactions, and predicting client needs based on historic data. Furthermore, AI can help in segmenting customers to offer targeted services and support, making the customer feel valued and appreciated while building long-term loyalty.

Noah Johnson:
Eric, let’s talk about AI Workflow Automation and how it helps roofers convert leads better than staff can alone. Roofers spend a lot of money generating leads, but what happens if they don’t follow up fast enough?

Eric Herman:
Exactly, Noah. Most roofing companies spend thousands on leed generation, but 50-60% of those leads are wasted because they aren’t followed up with properly. AI Workflow Automation fixes that. Instead of relying on a busy office team or salespeople to make follow-up calls, An AI assistant, through the use of workflow automation, responds instantly, follows up consistently, and transitions leads into structured pipelines.

Noah Johnson:
Can you walk us through how that workflow actually looks?

Eric Herman:
Absolutely. Here’s how AI ensures every lead is followed up with properly:

1.Hot Leads. Instant Response & Booking. The second a new lead comes in, your AI assistant calls, texts, and emails the prospect immediately. It qualifies the lead, asks questions, and books an appointment on the spot. If the lead doesn’t respond right away, AI follows up until they do. That frequency is adjusted and customized for each roofing contractor.

2. Warm Leads. These homeowners aren’t ready for a project yet. They are moved from 30 day to 60 day to 90 day Follow-Up Sequences. If a lead doesn’t book an appointment within the first 48 hours, AI moves them into a warm lead pipeline. AI reaches out every few days for 30 days, then transitions them to a weekly follow-up cycle for 60 days. By 90 days, AI ensures no lead is forgotten—either they’ve booked, or they move to long-term nurturing.

3. Cold Leads. These are leads that don’t respond after 90 days. Are they dead leads? Some are, but many just aren’t ready for a project. These leads go into a long-term Nurture Campaign that can last 18 months or more. AI workflow automation consistently reaches out to these leads every week with seasonal promotions, educational content, and exclusive offers. When they’re finally ready to commit, you’re the first contractor they think of.

Noah Johnson:
That’s huge! And what about the impact on roofing sales teams? How does AI Workflow Automation actually help closers close more deals?

Eric Herman:
Great question. AI doesn’t replace your sales team—it makes them more efficient.

Here’s how: It saves closers’ time by handling the repetitive follow-ups that eat up hours. It Keeps their pipeline full by ensuring leads are already warmed up when they speak to them. It Reduces staffing costs—instead of hiring more office workers, An AI Assistant follows up automatically. When closers spend more time actually closing deals—instead of chasing down leads—roofing businesses make more money with less effort.

Noah Johnson:
That’s exactly what every roofing contractor needs to hear. AI Workflow Automation isn’t just about saving time. It’s about increasing sales and reducing costs.

In Closing...

Noah Johnson:
Thank you, Eric. This has been incredibly insightful. Your expert advice on using AI Workflow Automation is undoubtedly going to help our listeners improve their lead conversion rates and better manage their operations. It’s clear that these ‘nine nails’ can become a game-changer for many. Don’t forget to subscribe to Big Ideas For Roofers for more powerful insights, and visit BigIdeasForRoofers.com to get your free AI Workflow Automation demo. Until next time, keep thinking big!

This Episode's Resource List

Tips:
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Suggestions:
Big Ideas For Restaurants, the ultimate podcast for independent restaurant and bar owners who want to take their business to the next level. Hosted by marketing strategist and hospitality expert Sam Young, this weekly bite-sized podcast delivers quick, actionable tips and strategies in just 5 to 10 minutes.

Whether you’re running a fast-casual eatery, a bustling QSR, or a fine dining establishment, Sam covers everything from digital marketing, AI, and loyalty programs to delivery logistics, POS systems, and unique promotions. Learn how to build stronger customer relationships through email and SMS marketing, motivate your team, and create standout experiences that keep guests coming back.

Action Plans:
Big Ideas For Restaurants, the ultimate podcast for independent restaurant and bar owners who want to take their business to the next level. Hosted by marketing strategist and hospitality expert Sam Young, this weekly bite-sized podcast delivers quick, actionable tips and strategies in just 5 to 10 minutes.

Whether you’re running a fast-casual eatery, a bustling QSR, or a fine dining establishment, Sam covers everything from digital marketing, AI, and loyalty programs to delivery logistics, POS systems, and unique promotions. Learn how to build stronger customer relationships through email and SMS marketing, motivate your team, and create standout experiences that keep guests coming back.

Resource Links:
Big Ideas For Restaurants, the ultimate podcast for independent restaurant and bar owners who want to take their business to the next level. Hosted by marketing strategist and hospitality expert Sam Young, this weekly bite-sized podcast delivers quick, actionable tips and strategies in just 5 to 10 minutes.

Whether you’re running a fast-casual eatery, a bustling QSR, or a fine dining establishment, Sam covers everything from digital marketing, AI, and loyalty programs to delivery logistics, POS systems, and unique promotions. Learn how to build stronger customer relationships through email and SMS marketing, motivate your team, and create standout experiences that keep guests coming back.

Discount Codes:
Big Ideas For Restaurants, the ultimate podcast for independent restaurant and bar owners who want to take their business to the next level. Hosted by marketing strategist and hospitality expert Sam Young, this weekly bite-sized podcast delivers quick, actionable tips and strategies in just 5 to 10 minutes.

Whether you’re running a fast-casual eatery, a bustling QSR, or a fine dining establishment, Sam covers everything from digital marketing, AI, and loyalty programs to delivery logistics, POS systems, and unique promotions. Learn how to build stronger customer relationships through email and SMS marketing, motivate your team, and create standout experiences that keep guests coming back.

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