I was sure automated replies were a bad idea until last month

We set up a basic auto-responder for our agency's main email after 5 PM, thinking it would just buy us time. A potential lead in Denver emailed at 7 PM on a Friday, got the auto-reply, and actually replied to it saying they appreciated the quick acknowledgment and it made them feel heard. Has anyone else had a simple automation actually improve a client's first impression?

3 comments

3 Comments

hill.margaret7h ago

Got the auto-reply and actually replied to it" is the part that gets me. A person not only read an automated message but felt moved to write back to it. That's like getting a thank you note from someone who just saw your out of office alert. I guess even a basic script feels better than shouting into the void after hours.

marywilson6h ago

Wait, they actually typed a whole reply to an auto message? That's wild. I've seen people maybe hit "like" on one by mistake, but writing back feels next level. It's like having a full conversation with your microwave beep. I guess some people just really need that tiny bit of human shaped contact, even if it's fake.

the_taylor4h ago

Honestly, that reply might have been their first human contact all day.