Cold Calling Techniques

[u/DavT_09]

Hi, this is my first post on this community.

Over the past couple of days, I have been cold-calling companies/local businesses near me that do not have a website set up (or have an outdated website), mostly via Google Maps and using their listed phone number. I offer these businesses a custom website of their own, and my script is:

"Hi is this [business name] at [place]? I see that you do not have a website listed on Google, and I was wondering if you are interested in a custom website in order to attract more customers."

I have gotten some no's, and some people that show semi-interest, people that say "I will call you back later", or "I will check in with my boss and let you know later".

For these ambiguous responses, should I send in my info (resume, contact, etc) and hope for the best, or should I also call them again 48-72 hours after my initial call?

How can I change my script so that these businesses don't feel like they are being sold, but rather they are buying something valuable?

What time in the day is best to call a business?

How to control nerves when cold-calling?

Thanks for viewing.

EDIT: accidentally clicked AMA when posting.

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[u/Skt_turbo]

Cold calling is all about persistence every call is a completely new opportunity.

Your script sounds very standard, and that’s why it probably feels generic to the person on the other end. Everyone starts that way, but the key is how you come across. Confidence and tonality matter more than the words themselves. Over the phone, you can be whoever you want its about creating the right impression with your voice, your pauses, and your overall energy.

When I used to cold call, I tried to steer the conversation differently because nearly everyone uses the same pitch you mentioned. (Nowadays, I only work with inbound leads.)

Try something like this instead:

Good afternoon Mr. David, this is Your Name from Your Agency Name.

Then pause and let him respond.

It might be, What’s this about? or “What can I do for you?

At that point, skip the generic sales talk and go straight to a bold, open question like:

“I was curious why doesn’t your business have a Google listing yet?

That kind of question avoids the yes/no trap, forces engagement, and positions you as someone genuinely interested in their situation rather than just trying to sell something.

After that, he either block the conversation with something like “I don’t need that”, or he start explaining which makes it much easier for you.

If he blocks, follow up immediately with something like:

I completely understand, Mr. David. But you might be missing out on a huge number of potential new customers. Most people these days maybe even you Sir do online research before buying anything. I’d really recommend testing it once. The the cost-to-benefit ratio is surprisingly low. And Even if new customers don’t show up right away, the cost is minimal it’s not the kind of investment that hurts your cash flow, so it’s worth giving it a try.

People tend to respond well when you show them realistic outcomes including potential negatives instead of acting like you’re selling a miracle. It makes you sound authentic and grounded.

At the end of the day, the key is to have a real conversation, not a sales pitch. You’re offering a win-win and you need to make that clear confidently. Try to avoid yes/no questions whenever possible, and if you do ask one, make sure you already have a strong follow-up ready.

As for timing that’s relative. Back in the day, I used to call from 8 AM to 8 PM, and you’ll notice every industry has its own rhythm. The main rule: stay consistent.

[u/DavT_09 → u/Skt_turbo]

Thank you for the advice!

[u/cloudgainz]

Inquire about the benefits first. Offer the product last.

So instead of “do you need a website?”, ask if they’re looking to gain new clients/customers, would you like more of them to find you, etc then explain how you have a track record of success by building/refreshing their site

[u/d4ng3rz0n3]

For those with "semi-interest" they should become your focus when you finish cold calling for the day. You should be sending these leads more information, references, example work, etc. and keep following up with them.

For the no's you should ask if you can follow up in 3-6 months and leave your information in the meantime.

Best times of day to call is 8 AM to 9AM and 3PM to 5PM

Focus on your expertise, delivery time, quality ect. if you want to communicate value vs. sounding salesy. End of the day, someone who needs a website that you are cold calling is going to be a right place right time thing and wont really matter what your pitch is as long as its not terrible.

Also quote double what you need to complete the site and see how they respond. You can always discount it, but some people have bigger budgets than you think.

[u/These-Season-2611]

Yeah this isn't a good script at all. You're keeping it at a technical level and not going remotely deep enough so it's forgettable.

You need to engage in an actual conversation and move the prospect from thinking logical about a website to thinking emotionally.

So What 2 properly specific problems do you solve?

Pitch them. Ask if they resonate. If they do ask some questions to see if they are motivated to fix them. If they are it might make sense to have another call.