What is a lead? Effective capture and management
What is a lead? Evolution of the commercial concept
What is a lead? Over time, different terms have been used to describe someone who could become a client. In the past, people talked about potential clients, then prospects, and now the term lead is commonly used, especially in digital contexts.
A lead is someone who has shown interest in a company’s services—for example, by filling out a form, calling for information, or sending a message through social media. This person hasn’t booked an appointment yet but has taken the first step. From there, it depends on how they are attended to whether they will become a patient.
Understanding what a lead is helps make better decisions on how to handle contacts and which tools to use for managing them.
Constant flow of leads: why it matters
In a clinic’s daily routine, there are times with full schedules and others with open slots. Waiting for patients to show up spontaneously can lead to periods of low activity. On the other hand, receiving leads regularly allows for a more stable workflow and better planning.
Having a steady stream of leads not only helps fill the calendar but also clarifies what needs to be done: answer inquiries, follow up, or confirm appointments. For this to work, it’s essential to have a method to capture and follow up on leads consistently.
Multi-channel lead capture: web, social media, and more
Times have changed. Before, contacts arrived by phone or in person. Today, leads come from many sources: websites, social media, email campaigns, online ads, and more.
Each channel plays a role. For example, websites are often the main source of leads since many people search for healthcare services online. Social media enables conversations with people who are still exploring options. And ads help reach more people at key moments.
The key is to collect all leads in one place to ensure no contact goes unanswered. Tools like Audyum make this easy by centralizing all contact information.
Automate lead collection with a public API
Often the issue is not just getting leads, but having to move their data manually—copying information from emails to the CRM, checking social media messages, etc. This takes time and can lead to mistakes.
Audyum’s public API solves this. It connects digital channels directly to the CRM, so when someone fills out a form or sends a message, their data is automatically stored. This allows for quicker responses and always having up-to-date information.
Also, with a complete and organized database, better decisions can be made—for example, knowing which channel brings in the most leads or when inquiries increase during the year.
Lead vs Patient: the importance of filtering
Not everyone who shares their contact details wants an immediate appointment. Some people are just looking for prices, comparing clinics, or seeking guidance. That’s why it’s important to differentiate between a lead and a patient.
A lead is a contact who’s still in the information stage. A patient has decided to receive care. Knowing the difference helps prioritize tasks and provide better service.
With Audyum, leads can be classified by interest level, their reason for contacting noted, and appropriate next steps decided: send more information, offer a call, or set a reminder. This makes daily tasks more manageable and ensures no opportunities are missed.
What’s next?
Receiving leads is just the beginning. What really matters is how they are managed. Keeping all contacts organized, responding on time, and knowing who is ready for an appointment makes everything easier.
Audyum offers simple tools to collect, organize, and handle leads from multiple channels—all in one place and with automation options.
Want to see how Audyum works?
Request a free demo and discover an easier way to manage your contacts and turn them into patients.