What is a discovery call? 

A discovery call is a two-way conversation between you and a potential client or customer. It’s your first chance to learn about their needs and challenges. You’ll ask questions to understand their goals and see if you’re a good fit for each other. 

These calls help you build rapport and start a relationship. You can share how your product or service might solve their problems. It’s not about making a sale right away. Instead, you’re gathering information to tailor your approach. 

Discovery calls are also key to social media marketing. You can learn about a client’s online presence and audience. This helps you create better strategies for them. 

What is the purpose of a discovery call? 

A discovery call helps you and a potential client find out if you’re a good fit. It’s your chance to learn about their needs and goals. 

You’ll ask questions to understand their challenges. This helps you decide if your product can solve their problems. 

These calls also let you build rapport. You can start forming a relationship with the client. 

For sales teams, discovery calls are key. They help you: 

  • Qualify leads
  • Tailor your pitch
  • Plan next steps

Remember, it’s not about selling yet. Focus on listening and gathering information. This sets the stage for a successful customer experience down the line. 

How do you prepare for a discovery call? 

Getting ready for a discovery call takes some work. Here’s what you should do: 

Research the client’s company and industry. Look at their website, social media, and recent news. This helps you understand their needs better. 

Create a call agenda. Outline key topics and questions to cover. Send it to the client beforehand so they know what to expect. 

Set up your CRM. Make sure you have the customer’s information at hand. This includes previous interactions and any notes from your team. 

Prepare a discovery call script. Don’t read it word-for-word but use it as a guide to stay on track. 

Have your resources ready. This might include product information, case studies, or a discovery call template. 

Remember, good preparation leads to a smoother, more productive call. It shows the customer that you value their time and are serious about helping them. 

What should you ask during a discovery call? 

Asking the right questions is key to a successful discovery call. Start with open-ended questions to get your prospect talking: 

“What challenges are you facing with your social media strategy?” “How do you currently manage your online presence?” “What are your main goals for improving your social media performance?” 

These questions help uncover pain points and goals. Next, dig deeper into specifics: 

“What’s your budget for social media tools?” “Who’s involved in the decision-making process?” “When are you looking to implement a new solution?” 

Remember to listen more than you talk. Aim for a 30:70 talk-listen ratio. This allows you to gather valuable insights and build rapport with your prospect. 

Use follow-up questions to clarify responses and show you’re engaged. By asking thoughtful questions, you’ll gain a clear picture of your prospect’s needs and how you can help. 

How to follow up after a discovery call 

Following up promptly after a discovery call is key to keeping the momentum going. Within 24 hours, send a thank-you email to show your appreciation for the prospect’s time. 

Include a brief recap of the main points discussed and any key takeaways. This helps reinforce important information and shows you were actively listening. 

Clearly outline the next steps you both agreed on. This might include scheduling a follow-up call, sending additional resources, or setting up a product demo. 

Add value by sharing a relevant resource or insight related to your conversation. This demonstrates your expertise and commitment to helping solve their challenges. 

Remember to keep your follow-up email concise and focused. A short, well-crafted message is more likely to be read and acted upon. 

Why are discovery calls important for social media managers? 

Discovery calls are key for social media managers. They help you understand your client’s needs and goals. You can learn about their target audience and current strategy. 

These calls let you assess if the client is a good fit for your skills. You can figure out if you can help them achieve their social media objectives. 

During the call, you can: 

  • Ask about their social platforms
  • Learn their content preferences
  • Understand their brand voice

Discovery calls also give you a chance to showcase your expertise. You can share ideas and build trust with potential clients. 

These calls are your first step to creating a successful social media strategy. They set the stage for a strong working relationship.