Motivate Convert leads to filed cases
How our bankruptcy lead follow-up converts more prospects
Our bankruptcy lead follow-up and conversion strategy has been battle-tested, and the results are in: We have the highest conversion rate in the industry.
You will receive:
- A customized and personalized email campaign (50+ emails) with the highest conversion rates available, thanks to countless tests and analytics-driven results.
- A two-year, customized, and personalized texting campaign (70+ texts) that we manage on your behalf via live operator, designed to engage with your leads so that they say “yes.”
- Full automation of your lead follow-up process. Your leads’ information will automatically be populated into our software.
How our bankruptcy lead follow-up process works
We build a customized marketing campaign of emails and/or text messages, specifically for consumer bankruptcy leads.
We upload your sequences into our proprietary software and manage all set up and data. Then, we begin a four-year sequence of emails and/or text messaging.
All communication is branded with your firm’s name. Your staff will manage email responses, and we manage text responses.
What is our pricing model?
$200 per month, per 1,000 leads (volume discounts are available)
- Plus $10 per appointment set
- Live transfer option is available
Why our bankruptcy leads follow-up works
Timing is critical. Our battle-tested system automates your lead follow-up to ensure quick and ongoing contact. Each lead is nurtured through a customized and branded email and text sequence that:
- Eliminates shame
- Addresses concerns about cost
- Erases fear about credit scores
- Builds trust between you and your leads
What makes our bankruptcy lead follow-up so effective?
FAQs
Table of Contents
Messaging & Engagement
- How do I address client shame or fear of filing bankruptcy during the follow-up process?
- What kind of text and email messages work best for converting bankruptcy leads?
- How can I handle leads who are hesitant because of the cost of filing bankruptcy?
- How is bankruptcy lead follow-up different from personal injury or family law lead follow-up?
Systems and Processes
- What is the best bankruptcy lead follow-up system for converting leads into paying clients?
- Is it worth investing in automated bankruptcy lead follow-up, or should my intake
- What software platforms are best for bankruptcy lead follow-up automation?
- How much ROI can I expect from a structured lead follow-up system compared to buying more ads?
Timing & Conversion Metrics
- How quickly should my staff or system contact bankruptcy leads to get the highest conversion rate?
- What percentage of bankruptcy leads convert right away?
- What’s the data on response rates for text vs. phone calls when following up with bankruptcy leads?
Overcoming Obstacles
- Why do so many bankruptcy leads go cold, and how can I stop this from happening?
- What psychological objections are most common with bankruptcy leads, and how can follow-up overcome them?
- How do I nurture bankruptcy leads who say they aren’t ready now but might file in six months?
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FAQ: How do I address client shame or fear of filing bankruptcy during the follow-up process?
Answer: You address shame and fear by making every touchpoint a chance to replace stigma with support and education, and by continuing to nurture the relationship for the long term. This starts with lead follow-up and continues through the relationship.
The research is clear that shame deepens financial avoidance. When people feel ashamed about their finances, they are more likely to withdraw and avoid taking action, even when help is available. According to the Journal of Economic Psychology, shame can cloud judgment and make individuals less likely to confront problems like overwhelming debt.
The same pattern shows up in bankruptcy. Instead of seeking relief, people delay filing for years because they feel embarrassed or fear being judged. According to research out of the University of Colorado Law School, this avoidance is often rooted in societal stigma around money struggles.
When attorneys normalize bankruptcy as a legal, affordable way to reset, they help replace that stigma with support. This starts when you first make contact with the client. Send emails that:
- Show leads that the financial system often stacks the odds against everyday people, and that bankruptcy is a legal, affordable way to reset.
- Reframe the challenge by pointing to things like high-interest lending and aggressive collection practices, while highlighting that bankruptcy provides a fresh start.
- Emphasize how quickly credit can be rebuilt, how manageable the process is, and how much better life feels with the burden of debt lifted.
- Be transparent about your fees, and explain that nearly everyone considering bankruptcy is facing tough financial circumstances. Share how your firm works with clients to make the process accessible and affordable, so they can move forward with confidence.
Because many people take months, or even years, to file for bankruptcy, our system is built for the long game. With a four-year follow-up program, we stay in touch long after most firms have stopped calling. And once a lead becomes a client, continue to educate and provide resources.
Attorneys who use our lead follow-up system can enroll their clients for free in 7 Steps to a 720 Credit Score, a credit-improvement program designed to help people reach a 720 credit score 12 to 24 months after their bankruptcy has been discharged (Chapter 7) or confirmed (Chapter 13)
Key takeaway: Shame and fear are the biggest barriers to bankruptcy, causing people to avoid making financial decisions even when help is available. By making every touchpoint a chance to replace stigma with education and support, and by nurturing leads over the long term, attorneys can help more people move past avoidance and into action. A consistent, four-year follow-up system paired with resources like 7 Steps to a 720 Credit Score gives clients both immediate relief and a clear path to financial recovery.
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FAQ: What kind of text and email messages work best for converting bankruptcy leads?
Answer: The best text and email messages for converting bankruptcy leads are those that educate, eliminate shame, address cost and credit fears, and keep the attorney top of mind. Bankruptcy clients usually need repeated reassurance before they move forward, so every touchpoint should normalize bankruptcy as a tool for relief while nudging them toward scheduling (or rescheduling) an appointment.
A strong follow-up system pairs general education campaigns with targeted reminders for booked appointments and gentle rescheduling nudges for no-shows. Texts (which have 98% open rates) work best for quick reminders and rescheduling, while emails (20–25% open rates) are ideal for deeper education.
Here are a few ideas to help you get started on your text and email follow-up. Or, book a call today to learn about our four-year text and email follow-up campaign.
Message Type Purpose Content Key Themes to Include Email Replace shame with empowerment “Banks profit when you feel stuck—here’s how to break free.” Show bankruptcy as a legal reset button, not failure. Paint creditors/predatory lending as the problem, not the client. Show bankruptcy as normal, ethical, and even strategic. Highlight corporations/celebrities who file. Emails Answer FAQs and build trust through education “Will bankruptcy ruin my credit forever? and other FAQs” Explain credit recovery timelines (12–24 months to 720 with the proper credit-education tool), what property they can keep, and clarify myths. Email Address urgency (e.g., stopping garnishment, collections, or lawsuits) “One court order can silence creditors overnight.” Explain the automatic stay and immediate relief from garnishments, lawsuits, and harassment. Text Increase consultation appointments “Get free legal advice” Explain that if they have concerns, they can have a free consultation with an attorney. Email Overcome affordability fears “Bankruptcy doesn’t have to be expensive.” Be transparent: explain $0-down options, payment plans, and how almost every debtor faces cost worries. Email Position bankruptcy as the start of financial and credit repair “Here are three important steps you can take to reach a 720 credit score after bankruptcy.” Emphasize recovery: credit can bounce back to 720 in 12–24 months with guidance (like 7 Steps to a 720 Credit Scoree). Text & Email Reduce no-shows “Reminder: Your consultation with [Attorney Name] is tomorrow.” Friendly confirmation + link to reschedule if needed. Text & Email Follow up with no-shows. “We missed you—let’s find a better time.” Empathy-driven, not scolding. Offer flexible rescheduling options. Text & Email Nurture long-term leads (months/years) “Is life better than it was a year ago?” Gentle reflection + reminder that bankruptcy remains an option. Keep the door open. Key Takeaway: The most effective bankruptcy follow-up combines educational drip emails with timely texts. Emails explain credit repair, affordability, and life after bankruptcy. Texts keep the lead engaged with appointment reminders and quick nudges. Together, these touchpoints replace shame with support, overcome objections, and convert hesitant debtors into paying clients.
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FAQ: How can I handle leads who are hesitant because of the cost of filing bankruptcy?
Answer: Your marketing message should include a focus on showing leads that bankruptcy is affordable and within reach. After all, if a person is in a position where they’re considering bankruptcy, money is already tight. Most potential clients are going to be worried about affordability.
But with the right approach, you can ease that barrier and earn their trust. Here are a few strategies:
- Empathize from the start. Acknowledge their fear and stress. Let them know nearly every client feels the same way at first.
- Show flexible payment options. Emphasize that consultations are free. If you offer $0-down or payment plans, let the lead know. This makes bankruptcy feel accessible instead of overwhelming.
- Explain the automatic stay. The moment a bankruptcy case is filed, creditor harassment, wage garnishments, and collection lawsuits stop. This frees up money almost immediately. Let them know that you will tell them what to stop paying, making the process far more manageable than they expect.
- Build confidence with transparency. Share realistic cost details like filing fees and typical attorney costs.
- Reframe bankruptcy as a strategy. Instead of focusing on cost, show how filing can give them breathing room and a faster path to building wealth.
- Follow up consistently. Hesitant leads often take weeks or months before deciding. Steady, supportive communication reminds them bankruptcy is affordable.
Here is a sample email that can help overcome a prospect’s concerns about cost.
Key takeaway: Affordability worries are natural, but with education, options, and empathy, you can turn a hesitant lead into a committed client.
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FAQ:How is bankruptcy lead follow-up different from personal injury or family law lead follow-up?
Answer: Bankruptcy lead follow-up is different because people rarely act right away. In personal injury cases, leads often contact an attorney immediately after an accident, driven by urgency and pain. In family law, emotions run high, and decisions are made quickly around custody or divorce.
Bankruptcy is different. Shame, fear, and uncertainty cause people to delay. Many debtors hope to find another solution, so they continue to struggle for months (or even years) before facing reality. Someone might download information or schedule a consultation, but then freeze before moving forward. It’s common for bankruptcy leads to need months of steady follow-up before they take action.
That’s why effective bankruptcy marketing requires a longer nurture timeline. Instead of a handful of calls or emails, it takes a consistent, supportive campaign that explains the process, removes stigma, and shows how life improves after filing. With the right long-term follow-up, those hesitant leads become committed clients.
Key takeaway: Bankruptcy leads don’t convert on urgency alone. They convert when consistent follow-up replaces fear and shame with trust, education, and hope.
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FAQ: What is the best bankruptcy lead follow-up system for converting leads into paying clients?
Answer: The most effective bankruptcy lead follow-up systems have five essential components. The lead follow-up system should be:
- Automated, so no one falls through the cracks.
- Immediate, so new prospects receive an email or text within minutes of reaching out.
- Recurring, with consistent outreach over months and years, not just days.
- Enthusiastic, positioning bankruptcy as a wise, exciting next step toward relief.
- Obstacle-focused, so that every message addresses a fear about shame, cost, or uncertainty.
That’s the approach we take at 720 System Strategies. We use a steady, thoughtful follow-up that helps people feel ready to move forward.
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FAQ: Is it worth investing in automated bankruptcy lead follow-up, or should my intake team handle it manually?
Answer: Automated bankruptcy lead follow-up is almost always a smarter and more cost-efficient solution than relying solely on manual intake, assuming you use the right system. Relying on manual labor is costly and inconsistent, with staff follow-up easily running thousands per month. Beyond that, your staff is getting busy, and leads are falling through the cracks. Let’s be honest: Most of your leads probably get one or two follow-up calls, and many of them don’t even get one.
Automation means that no leads slip through the cracks. It allows your intake team to focus on warm, qualified prospects instead of chasing every cold lead. And it costs $200 a month to manage 1,000 leads.
And here’s the reality check from the field. Even attorneys who track their leads closely still face the same challenge: follow-up takes time they don’t have. Check out this clip from Eric J. Ronke, an attorney from Sioux Falls, SD.
Key takeaway: Even the most organized attorneys lose leads without automation. Manual follow-up drains money, time, and staff energy, while automation keeps every prospect engaged for a fraction of the cost.
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FAQ: What software platforms are best for bankruptcy lead follow-up automation?
Answer: The best platforms combine intake tools, automated email and text campaigns, and client tracking dashboards, but the right fit depends on your firm’s size, budget, and how hands-on you want to be with marketing automation. Better yet, outsource. A done-for-you system built for bankruptcy can save you from the steep learning curve, the staff time, and the risk of leads going cold while you figure things out.
720 System Strategies is the plug-and-play option built specifically for bankruptcy attorneys. For a flat $200/month, you get a two-year email and text follow-up sequence, live operator responses, and ongoing lead nurturing, without adding work to your staff.
Other options include Clio Grow, MyCase, Lead Docket, and GoHighLevel, each offering different levels of intake, automation, and client management depending on how much you want to run in-house. Here’s a side-by-side look at the leading platforms, with core features and costs laid out so you can compare them quickly.
Platform Core Features Cost Best Fit For … Verdict Clio Grow / Complete Intake forms, automated follow-up emails, appointment booking, client portal, workflows $49 – $129 Firms wanting case management + intake/follow-up in one platform Solid all-in-one, but not specialized MyCase Intake & lead tracking, automated communications, client portal $39 – $109 Small to mid-size firms centralizing intake and follow-up Affordable, but generic Lead Docket Lead capture, automated follow-ups, source tracking dashboards ~$300/month Firms focused heavily on marketing attribution and lead flow management Strong analytics, but costly 720 System Strategies (720 SS) Purpose-built for bankruptcy; 2-year email/text sequences; live operator responses; long-term nurturing $200/month flat for up to 1,000 leads Bankruptcy firms that want plug-and-play automation without extra staff work Winner: Only platform designed exclusively for bankruptcy attorneys Key takeaway: If your firm wants case management + intake in one place, go with Clio Grow/Complete. If you’re a small firm looking for a budget-friendly dashboard, MyCase is a good fit. If your priority is marketing attribution and campaign tracking, Lead Docket delivers. If you need a plug-and-play system built specifically for bankruptcy attorneys, the clear winner is 720 System Strategies
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FAQ: How much ROI can I expect from a structured lead follow-up system compared to buying more ads?
Answer: You need both. Ads bring attention, but ads alone don’t convert. In fact, most debtors won’t take the initiative to contact your firm. A structured follow-up system educates, reassures, and re-engages them until they’re ready to file. That’s where the ROI is unlocked: ads generate the lead, but follow-up turns it into a client.
And the numbers back this up. Research across industries shows that acquiring a new customer is five to seven times more expensive than converting an existing lead (Optimove, HubSpot, Forbes). Companies that excel at lead nurturing generate 50% more sales-ready leads at a 33% lower cost (Salesgenie, BeBusinessed, Dashly). For bankruptcy firms, that translates into a real-world benefit: structured follow-up can cut cost-per-client by 30–50% just by improving conversions from inquiries you already paid for.
Key takeaway: Ads start the conversation, but structured follow-up closes it. The real ROI doesn’t come from buying more leads; it comes from consistently nurturing the ones you already have until they become paying clients.
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FAQ: How quickly should my staff contact bankruptcy leads to get the highest conversion rates?
Answer: You (or your automated lead follow-up system) should contact your bankruptcy leads within five minutes of receiving the lead, even sooner if possible. The widely‑cited InsideSales analysis shows that leads contacted within this window are 21 times more likely to convert than those reached even an hour later. General marketing sources also claim up to 78% of customers hire the first responder.
Regardless, your odds of contacting the person drop ten times after that five-minute window has passed. For bankruptcy attorneys, this means having a system that responds instantly is the difference between securing a client and losing them to another firm.
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FAQ: What percentage of bankruptcy leads convert right away?
Answer: Most consumer law firms convert 5–15% of leads overall, and bankruptcy practices usually sit at the lower end of that range, around 5–12%, according to a Legal Management report and LegalBrand Marketing. A LawLeaders benchmark put the nationwide average call-to-case conversion rate at only ~7%. Without structured follow-up, even fewer will turn into paying clients.
Internal data from 720 System Strategies shows higher rates for those who use a holistic intake process, ranging from 30 to 40 percent of exclusive and engaged leads, and 8 percent of cold leads.
Watch and Learn: How to Master Lead Follow-Up
Check out this strategy call with Philip Tirone, founder of 720 System Strategies, for a comprehensive look at an effective lead follow-up system.
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FAQ: What’s the data on response rates for text vs phone calls when following up with bankruptcy leads?
Answer: Texting consistently outperforms phone calls for reaching bankruptcy leads. Response rates for texts are around 40%, compared to just 10 to 15% for answered phone calls.
That doesn’t mean calls don’t matter. Many people still want to hear a human voice before they commit. Indeed, the best results come from combining both methods. Attorneys who use a blended follow-up strategy (text + calls) typically see 2–3x higher conversion rates than those who rely on one method alone.
Key takeaway: Don’t choose between texts or calls. Use both. Texting gets attention quickly, while calls build trust and rapport.
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FAQ: Why do so many bankruptcy leads go cold, and how can I stop this from happening?
Answer: Leads go cold because many attorneys fail to put consistent outreach systems in place to overcome debtors’ hesitation. Most debtors are passive and won’t take the next step. They’re afraid of bankruptcy, embarrassed about their debt, and worried about how they’ll afford it, so they don’t take initiative. When attorneys fail to have systems in place that address those fears, the lead simply won’t convert.
A Qwilr sales research and benchmark report found that 80% of sales require 5–12 contact attempts, yet 48% of sales reps never make a second follow-up call. IRC Sales Solutions, a sales training and consulting firm that specializes in improving follow-up systems, reported nearly identical findings: 44% of salespeople give up after just one attempt, and only 8% follow up more than five times.
If that’s what happens in general sales, imagine the gap in follow-up for bankruptcy clients, who need far more handholding due to fear and uncertainty.
That’s why we don’t leave it to chance. Our multi-channel lead follow-up combines email, text, and phone calls with more than 100 touchpoints over four years. It is designed to gently walk debtors through their fears and doubts. Each message chips away at the obstacles that keep them from taking action.
Instead of treating bankruptcy as something shameful, we frame it as what it really is: a tool for relief, one that was provided by Congress that millions of people have used to give their families stability. We show that it’s affordable–and that it’s a wise, strategic, and loving decision for those drowning in bills.
By addressing hesitation step by step, we nurture prospects until they feel ready and confident to move forward. Where most firms stop after a few attempts, we keep showing up with reassurance and clarity.
Key takeaway: Leads don’t convert because most attorneys stop following up, leaving debtors stuck in fear and hesitation. Our four-year, multi-channel system provides more than 100 gentle touchpoints, steadily addressing shame, affordability concerns, and uncertainty. By reframing bankruptcy as relief and walking prospects through their doubts, we turn passive leads into paying clients.
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FAQ: What psychological objections are most common with bankruptcy leads, and how can follow-up overcome them?
Answer:
Objection Emotional Barrier Follow-Up Messaging Strategy Shame / Stigma “Filing means I’ve failed.” - Compare bankruptcy to other smart financial strategies, like refinancing or using insurance, a built-in safeguard, not a personal failure.
- Emphasize that most bankruptcies result from circumstances outside a person’s control (medical emergencies, job loss, divorce, pandemics), not irresponsibility.
- Point out that many successful people (including entrepreneurs and even U.S. presidents) have filed and gone on to thrive.
- Stress that ignoring debt can cause far more lasting damage; bankruptcy is the faster path to healing.
- Frame bankruptcy as protecting family stability and mental health, not just finances.
- Highlight that creditors and banks already factor bankruptcy filings into their risk models. The system expects it, and people aren’t “breaking” anything by filing.
- Reassure clients that the legal process is private, structured, and designed to protect them, not expose them.
Fear of Judgment “What will others think if I file?” - Remind clients that their friends, family, and coworkers are far less likely to know than they think. Filings are legal records but not something people go searching for.
- Position attorneys as discreet advocates whose role is to protect dignity while guiding the process.
- Normalize it by pointing out that corporations, airlines, and even entire industries use bankruptcy as a strategic reset without stigma.
- Emphasize that choosing bankruptcy often reduces judgment in daily life. No more collection calls, lawsuits, or wage garnishments exposing financial struggles.
- Reframe it as an act of responsibility: instead of hiding from creditors, debtors are taking formal, legal steps to resolve their debt.
- Highlight that many people who file later wish they’d done it sooner because the relief outweighs any imagined social judgment.
- Note that bankruptcy can actually restore trust within families and relationships by eliminating constant financial stress and secrecy.
Concerns About Cost “I can’t afford an attorney or bankruptcy fees.” - Frame bankruptcy as an investment that saves thousands in interest, fees, and garnishments over time.
- Show side-by-side comparisons: e.g., paying $300/month in minimums forever vs. a one-time bankruptcy fee.
- Remind them that once collection calls, wage garnishments, or lawsuits stop, clients often free up more money than the bankruptcy costs.
- Stress that attorney fees are often structured around the type of bankruptcy (e.g., Ch. 13 payments built into the plan).
- Position cost as predictable and finite, compared to the endless, compounding costs of staying in debt.
- Share examples of clients who worried about cost but realized they couldn’t afford not to file.
- Normalize the conversation: All bankruptcy attorneys expect and work with clients in tight financial situations.
Worries About Long-Term Credit Damage “Bankruptcy ruins my credit forever.” - Clarify that most clients already have severely damaged credit before filing. Bankruptcy stops the bleeding and sets the stage for repair.
- Point out that lenders expect to see bankruptcy and often view it as a cleaner slate than ongoing delinquencies.
- Emphasize that credit offers (secured cards, auto loans) often appear within months after discharge because lenders know the filer can’t declare again right away and has more disposable cash than before the bankruptcy.
- Reframe bankruptcy as the fastest path back to good credit, especially with structured programs like the 7 Steps to a 720 Credit Score (included as part of 720 System Strategy’s lead follow-up system).
- Highlight stories or case studies where clients raised their scores to the 700s within two years of filing.
- Contrast it with the alternative: years of collections, lawsuits, or judgments dragging down scores far longer than bankruptcy itself.
- Explain that the law intentionally limits how long bankruptcy impacts credit (e.g., Chapter 7 falls off after 10 years, but recovery happens much sooner).
- Note that avoiding bankruptcy often leads to worse outcomes: higher debt balances, lower scores, and more financial stress that prolongs the damage.
Key takeaway: Use empathetic messaging that reframes bankruptcy as protection and renewal to break through emotional barriers and encourage leads to move forward.
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FAQ: How do I nurture bankruptcy leads who say they aren’t ready now but might file in six months?
Answer: The key to nurturing bankruptcy leads over time is to stay present with consistent, value-driven follow-up that continues over time. Most bankruptcy leads who hesitate aren’t saying “never.” They’re saying “not yet.”
Though not bankruptcy specific, industry data on general lead nurturing shows that about 63% of leads not ready to buy initially do convert later when nurtured properly (Salesgenie 2025).
Here are a few other statistics:
- Most leads convert only after multiple touches
- Nurtured leads yield larger sales at lower cost
- 720 System Strategies incorporates more than 100 touchpoints in its four-year lead follow-up sequence.
Key takeaway: Long-term, multi-touch nurturing can unlock conversions among leads who aren’t ready initially. Consistent follow-up ensures they become clients when the time is right.