How to manage IndiaMART and Justdial leads so they actually convert
IndiaMART and Justdial leads usually go to several sellers at once, so the first business to reply with a clear answer wins. Reply within minutes, preferably on WhatsApp and with a call, qualify quickly (quantity, location, budget, timeline), and follow up on day 1, 2, 4 and 7. Get every lead out of the apps and into one list or CRM with an owner and a next step, so none is forgotten in a notification.
For thousands of Indian manufacturers, traders and service businesses, IndiaMART and Justdial are the main source of new enquiries. They are also a common source of frustration: “we pay for leads, but they don’t convert.” Usually the leads are fine. What breaks is speed and follow-up.
Why portal leads go cold
- The buyer contacted several sellers. Portal enquiries often go to multiple businesses. It is a race.
- Nobody replied fast. A lead that waits three hours has already spoken to two competitors.
- The lead stays in the app. Notifications get buried; nobody owns the lead.
- One call, then silence. Most sellers call once, get no answer, and give up.
- Vague first reply. “Please share requirement” when the buyer already did.
Step 1: Reply in minutes, with substance
Your first reply should show you read the enquiry and give something useful.
WhatsApp first message (B2B, IndiaMART): “Hi Mr. Verma, this is Anil from Shree Packaging. Thanks for your enquiry for 5-ply corrugated boxes, 10,000 pieces. Our price is ₹14 to ₹17 per box depending on size and print. Can you share the box size and delivery city? I’ll send an exact quote within the hour.”
WhatsApp first message (local service, Justdial): “Hi, this is Riya from CoolCare AC Service. Got your enquiry for AC servicing in Andheri West. Split AC service is ₹599, and we have a slot today at 5 pm or tomorrow at 11 am. Which suits you?”
Then call. If they don’t answer, the WhatsApp message is already waiting.
Read more: speed to lead.
Step 2: Qualify quickly
Ask only what you need to quote or book:
- What exactly (product, model, service)?
- How much (quantity, size, area)?
- Where (delivery city, site location)?
- When (timeline)?
- Budget or price expectation, if relevant.
Then mark the lead Hot, Warm or Cold so the team knows where to spend time. See hot, warm and cold leads.
Step 3: A 7-day follow-up plan
| When | What |
|---|---|
| Minute 0 to 5 | WhatsApp with price range + call |
| Same day | Exact quote or slot options |
| Day 1 | “Did you get a chance to see the quote?” + call |
| Day 2 | Answer the likely objection (price, delivery time, quality proof) |
| Day 4 | Proof: photos, a client name in their city, certifications |
| Day 7 | “Should I keep this open or close it for now?” |
| Monthly | Price update or new stock, if they said “later” |
Templates for every step: WhatsApp follow-up message templates.
Step 4: Get the leads out of the apps
Leads trapped in portal apps and email notifications are leads nobody owns. Options:
- Download or export enquiries from the portal’s seller panel (availability depends on your plan) and import them into your CRM.
- Use the portal’s CRM integration or API, if your plan includes it, to send leads to your CRM automatically.
- Add leads by hand the moment they arrive, if volume is low. A good CRM makes this a few taps.
Whatever you choose, every lead needs an owner, a source tag and a next step with a date.
Step 5: Measure which portal pays off
Tag every lead with its source (IndiaMART, Justdial, website, ads, referral) and track wins by source every month. Many businesses find one portal brings volume and another brings buyers. Spend accordingly.
Common mistakes
- Treating portal leads as “low quality” and not calling them back.
- Sending the same copy-paste message to every enquiry.
- Quoting without asking the one question that changes the price.
- Arguing about price on the first call instead of showing value.
- No follow-up after the quote. Most deals close after the second or third touch.
How OakDeal helps with portal leads
Import IndiaMART, Justdial or any portal export as a CSV. OakDeal checks for duplicates and shares the leads out among your team in turn. You can also add a lead from a call in a few taps. Every lead keeps its source, so you can see which portal brings buyers. When buyers move to WhatsApp, OakDeal’s AI replies in seconds, and follow-ups run on schedule until each lead buys or says no.
Frequently asked questions
Why are IndiaMART leads not converting?
Usually because the same enquiry reaches several sellers and the slowest ones lose. Other reasons: no follow-up after the first call, vague quotes, and leads left inside the app where nobody tracks them.
How quickly should I respond to a Justdial or IndiaMART lead?
Within five minutes if you can. Buyers often call the first two or three sellers who respond and stop looking after that.
How do I export IndiaMART leads to Excel?
IndiaMART’s seller tools let paid members download enquiries, and paid plans also offer an API for connecting a CRM. Check what your plan includes in the Lead Manager section. You can then import the file into a CRM like OakDeal as a CSV.
Should I reply to portal leads on WhatsApp or call?
Both. Send a short WhatsApp message with the key details right away, then call. Many buyers prefer to read prices first, and the WhatsApp message keeps your name in front of them.