What is the best time of day to call prospects?
Posted: Mon May 26, 2025 10:30 am
Timing plays a crucial role in telemarketing success. Calling prospects at the right time of day can significantly increase the chances of connecting, engaging, and ultimately converting them. While there is no one-size-fits-all answer, research and experience reveal patterns that telemarketers can leverage to optimize their call schedules.
1. Mid-Morning (10:00 AM – 11:30 AM)
Mid-morning is often cited as one of the best times to reach prospects. By this time, people have usually settled into their workday routines and are more receptive to engaging with a telemarketer.
Why it works:
Prospects have cleared urgent morning tasks and haven’t yet reached the buy telemarketing data midday slump. They are alert and have a moment to listen, making this window ideal for productive conversations.
2. Early Afternoon (2:00 PM – 4:00 PM)
The early afternoon can also be an effective calling time. After lunch, many prospects resume work with renewed energy and may be more willing to take a call.
Why it works:
The early afternoon avoids the post-lunch dip that usually occurs immediately after eating. People have resumed their work but are not yet wrapping up for the day, offering a good opportunity to connect.
3. Avoid Early Mornings and Late Evenings
Calling too early (before 9:00 AM) or too late (after 6:00 PM) tends to be less effective and can even annoy prospects.
Reasons to avoid:
Early mornings can find people commuting or just starting their day and unwilling to be interrupted. Late evenings may invade personal time when prospects prefer not to engage with work-related calls.
4. Consider Industry and Job Roles
The best time to call can vary depending on the industry and the prospect’s role.
For example:
Senior executives or decision-makers might have packed schedules during traditional work hours and may prefer early morning or late afternoon calls.
Frontline employees or customer service reps might have set breaks, making mid-morning or late afternoon best.
5. Experiment and Track Results
While general guidelines exist, it’s important to test different calling times to discover what works best for your specific audience.
How to do it:
Use your CRM or call software to track contact rates, conversions, and callbacks by time of day. Over time, adjust your calling schedules based on these insights.
6. Time Zone Awareness
When calling prospects in different regions, always consider their local time zones to avoid calling at inappropriate hours.
Tip:
Segment your calling lists by time zone and schedule calls accordingly. This respect for their schedule boosts your chances of a positive reception.
7. Weekend Calling
For some industries, calling on weekends can be effective since prospects may be more relaxed and available.
Note:
Check the norms and legal regulations for telemarketing calls in your target market, as weekend calling may not always be permitted or welcomed.
1. Mid-Morning (10:00 AM – 11:30 AM)
Mid-morning is often cited as one of the best times to reach prospects. By this time, people have usually settled into their workday routines and are more receptive to engaging with a telemarketer.
Why it works:
Prospects have cleared urgent morning tasks and haven’t yet reached the buy telemarketing data midday slump. They are alert and have a moment to listen, making this window ideal for productive conversations.
2. Early Afternoon (2:00 PM – 4:00 PM)
The early afternoon can also be an effective calling time. After lunch, many prospects resume work with renewed energy and may be more willing to take a call.
Why it works:
The early afternoon avoids the post-lunch dip that usually occurs immediately after eating. People have resumed their work but are not yet wrapping up for the day, offering a good opportunity to connect.
3. Avoid Early Mornings and Late Evenings
Calling too early (before 9:00 AM) or too late (after 6:00 PM) tends to be less effective and can even annoy prospects.
Reasons to avoid:
Early mornings can find people commuting or just starting their day and unwilling to be interrupted. Late evenings may invade personal time when prospects prefer not to engage with work-related calls.
4. Consider Industry and Job Roles
The best time to call can vary depending on the industry and the prospect’s role.
For example:
Senior executives or decision-makers might have packed schedules during traditional work hours and may prefer early morning or late afternoon calls.
Frontline employees or customer service reps might have set breaks, making mid-morning or late afternoon best.
5. Experiment and Track Results
While general guidelines exist, it’s important to test different calling times to discover what works best for your specific audience.
How to do it:
Use your CRM or call software to track contact rates, conversions, and callbacks by time of day. Over time, adjust your calling schedules based on these insights.
6. Time Zone Awareness
When calling prospects in different regions, always consider their local time zones to avoid calling at inappropriate hours.
Tip:
Segment your calling lists by time zone and schedule calls accordingly. This respect for their schedule boosts your chances of a positive reception.
7. Weekend Calling
For some industries, calling on weekends can be effective since prospects may be more relaxed and available.
Note:
Check the norms and legal regulations for telemarketing calls in your target market, as weekend calling may not always be permitted or welcomed.