So, you’ve finally cracked it. Traffic is trickling onto your website – go you (you’ve obvs been working on your SEO)!
Someone clicks that “book a call” button, and for a split second, you think, this is it – my next dream client! And then…nothing. Nada. Zilch.
What went wrong? Did they get distracted? Change their mind? Or (here’s a dose of tough love) did the whole “booking a discovery call” process turn them off faster than a dodgy Hinge bio?
Whatever the reason, with a few simple tweaks, you can turn your booking process into a seamless, irresistible gateway to your business. And in this blog, I’ll walk you through seven dead-easy strategies to boost your discovery call bookings.
Ready? Let’s dive in!
1. Don’t Ask Too Many Questions
Nobody enjoys a booking form that feels like they’re being grilled by MI5. BUT – when done right, asking the right questions can set the stage for an amazing client relationship.
Your form isn’t just there to secure a slot in your calendar. It’s your first chance to show you’ve got your act together and to gather the golden nuggets that’ll help you prepare like a pro.
Here’s how to make your form a breeze to complete (and still get all the important stuff):
- Name & email: so you know who you’re talking to and have the deets to be able to follow up personally if needed.
- Company name & website: you’re not winging it. You’re doing your homework (stalking for professional purposes only, obvs).
- Budget: you’re not here for tyre kickers. This ensures they’re ready to invest in your brilliance.
- Service dropdown: it’s quick for them, and it gives you clarity on what they need from the get-go.
- Where they found you: because how else will you know if that one reel you spent 3 hours editing was worth it?
Ask these essentials, and then keep the rest of the process streamlined. The easier it is to fill out, the more likely they are to hit “Submit.” And when they do? You’re already setting the tone for a productive, personalised discovery call.
Wanna see how I do it? Head to my contact page and take a peek.
And if you need more help, I’ve also written a whole post on how to style and create a lead capture form – which leads me on nicely to my next hot tip…
2. Use Lead Capture Form Instead of a Scheduler
Fun fact: lead capture forms are more likely to be completed than direct booking links. Yep, those sleek embedded schedulers might look the part, but they’re not always the best at turning “hmm, I’m interested” into “yes, let’s book.”
Why?
It all comes down to psychology.
A lead capture form feels like a smaller commitment – it’s just, “Hey, drop your details, and I’ll be in touch.” On the other hand, an embedded scheduler can feel like, “Right now, pick a date, time, and maybe swear a blood oath to show up.”
By starting with a lead capture form, you: cut decision fatigue, stay in control, and keep the door open.
3. Optimise Your CTA
Let’s talk CTAs – those buttons, links, and bits of copy that tell people exactly what to do next. If yours says “Book Now” or “Contact Me,” it’s no wonder they’re not smashing that button like it’s the last discounted Dyson in a Boxing Day sale.
CTAs need to be crystal clear and action/benefit-driven. It’s not just about what they’re doing – it’s about why. What’s in it for them? Why should they choose you over anyone else?
- Keep it short & sweet: think snappy. Nobody’s got time for a paragraph.
- Be specific: spell it out – what’s happening next? E.g., “Get expert advice for free.”
- Use power words: words like boost, transform, grow, and easy to pack a punch.
- Add a little urgency: FOMO is your friend. E.g, “Only 3 spots left this quarter!”
Examples of CTAs That Actually Work
- “Plan My Dream Kitchen”
- “Organise My Inbox”
- “Fix My Brand Strategy”
- “Design My Website”
4. Make it Really Easy for Them to Book
Booking a discovery call with you should feel effortless – like clicking a button and instantly feeling seen.
If the process is clunky or unclear, you risk losing potential clients before they even get to the good stuff (aka, YOU).
Here’s how to keep it simple:
Once they hit “Submit” on your form, redirect them to a thank-you page that does three things:
- Confirms you’ve received their details.
- Explains exactly what’s coming next (e.g., “Check your inbox for a scheduler link”).
- Builds excitement for the call with a warm, on-brand message like, “Can’t wait to dive into how we can [solve their pain point]!”
From there, your scheduler should be sleek and straightforward – just a few time slots, no redundant questions. Keep it user-friendly, and they’ll be booking a discovery call faster than you can say, “Let’s get started!”
5. Create a Scheduler Link You Can Share Anywhere
You don’t need to send people on a treasure hunt through your website to book a call. A shareable scheduler link keeps things simple, whether you’re replying to a DM or emailing a potential client.
Here’s how to set one up:
- Use a tool like Dubsado (you can get 30% discount with my code), that can:
- Automatically create a project or client file for each booking.
- Send confirmation emails as soon as a call is scheduled.
- Include follow-up emails with reminders, next steps, or pre-call prep tips.
- Customise your link with Short.io with your own domain to make it easy to remember and share.
If you want a really easy to follow step by step on how to setup a Dubsado scheduler then checkout Dubsado’s help guide: https://help.dubsado.com/en/articles/4173288-creating-a-scheduler-template
6. Make Sure They Don’t Forget the Discovery Call
Let’s be real – life happens. Even the most eager clients can forget their scheduled calls. That’s why automated reminders are a must. They’re easy to set up, save you from awkward no-shows, and keep you looking like a total pro.
Automate your follow-ups
Use your scheduler to send automatic reminders. A solid schedule might look like this:
- Right after booking: send a confirmation email with the time, meeting link, and any important details.
- 24-48 hours before the call: a friendly reminder to keep it on their radar.
- 1-2 hours before the call: a quick nudge, because people forget.
Add some personality to your reminders
Your reminders don’t have to be dry or robotic. Use a warm, on-brand tone to make them memorable. For example:
Subject: “get excited, {{client.firstName}}! Our call is tomorrow 📅”
Email body: Hi {{client.firstName}},
It’s me, [Name], your soon-to-be best mate, sliding in here to remind you we’ve got our discovery call tomorrow.
Just a quick reminder about our chat tomorrow at [Time]. I’ve got a few ideas lined up to help with [their pain point], so feel free to bring any questions you’ve been mulling over. Looking forward to it!
[Your Name]”
Pssst, you can grab my done-for-you reminder templates here.
Attach a Calendar Invite
Add a calendar event to your confirmation email. It’s quick, professional, and makes sure the call gets added to their diary.
Teamed with clear, engaging reminders, you’ll minimise no-shows and set the tone for a great discovery call.
7. Create a No-Show Workflow
No-shows suck. But they don’t have to mean a lost lead. With the right follow-up, you can turn a missed call into another chance to connect – and even convert.
Here’s how to handle it:
Step 1: Automate a straightforward “we missed you” email
The second someone no-shows, send a polite but direct email.
Subject: “We missed you – let’s try again?”
Email body: Hi [Name],
I hope everything’s okay! I was really looking forward to chatting about how we can [specific benefit]. If you’re still up for it, you can reschedule here: [scheduler link].
Step 2: Follow up if they ghost again
If they don’t reschedule, hit them with a friendly nudge a few days later:
“Hi [Name], just wanted to check in – I’d still love to connect and see how I can help you [specific pain point]. Let me know if there’s a better time!”
Step 3: Learn from no-show trends
If this keeps happening, it’s time for a tweak in your workflow:
- Tighten the timing: don’t let weeks pass between booking and the call.
- Check your reminders: are they clear, friendly, and timed right?
- Look at your confirmation emails: are you setting the right expectations upfront?
Want a deeper dive? Check out my No-Show Workflow Guide for step-by-step tips on setting this up in Dubsado.
Ready to Increase Your Discovery Call Bookings?
Booking discovery calls doesn’t have to be a headache. With a few strategic tweaks – like streamlining your forms, automating reminders, and following up on no-shows – you can create a booking process that’s effortless for your clients and transformative for your business.
But let’s be real – setting all this up takes time (and maybe a little tech know-how). That’s where I come in.
With my Dubsado Setup Service, I’ll take care of the workflows, automation, and tech wizardry so you can focus on what you do best – building connections and landing clients.
Here’s what you’ll get:
✓ Seamless lead capture that keeps the enquiries rolling in
✓ Automated confirmations and follow-ups that feel personal (but run on autopilot)
✓ A no-show-proof system with reminders that actually work
Less admin, more dream clients – it’s as simple as that.
Click here to learn more about my Dubsado Setup Service, and let’s make your calendar the busiest it’s ever been.
