Get Them Back Growth+ Feature 5 min read

How Database Reactivation Works

Turn your old contacts into new customers. Learn how automated reactivation campaigns re-engage past customers and dormant leads.

Your past customers and old leads are a goldmine. Database reactivation automatically reaches out to contacts who’ve gone cold, turning forgotten names into new revenue.

Available at Growth tier and above.


What Is Database Reactivation?

Reactivation is automated outreach to people who:

  • Past customers – Bought from you before but haven’t returned
  • Lost leads – Inquired but never converted
  • Dormant contacts – In your database but inactive

These people already know your business. They’re warmer than cold leads and cheaper to convert than new customers.


How It Works

The Campaign Flow

  1. Import your contacts – Send us your list (or connect your existing CRM)
  2. Segment the list – We organize by type, recency, and potential
  3. Craft the message – Personalized outreach that doesn’t feel spammy
  4. Launch campaign – Automated SMS and/or email sequences
  5. AI handles responses – Conversation AI engages interested contacts
  6. You close deals – Hot leads come to you qualified and ready

Campaign Timing

Campaigns typically run over 2-4 weeks:

  • Week 1: Initial outreach
  • Week 2: First follow-up to non-responders
  • Week 3-4: Final touches, hot lead handoff

What Gets Sent

Message Style

Reactivation messages are personal and low-pressure:

“Hi [Name], it’s been a while since we last worked together. I wanted to check in and see if there’s anything we can help with. Any projects coming up?”

Not salesy. Not spammy. Just a genuine check-in that opens the door.

Channels Used

ChannelBest For
SMSHigh open rates, immediate response
EmailLonger messages, less intrusive
BothMaximum reach

We recommend starting with SMS for best response rates.


Response Handling

When Someone Replies

  1. AI assesses intent – Is this a hot lead, casual interest, or “not interested”?
  2. Positive responses – AI continues conversation, offers booking or next steps
  3. Questions – AI answers common questions about your services
  4. Negative responses – Politely acknowledged, contact marked appropriately
  5. Hot leads – You get notified immediately for personal follow-up

What You Need to Do

Mostly nothing. The system handles:

  • Initial outreach
  • Response management
  • Qualification
  • Appointment booking (if enabled)

You step in when a lead is hot and ready for personal attention.


Typical Results

Response Rates

List TypeExpected Response Rate
Past customers (1-2 years)10-20%
Past customers (3+ years)5-10%
Lost leads (< 1 year)8-15%
Lost leads (1+ years)3-8%

Conversion Expectations

Of those who respond:

  • 30-50% express genuine interest
  • 10-20% book an appointment or request a quote
  • 5-10% convert to paying customers

Even modest conversion rates generate significant ROI because the audience is already familiar with you.


What Makes It Work

Why Reactivation Succeeds

  1. Familiarity – They already know you
  2. Timing – Their situation may have changed
  3. Low pressure – It’s a check-in, not a hard sell
  4. Automation – Consistent follow-up without manual effort
  5. AI engagement – Instant responses keep momentum

Why People Re-Engage

Common reasons dormant contacts respond:

  • “I forgot about you—glad you reached out”
  • “My situation changed, I actually need this now”
  • “I was going to call but kept putting it off”
  • “Good timing, I was just thinking about this”

Campaign Compliance

We handle compliance automatically:

  • Opt-out honored – One-click unsubscribe in every message
  • Frequency limits – No one gets bombarded
  • DNC respect – Do Not Contact preferences respected
  • A2P compliance – Messages sent through proper business channels

Getting Started

To launch a reactivation campaign:

  1. Send us your contacts – Spreadsheet, CRM export, or data share
  2. We clean the list – Remove bad data, duplicates, invalid contacts
  3. Approve the message – We draft, you approve
  4. Launch – Campaign begins, results flow in

See Importing Your Past Contacts for details on preparing your list.


Frequently Asked Questions

How often can I run campaigns?

Quarterly is typical. More frequent risks fatigue; less frequent misses opportunities.

What if my list is old?

Old lists work—that’s the point. We verify contacts and expect some bounce. Even 5% response from an old list generates business.

Will this annoy my past customers?

Done right, no. The tone is helpful, not pushy. People appreciate the check-in. Those who aren’t interested can opt out easily.

What does it cost?

Included in Growth+ plans. No additional cost per message or contact.


Need Help?

Questions about database reactivation? Our support team is available 24/7:

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