A Google Sheets follow-up tracker that shows what's overdue

Row 47 can sit overdue for three weeks if your sheet never tells you. This free template fixes the main gap: overdue follow-ups turn red, so they are the first thing you see. It is a plain Google Sheet. There is nothing to sign up for.

Download the template (CSV)

What is in the template?

Six columns: Name, Business, Last contact, Next follow-up, Next step and Notes. The one that matters is Next follow-up. Every lead gets a date there, and the red rule below uses it.

How do I set it up in Google Sheets?

1. Download the CSV. In Google Sheets, choose File, then Import, then Upload, and pick your file.
2. Select columns A to F. Choose Format, then Conditional formatting. Under "Format cells if", pick "Custom formula is" and paste =AND($D2<>"",$D2<TODAY()). Set the range to A2:F1000 and choose a red fill or red text.
3. Add a second rule for leads with no date: =AND($A2<>"",$D2=""), in yellow. A lead without a next date is the easiest one to lose.
4. Choose Data, then Create a filter, and sort column D from A to Z so the oldest follow-up comes first.
5. Optional: put =COUNTIF(D2:D1000,"<"&TODAY()) in a cell at the top to count how many follow-ups are overdue.

The dates in column D must be real dates, not text. In Google Sheets, real dates line up to the right of the cell.

Does a spreadsheet work for tracking follow-ups?

Yes, if you open it every day and every lead has a next date. It stops working when a row has no date, or when you don't look at it for a few days.

Is this a CRM?

No. It is a tracker with no pipeline, no stages and no forecasting. Many solo freelancers and consultants don't need more than that.

Where does a sheet stop working?

A sheet never taps you on the shoulder. Red rows only help when the sheet is open. I'm exploring a small follow-up notebook that puts overdue leads first. It isn't built yet. If you want to help shape it, join early access.