You’re up a ladder, under a sink or driving between jobs. The phone rings and you can’t answer, so by the time you call back, they’ve already booked someone else. Missed calls like that cost real jobs, and missed-call text-back is a simple fix.
What missed-call text-back is
When you miss a call, an automatic text goes to the caller within seconds: “Sorry we missed you, we’re on a job. What can we help with?” They then reply by text, and the conversation lands on your phone, ready for when you’re free.
Why speed matters
People looking for a tradie usually call a few in a row. As a result, the first one to reply often gets the job.
How text-back works
- A customer calls and you can’t answer.
- A text goes out in seconds, from your business, asking what they need.
- They reply with the details, often with a photo of the job.
- You reply or book them in when you’re off the tools, with the full conversation in front of you.
Is it worth it?
Worth it if
- You often miss calls on the job
- Most of your work comes from new enquiries
- Your customers book from their phone
Maybe not if
- Someone already answers every call
- Most of your work is repeat customers who’ll leave a message anyway
What missed calls could be costing you
Set the numbers to match your business. It’s a rough estimate, but it shows why replying fast matters.
Your estimate
Jobs you could be losing each month
≈ 9 jobs a month
$3,030 a month
or about $36,400 a year in work that goes to someone else.
Estimate based only on the numbers you entered. Not a quote or a guarantee.
A text you can copy
Hi, it’s [Business name]. Sorry we missed your call, we’re on a job right now. What can we help with? Reply here and we’ll get back to you shortly.
Keep it short, say who you are and ask an open question.
Rules to keep in mind
A reply about the job someone just called about is part of a conversation they started. Promotional texts are different: under Australia’s Spam Act they need consent, must identify your business and must include a way to opt out. Keep text-back about the enquiry, and check ACMA’s guidance before sending anything promotional.
Setting up text-back
How it’s set up depends on your phone number and provider. So on a free call, we’ll check what works with your number before you commit, and then set it up so the texts sound like you.
See how it fits with the rest of a tradie’s website on our trades page.
AI Automation & Chatbots Missed-call text-back, AI chat on your site and automatic follow-ups, so you never miss another lead. See the service →