Win more of your leads · Every business
Missed-Call Text Templates for Five Kinds of Business
A missed-call text works when it names the business, tells the caller what happens next and offers a way to opt out, and the wording below adapts that pattern to salons, trades, practices, offices and studios.
A good missed-call text says three things in two or three short sentences: who you are, that you saw the call, and one next step such as a booking link, a reply prompt or a callback time. Add "Reply STOP to opt out" at the end, send it within a minute of the missed call, and keep promotions out of it, since the text is a reply to someone who just called rather than an advertisement.
The templates
| Business | Missed-call text |
|---|---|
| Salon or barbershop | "Hi, it's [Salon], sorry we missed your call; we're with clients right now. You can book any open time here: [link], or reply with the service and day you'd like and we'll text you back by [time]. Reply STOP to opt out." |
| Home trades (plumbing, HVAC, electrical, roofing) | "Hi, this is [Company], sorry we missed you; we're on a job. We'll call back by [time]. If it's an emergency (no heat, water coming in, no power), reply URGENT. Reply STOP to opt out." |
| Dental or medical practice | "Hi, this is [Practice], sorry we missed your call. We'll call you back by [time], or you can request an appointment here: [link]. Please don't text health details; if this is a medical emergency, call 911. Reply STOP to opt out." |
| Law, tax or bookkeeping office | "Hi, this is [Firm], sorry we missed your call. Reply with your name and the best time to reach you, or book a consultation here: [link]. Please don't send account numbers or documents by text. Reply STOP to opt out." |
| Gym, fitness or yoga studio | "Hi, it's [Studio], sorry we missed you; we're teaching a class. Today's schedule and a free first-class signup are here: [link], or reply with a question and we'll answer by [time]. Reply STOP to opt out." |
An after-hours version for any business
"Hi, this is [Business]. We're closed now and reopen at [time] on [day]. Reply with what you need and we'll get back to you first thing, or book here: [link]. Reply STOP to opt out."
A five-point check before you turn it on
- The business name comes first, so the customer recognizes the text before opening it.
- There is one next step, not three; a link, a reply prompt or a callback time.
- The callback time is realistic, and someone is named to read and answer replies.
- "Reply STOP to opt out" is included, and opt-outs are honored, since FCC rules require a request to stop to be honored within ten business days and allow one confirmation text.
- No coupons, review requests or sensitive details go in the message; those belong in separate messages to people who agreed to receive them.
General information, not legal/tax/financial advice; talk to a licensed professional about your situation.
Why it works
A text arrives with the business's name attached and waits on the customer's screen until they have a moment, while a callback from an unfamiliar number usually rings out; in Pew's survey, eight in ten U.S. adults said they generally don't answer calls from unknown numbers. The text also arrives within a minute, which matters because a caller looking for a stylist, a plumber or a dentist can usually find another one on the same search page, and the first business to respond has the first chance to book the visit.
Sources
- McClain, C. Most Americans don't answer cellphone calls from unknown numbers. Pew Research Center, December 2020. 10,211 U.S. adults.
- 47 CFR § 64.1200, Delivery restrictions.
- CTIA. Messaging Principles and Best Practices. May 2023.
Related reading: What to Do When You Can't Answer the Phone: Missed-Call Text-Back for Service Businesses · Missed-Call Texts for Contractors on the Job · The Review Request Text to Send After Every Visit
Email hello@osnovaops.com about setting up missed-call texts
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