Homeowners Do Not Always Answer the Phone
Getting a new lead is only the first step. You still need to reach the homeowner, learn what they need, and book the job. Phone calls are important, but many people do not answer numbers they do not know. They may be working, driving, caring for children, or talking to someone else.
A text message gives the homeowner another way to respond. It also tells them who you are and why you called. A short message can make your next phone call feel less like a call from a stranger.
You could say, “Hi, this is Mike with ABC Tree Service. I saw that you called about tree work. How can we help?” The message is simple, clear, and easy to answer.
Fast Follow-Up Can Help You Win the Job
Homeowners often contact more than one company when they need a service. The business that replies first may have the best chance to book the estimate. Waiting several hours can give another contractor time to reach the customer first.
As we explain in our article about why contractors should answer new leads within five minutes, a fast reply shows the homeowner that your company is ready to help. A quick text can be useful when you cannot stop to make a full phone call.
Speed also makes your company look organized. A homeowner is more likely to trust a contractor who responds quickly and clearly. Even if you cannot talk right away, you can let the customer know that you received the request and will call soon.
Texting Makes It Easier to Learn About the Job
Some homeowners find it easier to explain a job through text. They may send a photo of a fallen tree, cracked driveway, damaged fence, dirty siding, or clogged gutter. This can help you understand the problem before you visit the property.
Texting can also help you ask simple questions. You can ask where the property is located, when the customer is available, or what type of work they need. This can save time for both you and the homeowner.
The goal is not to complete the whole sale by text. The goal is to make it easier to start the conversation and move the homeowner toward a phone call or estimate.
A Missed Call Does Not Have to Be a Lost Lead
Contractors cannot answer every call. You may be using equipment, driving, meeting another customer, or working on a job. Missing the call does not always mean you have lost the opportunity.
Send a text as soon as it is safe. Tell the homeowner that you saw the call and ask how you can help. This supports the same follow-up process we describe in what happens after Harpley House sends you a call.
A fast text can keep the homeowner from moving on. It lets them know that a real person received the call and plans to respond.
Text Messages Can Help After the Estimate
Many contractors send an estimate and then wait. The homeowner may be busy, forget to reply, or still have questions. A friendly text two or three days later can restart the conversation.
You can ask if they have any questions or if they would like to choose a date for the work. Keep the message helpful and short. Do not send several texts in a row or pressure the customer.
Good follow-up is often the difference between an estimate that gets ignored and a job that gets booked. A homeowner may simply need a reminder before making a decision.
Texting Works Best With Good Leads
Texting cannot fix every lead. Some people are only checking prices, are not ready to hire, or have already chosen another company. It is also harder to stand out when several contractors are contacting the same homeowner.
Our article about why shared leads are so hard to close explains how too many calls and messages can overwhelm customers. Texting works best when the lead is real, the message is personal, and the homeowner has asked to hear from a business.
Harpley House helps local service companies attract real customer calls and requests. Our digital marketing services for local contractors are built to help businesses get found and turn more leads into booked jobs. To learn how we can help your company grow, contact Harpley House.