Missed-call text-back for Pensacola service businesses
Missed-call text-back is an automatic text sent to anyone whose call you miss, seconds after it goes to voicemail. It's part of the $297-a-month plan from Drew Builds Websites in Pensacola, and texts cost what the carrier charges: $0.008 per segment, about a penny.
Last updated · by Drew Waltrip
How does missed-call text-back work?
When a call to your business number goes unanswered, the system texts the caller back within seconds, in your business's name, asking what they need. Their reply comes to you, and the follow-up keeps the conversation going until they book or say stop.
- A customer calls your business number.
- You can't pick up. You're on a job.
- Within seconds they get a text from your business asking what they need.
- They reply by text, which is often easier than calling back. The reply comes to you.
- If it goes quiet, the lead follow-up sends a polite nudge until they book or say stop.
Why does it matter for trades?
Because you're on a roof, under a sink or mid-pour when the phone rings, and a lot of people who reach voicemail call the next name on the list instead of leaving a message. A text in seconds tells them someone is there.
Some examples of what the text might say. These are examples, not scripts from real customers:
| Trade | When the call gets missed | What the text might say |
|---|---|---|
| Roofer | On a roof after a storm | "This is [Your] Roofing, sorry I missed you. What's going on with the roof?" |
| HVAC | Mid-install in an attic in July | "[Your] Air here, I'm on a job. Is your AC out, or is this about a tune-up?" |
| Plumber | Under a sink, hands full | "[Your] Plumbing, I missed your call. Is anything leaking right now?" |
| Handyman | Driving between small jobs | "Hi, it's [Name]. Got your call. What's on the list?" |
| Epoxy floors | Mid-pour, can't stop | "[Your] Epoxy here. Garage or commercial? Send a photo of the floor and I'll call you back." |
| Lodge or inn | Front desk closed for the night | "Thanks for calling [Lodge]. Looking at dates? Reply with them and we'll confirm in the morning." |
What does missed-call text-back cost?
It's included in the $297-a-month plan. The only extra is usage, billed at cost with no markup: $0.008 per text segment and $0.018 per call minute. A busy month of 300 text segments comes to $2.40.
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| Missed-call text-back itself | Included in the $297/mo plan |
| Each text segment sent or received | $0.008, at cost |
| Each call minute | $0.018, at cost |
| Markup | None |
| Example: 300 text segments in a month | $2.40 |
Everything else in the plan is on the pricing page.
Why does it take one to four weeks to turn on?
US carriers require every business that sends texts through software to register first, a process called A2P 10DLC registration. I file it on day one. Approval usually takes one to four weeks and nobody can skip it. Your website goes live in 7 to 10 business days regardless.
The full timeline, form to live site, is on how it works.
Missed-call text-back questions.
Can I buy missed-call text-back without the website?
No. There's one plan, $297 a month, and the text-back is part of it along with the website, follow-up, review requests, campaigns and on-site SEO.
How long until it's turned on?
Usually one to four weeks after you say yes. Carriers have to approve the business texting registration first. I file it on day one, and your website goes live in the meantime.
What does each text cost?
About a penny. Texts are billed at cost, $0.008 per segment, and call minutes at $0.018, with no markup.
Can I change what the text says?
Yes. It goes out in your business's name, and we set the wording together. Say it the way you'd say it on the phone.
Does it replace answering the phone?
No. It buys you time. The caller gets an answer in seconds instead of voicemail, and you pick up the conversation when you're off the roof.
Keep reading.
Thirty minutes from now you could have a draft.
Free, with your business on it. No card, no call. Questions first? (850) 876-5362.
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