SMS Follow-Up Automation Playbook: Post-Call Sequences Timing & Templates

24 min read
Yanis Mellata
AI Technology

Introduction

A customer calls. You answer. The conversation goes well. You promise to send an estimate. Then... nothing happens.

You got busy with another job. The estimate draft sat in your email. By the time you remembered two days later, they'd already hired someone else.

In our analysis of 13,175 calls from 45 home services contractors over 7 months, we found that 25.4% of calls included explicit callback requests. Without a systematic follow-up process, most of those callbacks never happened. The leads just went cold.

This playbook shows you exactly how to automate post-call SMS follow-ups. You'll get the complete 5-sequence framework, exact timing for each message, copy-paste templates for your industry, and TCPA compliance guidelines. No more manually remembering to follow up. No more lost leads.

Why Post-Call SMS Follow-Up Matters

The Follow-Up Failure Problem

We analyzed 13,175 customer service calls and found that 74.1% went completely unanswered. That's three out of every four potential customers calling someone else.

But here's what surprised us: even the calls that were answered had a problem. Half of customers forgot about the conversation within 24 hours if there was no follow-up. The contractor promised to send an estimate. The customer genuinely intended to wait for it. Life happened. Both parties forgot.

One plumber told us: "I didn't even know I was missing that many calls until I saw the data. I just thought business was slow." He was actually missing 76 calls per month. But even the calls he did answer weren't converting because he had no system to follow up.

Why SMS Outperforms Email and Calls

Text messaging has a 98% open rate and gets read within minutes. Compare that to your other options:

  • SMS: 98% open rate, 45% response rate, 70% opened within 5 minutes
  • Email: 20% open rate, 6% response rate, 90 minutes average time to open
  • Phone calls: Interrupts the customer, often goes to voicemail, requires real-time availability

When you send a follow-up email at 8 PM after finishing a job, the customer might see it tomorrow morning. When you send a text, they see it in five minutes while the conversation is still fresh in their mind.

The Revenue Impact of No Follow-Up

The math is brutal. Let's say you're a typical contractor getting 42 calls per month. If 74.1% go unanswered, that's 31 missed calls. If just 20% of those would have converted at an average project value of $3,500, you're losing $21,700 per month. That's $260,400 per year.

But it's not just the missed calls. It's the answered calls with no follow-up. You told the customer you'd send the estimate. You genuinely intended to. You got busy. They moved on.

SMS automation solves both problems. It catches the missed calls with a 1-hour recovery message. It follows up on answered calls automatically. Even if you capture just 25% of those lost leads, that's $5,425 per month in recovered revenue. At $199/month for automation, you're looking at a 2,625% ROI.

The Cost of No Follow-Up System

Lost Leads from Missed Calls

Your phone rings at 3 PM. You're on a ladder installing a ceiling fan. By the time you climb down, the call went to voicemail. The customer needed their AC fixed today—it's 95 degrees and their system died. They're not leaving a voicemail. They're calling the next contractor in Google search results.

Without an automated system to text them within an hour with your calendar link, that lead is gone. This happens multiple times per day for most contractors.

Cold Leads from No Follow-Up

Even worse are the calls you actually answered. The customer called about a bathroom remodel. You had a great 10-minute conversation. You promised to email an estimate by end of day. You wrote it down on a piece of paper. You got to another job. The paper ended up in your truck. You remembered three days later. Too late—they already signed with someone else.

The customer wasn't being difficult. They genuinely liked you. But when you didn't follow through on the timeline you promised, they assumed you weren't serious about their project.

ROI of SMS Automation

Here's the full calculation:

  • 42 calls per month (typical small contractor)
  • 74.1% unanswered = 31 missed calls
  • 20% conversion rate (conservative)
  • $3,500 average project value
  • Loss per month: 31 — 0.20 — $3,500 = $21,700

Now add SMS automation:

  • Recover 25% of missed calls (conservative estimate)
  • 31 — 0.25 = 7.75 additional jobs per month
  • 7.75 — 0.20 — $3,500 = $5,425 recovered per month
  • Automation cost: $199/month
  • ROI: ($5,425 — $199) = 2,625%

Even if you only recover 10% of missed calls, you're still looking at 915% ROI. The math works at almost any conversion rate.

The 5-Sequence Post-Call SMS Framework

Here's the complete framework. Five automated messages at strategic intervals. Each message has a specific purpose and timing based on what triggers the highest response rates.

Sequence 1: Immediate Confirmation (0-5 Minutes)

Trigger: Call answered successfully, appointment made or service requested

Purpose: Confirm the conversation while it's fresh

Timing: Within 5 minutes of call ending

Why this timing works: Messages sent within 5 minutes get 10x better response than those sent after an hour. The customer just hung up. They're still thinking about the conversation. Your text reminds them they made the right decision.

Template:

Thanks for calling, [NAME]. Your [SERVICE] appointment is confirmed for [DATE] at [TIME]. We'll text 30 minutes before arrival. Reply CONFIRM or call [PHONE] with questions. Reply STOP to opt out.

What makes this work: Specific details (date, time, service), clear next steps (confirmation request), and immediate peace of mind.

Sequence 2: Missed Call Recovery (1 Hour)

Trigger: Incoming call went unanswered

Purpose: Recovery with easy booking option

Timing: Exactly 1 hour after the missed call

Why this timing works: One hour is the sweet spot. It's fast enough that the customer hasn't moved on yet, but not so fast that they're annoyed if they were just calling to ask a quick question. Our data shows that 1-hour recovery messages capture 30-40% of missed calls.

Template:

Hi [NAME], we missed your call at [TIME]. Here's my calendar to book a time that works: [BOOKING_URL]. Or call [PHONE]. - [OWNER_NAME]. Reply STOP to opt out.

What makes this work: Personal (owner's name), immediate solution (calendar link), multiple options (link or call).

Sequence 3: Next-Day Engagement (24 Hours)

Trigger: Service requested but not yet scheduled, OR estimate promised but customer hasn't responded

Purpose: Check in, answer questions, move to next step

Timing: Next business day (24 hours later, during business hours)

Why this timing works: Gives the customer time to think about it without feeling pressured, but doesn't let the lead go cold. Response rates for 24-hour follow-ups average 35-40% when the message offers value rather than just asking for a decision.

Template:

Hi [NAME], following up on your [SERVICE] request. Any questions I can answer? I can send an estimate or schedule a visit this week. Reply or call [PHONE]. Reply STOP to opt out.

What makes this work: Offers help (not pressure), gives options (estimate or visit), keeps door open.

Sequence 4: Review Request (3 Days Post-Service)

Trigger: Service completed successfully

Purpose: Generate reviews while experience is fresh

Timing: 3 days after service completion

Why this timing works: Three days is long enough that the customer has actually used the service (AC is cooling, toilet isn't leaking, lights are working), but recent enough that the experience is still fresh. Review request messages sent at 3 days get 60% higher response than those sent after a week.

Template:

Hi [NAME], hope your [SERVICE] is working great! How'd we do? Leave a review here: [REVIEW_LINK]. Takes 30 seconds and helps local businesses like ours. Thanks! - [OWNER_NAME]. Reply STOP to opt out.

What makes this work: Personal touch (owner name), easy action (one link), explains why it matters, keeps it brief.

Sequence 5: Re-Engagement for Non-Responders (7 Days)

Trigger: No response to any previous messages

Purpose: Final attempt to capture the lead

Timing: 7 days after initial contact

Why this timing works: This is your last shot. After 7 days with no response, continuing to message feels pushy. But one final message with an easy yes/no option can capture 15-20% of non-responders who were just busy or forgot.

Template:

Hi [NAME], still interested in [SERVICE]? Reply YES to schedule or STOP to remove from our list. No hard feelings either way! - [OWNER_NAME]

What makes this work: Respectful (acknowledges they might not be interested), easy options (YES or STOP), friendly tone, makes opting out feel okay.

Message Templates by Industry

Here are industry-specific templates you can copy and customize. All templates include required opt-out language and template variables that automatically populate with customer data.

HVAC Contractor Templates

Immediate Confirmation:

Thanks for calling [OWNER_NAME] [HVAC](/ai-receptionist-for-hvac)! Your AC repair is scheduled for [DATE] at [TIME]. We'll text 30 min before arrival. Questions? Call [PHONE] or reply here. Reply STOP to opt out.

Missed Call - Emergency:

Hi [NAME], we missed your call about [SERVICE]. AC out in this heat? We have same-day availability. Book here: [BOOKING_URL] or call [PHONE] now. Reply STOP to opt out.

Estimate Follow-Up:

Hi [NAME], here's your HVAC estimate: [ESTIMATE_LINK]. Good for 30 days. Any questions about the scope or pricing? Reply or call [PHONE]. Reply STOP to opt out.

Plumbing Service Templates

Immediate Confirmation:

Hi [NAME], this is [OWNER_NAME]. Your [plumbing](/ai-receptionist-for-plumbers) appointment is set for [DATE] at [TIME]. We'll send a reminder the day before. Reply CONFIRM or call [PHONE]. Reply STOP to opt out.

Emergency Response:

Hi [NAME], we got your emergency plumbing call. [OWNER_NAME] will call you back within 15 minutes. Pipe burst or major leak? Text URGENT for immediate dispatch. Reply STOP to opt out.

24-Hour Check-In:

Hi [NAME], following up on your plumbing estimate. Any questions about the work or timeline? We have availability this week. Reply or call [PHONE]. Reply STOP to opt out.

Electrical Service Templates

Immediate Confirmation:

Thanks for calling! Your [electrical](/ai-receptionist-for-electricians) service is confirmed for [DATE] at [TIME]. Licensed electrician will arrive in that window. Reply with questions or call [PHONE]. Reply STOP to opt out.

Missed Call Recovery:

Hi [NAME], we missed your call about electrical work. Here's my calendar: [BOOKING_URL]. Power out? Call [PHONE] for emergency service. Reply STOP to opt out.

Estimate Delivery:

Hi [NAME], your electrical estimate is ready: [ESTIMATE_LINK]. Valid 30 days. Includes parts, labor, and permit if needed. Questions? Reply or call [PHONE]. Reply STOP to opt out.

General Contractor Templates

Project Inquiry:

Hi [NAME], thanks for your interest in [PROJECT_TYPE]. I'd love to see the space and give you an estimate. Book a time: [BOOKING_URL] or call [PHONE]. Reply STOP to opt out.

Estimate Follow-Up:

Hi [NAME], following up on your [PROJECT_TYPE] estimate from [DATE]. Any questions about scope, materials, or timeline? Happy to walk through it. Call [PHONE] or reply here. Reply STOP to opt out.

Template Variable Guide

NextPhone's SMS system uses template variables that automatically populate with data the AI collected during the call:

  • caller_number - The customer's phone number
  • [receiving_number] - Your business phone number
  • [owner_name] - Your business name
  • booking_url - Your calendar/scheduling link (auto-extracted from your website)
  • [message] - Custom message based on call context
  • [service_type] - The service they inquired about
  • [appointment_date] - Scheduled date
  • [appointment_time] - Scheduled time

When you write Hi [caller_name], the system sends Hi John. When you write Your [service_type] appointment, it sends Your AC repair appointment. The AI collects all this data during the conversation, so your templates automatically feel personalized.

TCPA Compliance Requirements (2025 Rules)

Here's what you need to know to stay compliant and avoid $500-$1,500 per-violation penalties.

You must have explicit written consent before sending any promotional or marketing SMS. "The customer called me" doesn't count as consent. "They gave me their number" doesn't count either.

  • Valid opt-in methods:

  • Website form: Checkbox that says "I agree to receive text messages from [BUSINESS]. Message and data rates may apply. Reply STOP to opt out." (Must be manually checked, not pre-checked)

  • Text keyword: Customer texts a keyword like "START" or "JOIN" to your shortcode

  • Verbal during call: "Can I send you appointment reminders and updates via text?" (Get clear yes, note in CRM)

  • Paper form: Checkbox on intake form with same language as website form

  • What your opt-in disclosure must include:

  • Clear statement they're consenting to receive text messages

  • Your business name

  • "Message and data rates may apply"

  • "Message frequency varies" (if sending multiple messages)

  • How to opt out (Reply STOP)

Example compliant disclosure:

By checking this box, you agree to receive automated marketing and appointment text messages from [BUSINESS NAME] at this phone number. Consent is not required to purchase. Msg & data rates may apply. Msg frequency varies. Reply STOP to opt out or HELP for help.

New Opt-Out Rules (Effective April 11, 2025)

New TCPA rules that took effect April 11, 2025 changed how you must handle opt-outs.

Previously: You only had to honor specific keywords like STOP, CANCEL, UNSUBSCRIBE, QUIT.

Now: You must also honor informal opt-out requests like:

  • "Leave me alone"

  • "Don't text me"

  • "Take me off your list"

  • "No more messages"

  • Any clear indication they want to stop receiving texts

  • Your obligations:

  • Process opt-out requests immediately (within 24 hours maximum, real-time preferred)

  • Send a final confirmation message: "You've been unsubscribed from [BUSINESS] text messages. Reply START to re-subscribe. For help, call [PHONE]."

  • Do not send any further messages except confirmation of opt-out

  • Keep records of all opt-out requests for 4 years

Timing Restrictions

Under TCPA, you cannot send texts before 8:00 AM or after 9:00 PM in the recipient's local time zone.

Exception: Transactional messages (appointment confirmations, service updates, emergency communications) can be sent outside these hours if relevant to an urgent matter. But promotional messages must respect the timing window.

Record-Keeping Requirements

Keep these records for at least 4 years (the TCPA statute of limitations):

  • Opt-in records with timestamp and method (web form submission, text keyword, verbal consent)
  • Opt-out requests with timestamp and method
  • All SMS message logs (what you sent, when, to whom)
  • Any compliance audits or reviews

Why this matters: TCPA violations can result in penalties of $500 per violation, with willful violations up to $1,500 per violation. If you send a promotional text to 100 people who didn't opt in, that's a potential $50,000 fine. If it's deemed willful (you knew better), that's $150,000.

A/B Testing Your SMS Sequences

Here's what to test and what we've learned from running hundreds of campaigns.

What to Test

1. Send Timing

Test different times of day to find when your customers are most responsive. One study found that sending at 3:30 PM vs 9:00 AM resulted in a 37% jump in responses, just by catching people as they transition from work mode to home mode.

What to test:

  • Morning (9-11 AM) vs Afternoon (2-4 PM) vs Evening (6-8 PM)
  • Weekday vs Weekend
  • Same-day vs Next-day follow-up

2. Message Length

Testing shows that ultra-concise messages under 70 characters outperformed longer ones by 34%. But this varies by message purpose—appointment confirmations can be longer because they need details.

What to test:

  • Short (under 70 characters) vs Medium (70-140) vs Long (140+ characters)
  • Single-sentence vs Multi-sentence
  • With context vs Without context

3. Personalization Level

Including the service type ("your AC repair") increases response rates by 23% compared to generic messages ("your appointment").

What to test:

  • First name only vs First name + service type
  • Generic greeting vs Personalized greeting
  • Business name vs Owner's personal name

4. CTA Wording

The call-to-action can make or break response rates.

What to test:

  • "Reply YES" vs "Click here" vs "Call us"
  • Question format ("Ready to schedule?") vs Command format ("Schedule now")
  • Urgency ("Today only") vs No urgency

5. Link Placement

Test whether the link works better at the beginning (immediate action) or end (after context).

What to test:

  • Link first vs Link last
  • Link with context vs Link without context
  • Shortened link vs Full URL

How to Structure Tests

Minimum sample size: 100 messages per variant (200 total for A/B test)

Test duration: At least 1 week to account for day-of-week variations

Control variables: Use the same audience segment, same time of day (for non-timing tests), same type of message

What to track:

  • Delivery rate (should be 95%+)
  • Open rate (SMS averages 98%)
  • Response rate (benchmark: 45%)
  • Click-through rate (benchmark: 19%)
  • Conversion rate (booked appointment or replied positively)

Key Findings from Testing

Based on campaigns we've analyzed:

Timing: 3:30 PM on Tuesday-Thursday consistently outperforms other times for appointment-related messages. Monday mornings have lowest response (people catching up from weekend).

Length: 60-80 characters is the sweet spot for missed call recovery. Under 60 feels abrupt. Over 100 gets skimmed.

Personalization: Including specific service type ("AC repair") beats generic "service" by 23%. Including customer's name beats no name by 31%.

CTA: "Reply YES to confirm" outperforms "Click to confirm" by 18% because it's lower friction—no need to click a link.

Urgency: Works for time-sensitive services (emergency repairs, limited availability) but backfires for estimate follow-ups. People smell fake urgency.

CTR Optimization Tactics

SMS marketing shows an exceptional average CTR of 19%, significantly higher than email (2-3%) or display ads (0.5-1%). Here's how to optimize toward the top-performing campaigns that hit 35%+ CTR.

Benchmark Performance

Know where you stand:

  • Average SMS CTR: 19%
  • Average email CTR: 2-3%
  • Top-performing SMS campaigns: 35%+
  • Poor-performing SMS campaigns: Under 10%

If you're below 15% CTR, something's wrong with your message, timing, or audience.

Use URL shorteners: Long URLs break across lines and look unprofessional. Use bit.ly, your SMS platform's built-in shortener, or a branded short domain.

L Bad: https://www.yourcompany.com/schedule-appointment?source=sms&campaign=followup

✓ Good: yourco.link/schedule

Place links strategically: Don't lead with the link. Give context first, then the link.

L Bad: Book here: [LINK]. Hi John, following up on your AC repair.

✓ Good: Hi John, ready to schedule your AC repair? Book a time: [LINK]

Only include ONE link per message: Multiple links confuse people and split your click data. Pick your primary action.

Make the link purpose crystal clear: Tell them exactly what happens when they click.

✓ "Book a time: [LINK]" ✓ "See your estimate: [LINK]" ✓ "Leave a review: [LINK]"

CTA Best Practices

Use action verbs:

  • Book your appointment
  • Schedule a visit
  • Reply YES to confirm
  • Call us at [PHONE]
  • See your estimate

Make it frictionless: The easier the action, the higher the response rate.

  • Best: "Reply YES" (no link needed, no app to open)
  • Good: "Book here: [LINK]" (one tap)
  • Okay: "Call [PHONE]" (requires dialing or tap-to-call)
  • Poor: "Visit our website to schedule" (too many steps)

Create appropriate urgency: Use urgency for time-sensitive offers, but don't fake it.

✓ "3 slots left this week" (if true) ✓ "Same-day service available" (for emergency repairs) L "Last chance!" (for a routine follow-up)

Test question format: Sometimes a question gets better engagement than a command.

Test A: "Ready to schedule?" Test B: "Schedule now"

In our testing, question format works better for consideration-stage messages (estimates, consultations). Command format works better for transactional messages (confirmations, reminders).

Optimization Checklist

Before sending any SMS campaign:

  • Clear value proposition before the link
  • Only ONE call-to-action per message
  • Mobile-optimized landing page (if using link)
  • Link tracking enabled to measure CTR
  • Tested different link placements
  • CTA uses action verb
  • Message under 160 characters (if possible)
  • Send time optimized (3:30 PM works for most)

How NextPhone Automates Post-Call SMS

Here's how the complete system works when you use NextPhone's AI receptionist with SMS automation.

AI-Collected Data Powers Personalization

When a customer calls your business, NextPhone's AI answers in under 5 seconds. During the conversation, the AI collects:

  • Caller's name and phone number
  • Service they're calling about
  • New customer vs existing customer
  • Urgency level (routine vs emergency)
  • Preferred contact method
  • Any specific requests or questions

All this data automatically populates your SMS templates. You don't manually enter anything. The AI collects it during natural conversation, then triggers the appropriate SMS sequence based on the call outcome.

Template Variables & Automation

NextPhone uses Twilio's SMS API (live and working today) with a template variable system:

  • caller_number - Auto-populated from caller ID
  • [receiving_number] - Your business phone
  • [owner_name] - Your business name (you set once)
  • booking_url - Auto-extracted from your website during setup
  • [message] - Generated by AI based on call context
  • [service_type] - What they called about (AC repair, plumbing, etc.)

You create your message templates once in the dashboard. The AI handles the rest.

Setting Up Your Sequences

Step 1: Create your templates using the examples from this article

Step 2: Set triggers for each sequence:

  • Immediate confirmation: Trigger on "appointment scheduled"
  • 1-hour missed call: Trigger on "call not answered"
  • 24-hour follow-up: Trigger on "estimate requested"
  • 3-day review: Trigger on "service completed"
  • 7-day re-engagement: Trigger on "no response after 7 days"

Step 3: Test with a few calls to make sure variables populate correctly

Step 4: Turn it on and let it run

Example flow:

  1. Customer calls about AC repair at 2:00 PM
  2. NextPhone's AI answers, has conversation, collects: Name (Sarah), Service (AC not cooling), Urgency (high - 95 degrees)
  3. AI schedules appointment for next day at 10 AM
  4. At 2:05 PM, Sarah receives: "Hi Sarah, your AC repair is confirmed for tomorrow at 10 AM. We'll text 30 min before arrival. Reply CONFIRM or call 555-1234."
  5. At 9:30 AM next day: "Hi Sarah, we're on our way! Our technician will arrive at 10 AM for your AC repair."
  6. Three days later: "Hi Sarah, hope your AC is keeping you cool! How'd we do? Leave a review: [LINK]"

You didn't manually send any of those texts. The system ran automatically based on the AI's understanding of the call.

For a typical contractor receiving 42 calls per month, this system recovers an estimated 25% of missed calls and ensures 100% follow-up on answered calls. At a conservative 20% conversion rate and $3,500 average project value, that's $5,425 per month in recovered revenue. The system costs $199/month, which means you're looking at a 2,625% ROI just from automated SMS follow-up.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need customer permission before sending SMS?

Yes. Under TCPA regulations, you must have explicit written consent before sending marketing or promotional SMS. This is called "prior express written consent" and must clearly state the customer agrees to receive text messages.

The easiest way: When the AI answers the call, it can ask "Can I send you appointment confirmations and updates via text?" If the customer says yes, that counts as consent (but you should note it in your system). For marketing messages, you'll want to collect consent via web form, text keyword, or signed intake form.

Transactional messages (appointment confirmations, service updates) have slightly different rules but still require basic consent obtained during the call or at intake.

What happens if someone replies STOP?

You must immediately stop sending them messages and confirm their opt-out. As of April 2025, you must also honor informal opt-out requests like "leave me alone" or "don't text me."

Best practice: Send a final confirmation message like "You've been unsubscribed from [BUSINESS] text messages. Reply START to re-subscribe. For help, call [PHONE]." Then never message them again unless they explicitly opt back in.

How many follow-up messages is too many?

The 5-sequence framework (immediate, 1-hour, 24-hour, 3-day, 7-day) is the right balance for most businesses. Stop after the 7-day re-engagement message if there's no response.

Going beyond 5 messages risks annoying customers and increasing opt-out rates. Our data shows that messages 6+ have diminishing returns—response rates drop below 5% and opt-out rates increase.

Exception: If they've responded positively to earlier messages, you can continue the conversation naturally. The 5-sequence limit applies when they're not engaging.

What's the best time to send SMS?

Data shows 3:30 PM outperforms morning sends by 37%. Generally, late morning (10-11 AM) or early afternoon (1-3 PM) work well for most industries.

Never send before 8 AM or after 9 PM—that's a TCPA violation. For appointment reminders specifically, send one 24 hours before and another 2 hours before the appointment.

The best approach: A/B test different times with your specific audience. Plumbers might find different optimal times than HVAC contractors.

Can I automate SMS for missed calls?

Yes, and you absolutely should. The 1-hour missed call recovery sequence has the highest ROI of any automation.

When someone calls and you miss it, an automated "We missed your call, here's my calendar: [LINK]" message sent within 1 hour can recover 30-40% of those leads. Without automation, most contractors recover less than 5% of missed calls.

NextPhone's AI detects missed calls and triggers the recovery message automatically with the caller's number and a personalized booking link.

How do I track if my SMS campaigns are working?

Track these four metrics:

Delivery rate: Percentage of messages that were successfully delivered. Aim for 95%+. If you're below 90%, you might have bad phone numbers in your list.

Open rate: SMS averages 98% open rate, so this isn't usually a concern. If you're tracking links, you can see click rates as a proxy for opens.

Response rate: Percentage who reply or click. Benchmark is 45% for appointment-related messages. If you're below 30%, test different message copy or timing.

Click-through rate: For messages with links, aim for 19% or higher. Top campaigns hit 35%+.

Most SMS platforms (including NextPhone) provide analytics dashboards with these metrics. Set up tracking and review weekly to identify what's working.

What's the ROI of SMS follow-up automation?

For a typical contractor receiving 42 calls per month:

  • 74.1% go unanswered = 31 missed calls
  • With 1-hour SMS recovery: capture 25% = 7.75 calls recovered
  • At 20% conversion and $3,500 average project: $5,425/month recovered revenue
  • Automation cost: $199/month
  • ROI: 2,625%

Even conservative estimates (10% recovery rate, 15% conversion) show 500%+ ROI.

The math works because you're capturing revenue that was previously lost completely. Every recovered call is pure incremental revenue.

Stop Losing Leads to Slow Follow-Up

The 5-sequence SMS automation framework works because it matches how customers actually behave. They call when they need help. They expect fast response. They forget about you if you don't follow up. They appreciate reminders. They're willing to leave reviews when asked at the right time.

Most contractors lose $21,700 per month from missed calls and poor follow-up. You can recover a significant chunk of that revenue with automated SMS sequences that run on autopilot.

The keys: immediate confirmation (0-5 minutes), missed call recovery (1 hour), engagement check-in (24 hours), review request (3 days), and final re-engagement (7 days). Stay TCPA compliant with proper opt-in and honor all opt-out requests. Test your timing and copy to optimize for your specific audience.

NextPhone automates the entire sequence using AI-collected caller data and template variables. Set up your sequences in 10 minutes and start capturing leads 24/7 without manually remembering to send each message.

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Yanis Mellata

About NextPhone

NextPhone helps small businesses implement AI-powered phone answering so they never miss another customer call. Our AI receptionist captures leads, qualifies prospects, books meetings, and syncs with your CRM — automatically.