The Text Message That Books Estimates: Templates for Contractors
What text message books the most estimates?
A short, personal text that uses the customer's name, names the job they asked about, and offers two specific times. For example: "Hi Sarah, it's Mike with Ridge Roofing. Got your request about the leak. I can come by Tuesday at 10 or Wednesday at 3. Which works better?" Specific times get faster replies than "let me know when works."
For a lot of contractors, texting is where leads actually get booked. Many homeowners screen calls from unknown numbers but read a text right away. The difference between a text that gets a reply and one that gets ignored is usually one sentence.
Below are templates for every stage, from the first missed call to the review request. Copy them, swap in your details, and keep them short.
What makes a contractor text message work?
Name yourself and your business in the first text. People ignore texts from numbers they do not recognize.
Mention the job. "Your bathroom remodel request" shows you read it.
Offer two specific times instead of an open question.
Keep it under three sentences. It is a text, not an email.
Write like a person. No all caps, no exclamation-point marketing.
Only text people who asked you to contact them, and stop the moment they reply STOP.
Templates for new leads
Missed call text back (sent automatically when you cannot answer):
"Hi, this is [Name] with [Business]. Sorry I missed your call, I'm on a job. What can I help you with? I'll call you back shortly."
New form or website lead (sent within a minute):
"Hi [First name], it's [Name] with [Business]. Got your request about [job]. I'll call you in a few minutes. If texting is easier, just reply here."
After a call with no answer:
"Hi [First name], [Name] with [Business] here. Just tried calling about your [job]. I can come out [Day] at [time] or [Day] at [time]. Which works better?"
Templates for booking and estimate day
Confirming the estimate:
"You're all set for [Day] at [time] at [address]. I'll text when I'm on the way. Reply here if anything changes."
Reminder the day before:
"Hi [First name], quick reminder that I'll see you tomorrow at [time] for your [job] estimate. See you then."
On the way:
"Hi [First name], it's [Name]. I'm on my way and should be there in about [minutes] minutes."
Templates for following up after the estimate
Two days after:
"Hi [First name], it was great meeting you on [Day]. Any questions about the [job] quote? Happy to walk through any part of it."
One week after:
"Hi [First name], checking in on the [job]. We have openings starting [timeframe] if you'd like to get on the schedule."
Closing the loop, about two weeks after:
"Hi [First name], I don't want to keep bugging you. Should I close out your quote, or would you still like to get the [job] done?"
That last one works because it gives people an easy way to say yes or no. Many people who went quiet reply to it.
Templates for after the job
Review request (same day, when they are happiest):
"Thanks again for choosing [Business], [First name]. If you're happy with the [job], a quick Google review would mean a lot to our small team: [review link]"
Referral ask (a week later):
"Hi [First name], hope the [job] is holding up great. If you know anyone who needs [service], we'd be grateful for the referral."
Seasonal reactivation (for past customers and old leads):
"Hi [First name], it's [Name] with [Business]. We're booking [season] [service] now. Want me to save you a spot?"
When should each text go out?
Timing matters as much as wording. A missed call text back and a new lead reply should go out within a minute, automatically. Calls and follow-up texts should follow a schedule over the first 10 to 14 days. Our post on how many times to follow up with a lead has the full day-by-day sequence.
You do not have to send these by hand. Our AI automation service sends the instant replies, reminders, and review requests automatically, so you only step in for real conversations. For the bigger picture, read our Lead Follow-Up Guide.
Frequently asked questions
Is it legal to text leads?
Generally yes, when the person gave you permission, such as by filling out a form that says you may text them, and you follow the rules for your state and for business texting. Identify your business, honor STOP replies immediately, and avoid texting late at night.
Should the first contact be a text or a call?
Do both. Send an instant text so the lead knows you received the request, then call within minutes. The text stops them from shopping around, and the call is where you book. If they do not answer, the next text offers two specific times.
How long should a contractor text be?
One to three short sentences. If you need more than that, call. Long texts look like marketing and get skimmed. Your name, the job, and a clear next step are enough.
Should I include prices in a text?
A rough range can help if customers often ask, but save exact prices for after you see the job. A text like "most jobs like this land between X and Y, and I can give you an exact number after a quick look" sets expectations without boxing you in.
What should you do next?
Find out where leads are slipping through your process. Take the free Marketing Growth Scorecard and get a grade on how you capture and convert leads, plus your biggest fix, in about five minutes.
