- Get clear consent before texting, and honor opt-outs immediately.
- Every text should mention their project and give one easy reply option.
- Automate timing, but write messages that sound like a person.
- When a homeowner replies, a real person should answer.
Consent first
Text only homeowners who agreed to receive texts, ideally with a clear checkbox on your form. Name your company in the first message, give a way to opt out, and stop the moment someone replies STOP.
Texting rules differ by situation and change over time, and carriers have their own registration requirements for business numbers. Check what applies to you before you switch on automated texts.
Example: the first hour
Examples we wrote. Keep the brackets honest: real names, real times.
- Instant: “Hi [Name], it’s [Your name] with [Company]. Got your request for the [project]. I’ll call you in the next few minutes from this number.”
- If no answer to the call: “Just tried you. No rush. Want to grab a time for the estimate here? [link] Or reply with a good time to call.”
- After hours: “Thanks [Name], got your [project] request. Our office opens at 7:30. I’ll call first thing, or you can pick a time now: [link]”
Example: no reply in the first week
Space these out. Each one should add something, not just repeat the ask.
- Day 1: “Hi [Name], [Your name] again from [Company]. Still thinking about the [project]? Happy to answer a quick question by text.”
- Day 3: “Here’s a [project type] we finished in [area] last month. [photo] Want something like this?”
- Day 6: “Should I keep your [project] request open, or close it out for now? Either answer’s fine.”
Example: once the estimate is booked
These protect the appointment. Send them from the same number they already know.
- Confirmation: “You’re set for [Day] at [Time]. [Estimator name] will come out to look at the [project]. Reply here if anything changes.”
- Day before: “Reminder: [Estimator name] will see you tomorrow at [Time]. Will everyone involved in the decision be there?”
- On the way: “Hi [Name], it’s [Estimator name]. Heading your way now, about 20 minutes out.”
Example: after the estimate, and old estimates
Short, low-pressure, and useful. Hand off to a call when they reply with real questions.
- Day 2 after: “Hi [Name], any questions come up about the [project] proposal? Happy to walk through it.”
- Day 10 after: “Checking on timing for the [project]. Our schedule for [month] is filling, so wanted to see where you’re at.” (Only if true.)
- Months later: “Hi [Name], [Your name] from [Company]. We gave you a proposal for the [project] back in [month]. Is it still on your list this year?”
What to automate and what not to
Automate the timing: the instant reply, the scheduled follow-ups, the reminders. Automation never forgets and never gets busy on a roof.
Don’t automate the conversation. When a homeowner writes back with a question, a person from your team should answer. And stop the sequence the moment they reply, book, or opt out.
