Auto-Text

Auto-text is an automated SMS message triggered by an event in your phone or messaging system. The most common use case is a missed call auto-text: when an inbound call goes unanswered, the system immediately texts the caller something like “Hi, sorry I missed your call. What can I help with?”

Auto-text is the cheapest and fastest way to fix the missed-call problem. It costs nothing per message (after carrier fees), runs without any human action, and converts caller silence into an open text thread.

Why It Works

Three reasons:

1. The caller is still in buying mode. Within seconds of hanging up, they’re still actively shopping for a plumber, cleaner, or whoever they need. A text in that window catches them before they call the next business.
2. Texting beats voicemail. Most people would rather text than leave a voicemail. The auto-text gives them a way to engage without that friction.
3. It opens a thread. Once they reply, you have a conversation you can return to whenever you’re free — instead of a missed call notification with no follow-up.

Best Practices

• Send it fast. Within 5–15 seconds of the missed call. Any longer and the caller has moved on.
• Keep it short. One sentence asking what they need. Don’t open with marketing copy.
• Sound human. “Hi, this is Mike at Jones Plumbing” beats “Thank you for contacting Jones Plumbing. Your call is important to us.”
• Have separate after-hours messaging. “We’re closed but I’ll be in touch first thing tomorrow” sets the right expectation.

Beyond Missed Calls

Auto-text also works for other triggers: appointment confirmations, day-before reminders, “on the way” notifications, post-job review requests, and follow-up sequences for unbooked leads.

Related

Read Auto-Text for Missed Calls for more on message templates and real examples.