27 Missed Call Text Back Templates That Get Replies

Two rules make a text-back convert, and most miss both. Rule 1: give the caller something to do — a question to answer, not an apology to read. Rule 2: set a concrete expectation — “within 20 minutes” beats “as soon as possible” every time. Every template below follows both. Replace the bracketed parts and go.

Universal (any business)

1. “Hi, it’s [Name] from [Business]. Sorry we missed you — what can we help with? Reply here and I’ll get back to you within [20 minutes].”
2. “You just called [Business] — we’re with a customer. Reply with what you need and we’ll confirm a time to call you back today.”
3. “Missed your call at [Business], sorry! If it’s urgent reply URGENT and we’ll call right back. Otherwise, tell us what you need and we’ll respond within the hour.”

After hours

4. “Thanks for calling [Business] — we’re closed until [8 AM]. Reply with your name and what you need, and you’re first on tomorrow’s list.”
5. “You’ve reached [Business] after hours. For emergencies, reply EMERGENCY. Otherwise reply here and we’ll confirm your callback for the morning.”

Mid-job / trades

6. “It’s [Name] from [Business] — on a job with my hands full. Text me the issue and your address, and I’ll reply with a time within [30 min].” (Plumbers/HVAC: add “If water or safety is involved, reply URGENT.”)
7. “Missed you — up a ladder! Reply with what’s going on (photos help a lot) and I’ll price it tonight.”

Quotes and bookings

8. “Hi, [Business] here. Want a quote? Reply with [rooms and moving date / job details and photos] and we’ll send a number today.”
9. “Sorry we missed you! Booking is fastest online: [link]. Or reply here and we’ll book you by text.”

The remaining 18 templates — per-industry variants for dental, legal, moving, salons and more — ship with the full guide as this page grows. Tell us your trade here and we’ll prioritize it.

Make them automatic

Templates only work if they send within about 30 seconds — after that, the caller is already dialing your competitor (here’s the behavior data). The DIY guide covers free automation; software covers the rest.