What to Text a Contractor Lead in the First 5 Minutes (Templates for 8 Trades)

# What to Text a Contractor Lead in the First 5 Minutes (Templates for 8 Trades) You know you need to respond fast. But when a lead comes in while you're knee-deep in a job, knowing what to actually say — quickly, without sounding like a robot — is harder than it looks. This post gives you the exact text to send for 8 different trades. Copy them, customize them with your name and company, and start using them today. (Or skip the copy-paste and let FollowFire send them automatically — we'll get to that.) --- ## Why Text First? Before the templates: here's why text beats a call for the first 5 minutes. - **98% of texts are read within 3 minutes** - **70%+ of calls go to voicemail** on the first attempt - A text puts you in front of the lead while they're still on their device submitting the form - It opens a two-way conversation on the lead's terms — they can respond when they're ready The goal of the first text is **not to close the job**. It's to: 1. Confirm the lead that you received their message 2. Signal that you're responsive and professional 3. Start a conversation that leads to a call or visit --- ## The First-Text Formula Every template below follows the same structure: > **[Name], [acknowledge request] + [set expectations] + [low-friction question]** The question at the end is critical. It gives the lead something easy to respond to and tells you what they actually need — without a long phone call. --- ## Trade Templates ### 🏠 Roofing **After a form submission:** > "Hi [Name]! This is [Your Name] with [Company]. Got your message about your roof — we're in your area and can usually get out within 24–48 hours for a free inspection. Quick question: was this storm damage, or is it an older roof you've been keeping an eye on?" **After a missed call:** > "Hi [Name], missed your call — this is [Your Name] with [Company Roofing]. Want me to call you back in the next few minutes? Or if it's easier, just reply here with what you need and I'll get you taken care of." --- ### ❄️ HVAC **AC not working (summer):** > "Hi [Name]! [Your Name] here with [Company HVAC]. Got your message — sounds like your AC is down. We have emergency availability today. Is the system completely out, or is it running but not cooling? I'll get the right tech headed your way." **General inquiry / tune-up:** > "Hi [Name], this is [Your Name] with [Company]. Thanks for reaching out! We typically have availability within 2–3 days for HVAC service. Are you looking for a tune-up or are you having a specific issue? I'll get you scheduled." --- ### 🔧 Plumbing **Emergency (leak, burst pipe):** > "Hi [Name] — [Your Name] here with [Company Plumbing]. Got your message and it sounds urgent. If you haven't already, turn off the water supply valve (usually under the sink or near the water heater). We can have someone there in [X] hours. Are you home right now?" **Non-emergency / general inquiry:** > "Hi [Name]! [Your Name] with [Company Plumbing] here. Got your request — we're typically available within 24 hours for most plumbing work. Can you give me a quick description of the issue? That way I can send the right tech with the right parts." --- ### ⚡ Electrician > "Hi [Name], this is [Your Name] from [Company Electric]. Got your message! For most electrical work we can schedule within 2–3 days. Quick question: is this a safety issue (sparks, burning smell, breaker that won't reset) or more of a project/upgrade? Want to make sure I flag it correctly." **After a missed call:** > "Hi [Name] — missed your call. [Your Name] here with [Company Electric]. Happy to call you back right now, or just reply here with what you're working on. Either way, I'll get you taken care of." --- ### 🌿 Landscaping > "Hey [Name]! This is [Your Name] with [Company Landscaping]. Thanks for reaching out! We're scheduling [mowing/design/cleanups] right now and have openings this week. Is this a one-time thing or are you looking for regular service? I'll get you an estimate either way." **For landscape design projects:** > "Hi [Name], [Your Name] here with [Company]. Got your message about your yard project — sounds great! We do free consultations. Are you looking for a full design/install, or more of a refresh with plants and mulch? I'll connect you with the right person on our team." --- ### 🎨 Painting > "Hi [Name]! [Your Name] with [Company Painting] here. Got your request — we love [interior/exterior] projects. We're booking [X weeks] out right now but can get you a free estimate this week. Quick question: is this a full repaint or more of touch-ups and a few rooms?" **Interior urgent:** > "Hi [Name], this is [Your Name] with [Company]. Got your message! We can usually get an estimate on the books within 2–3 days. Are you flexible on timing for the actual work, or do you have a deadline? Helps me find the best slot." --- ### 🏗️ Concrete > "Hi [Name]! [Your Name] from [Company Concrete] here. Got your message about the [driveway/patio/foundation]. We do free estimates — usually takes about 30 minutes on-site to measure and give you accurate pricing. Are you available this week for a quick walkthrough?" **For repair work:** > "Hey [Name], this is [Your Name] with [Company]. Got your message about the concrete repair. Can you send me a quick photo of the area? Helps me give you a ballpark before we come out — and tells me what materials to bring." --- ### 🔨 General Contractor > "Hi [Name]! This is [Your Name] with [Company]. Got your project inquiry — sounds like a great project. We're selective about what we take on so we can do great work. Quick question: are you in the planning phase, or do you have plans/permits already?" **Remodel inquiry:** > "Hey [Name], [Your Name] here from [Company]. Got your message about the [kitchen/bathroom/addition]. We work on a lot of projects like this. Are you getting multiple bids, or have you already narrowed it down? Happy to schedule a walkthrough either way." --- ## Timing Rules **Send within 5 minutes.** If you wait 30 minutes, the lead's already talking to someone else. **Keep it short.** Under 4 sentences. You're opening a conversation, not writing a proposal. **Use their name.** "[Name]" makes it feel personal, not automated. **End with a question.** It gives them a reason to reply and tells you what they actually need. **Don't oversell.** Save the pitch for the call or the in-person visit. --- ## Don't Want to Send These Manually? These templates work. The problem is that sending them manually requires checking your phone every 5 minutes and having the presence of mind to respond while you're in the middle of a job. FollowFire watches your lead sources 24/7 and sends your personalized first-text automatically — within 60 seconds of a new lead coming in. You configure the template once, and it runs on its own for every roofing request, every HVAC inquiry, every plumbing emergency. No more coming home to cold leads. No more missed opportunities because you were on a job. <a href="/register">Start your free trial</a> — set up your first auto-response template in under 10 minutes.

What to Text a Contractor Lead in the First 5 Minutes (Templates for 8 Trades)

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