You’re on a ladder, covered in drywall dust, and your phone buzzes. By the time you can safely answer, they’ve hung up. Sound familiar?
Missed calls are one of the biggest revenue leaks in the trades. Research shows that 85% of people who can’t reach you on the first call won’t leave a voicemail — they’ll just call the next contractor on their list.
Here are five ways to fix that.
1. Set Up a Dedicated Business Line
Stop using your personal cell phone for business. A dedicated business number lets you:
- Set business hours with automatic after-hours messaging
- Route calls to different people based on the time of day
- Track which marketing sources are generating calls
- Keep your personal life separate
Services like Google Voice, OpenPhone, or even a second SIM card can get you started for under $20/month.
2. Use a Virtual Receptionist Service
Virtual receptionist services answer your phone with a real human (or increasingly, an AI) who can take messages, schedule appointments, and answer basic questions.
This used to cost hundreds of dollars per month, but AI-powered services like Jobflow now offer this for a fraction of the cost.
3. Set Up Automatic Text-Back
If you can’t answer, your phone should automatically text back. Something like: “Hey, I’m on a job right now. I’ll call you back within 2 hours. If it’s urgent, reply to this text.”
This simple touch can save deals. The customer knows you’re busy working (which builds credibility) and has a clear expectation for when you’ll respond.
4. Block Focus Time for Callbacks
Don’t try to return calls whenever there’s a break. Instead, schedule specific callback windows — maybe 7:30-8:00 AM and 5:00-5:30 PM. Batch your callbacks and you’ll get through them faster.
5. Let AI Handle the First Touch
Modern AI can do more than take messages. It can:
- Have natural conversations with customers
- Answer common questions about your services
- Check your calendar and book appointments
- Qualify leads before they reach you
This doesn’t mean you’re never talking to customers — it means the initial phone tag is handled, and you connect with real leads who are ready to move forward.
The Bottom Line
You’re losing money every time a call goes unanswered. The good news is that fixing this is easier and cheaper than ever. Start with one of these strategies this week, and watch your callback rate improve.
Jobflow’s AI phone handling ensures you never miss another opportunity. Try it free.