15 Contractor Follow-Up Text Messages That Actually Get Replies
You just left a great estimate. The homeowner seemed interested. You drive away, send an invoice... and then nothing. Sound familiar?
62% of contractors never follow up after sending an estimate. And the ones who do? They close at nearly double the rate. The difference between a 20% close rate and a 40% close rate usually isn't your pricing or your pitch — it's whether you send a text on day 3.
Here are 15 copy-paste text message templates you can start using today. Just replace the [brackets] with your info.
After the Estimate (Same Day)
Send this within 2 hours of leaving the property. It keeps you top of mind while the conversation is fresh.
Hey [Name], this is [Your Name] from [Company]. Thanks for having us out today! I just sent over the estimate for the [project type]. Let me know if you have any questions — happy to walk through anything.
Hi [Name], [Your Name] here from [Company]. Enjoyed meeting you today. Quick thought — based on what I saw, you might also want to consider [related service]. It would add about [$ range] but could save you [benefit]. Just something to think about. The estimate for the [main project] is in your inbox!
Texts get a 98% open rate vs. 20% for email. When you follow up, text first, email second.
The Day 3 Check-In
If they haven't responded, this is your most important follow-up. Keep it casual and short.
Hi [Name], just checking in on the estimate for [project]. No rush at all — just want to make sure you got everything you need from us. Any questions?
Hey [Name], [Your Name] from [Company]. Wanted to see if you had a chance to look over the estimate. If the price isn't where you need it, I'm happy to look at some options to get it closer to your budget.
Day 7 — The Urgency Play
A week out, it's time to create gentle urgency. This isn't about being pushy — it's about being helpful with timing.
Hi [Name], quick heads up — our schedule for [month] is starting to fill up. If you want to move forward with the [project], now's a great time to lock in a date. Let me know!
Hey [Name], [Your Name] here. Just wanted to mention — [seasonal reason: "spring is our busiest season" / "prices for materials typically go up in Q2" / "weather gets tricky after October"]. Not trying to pressure you at all, just wanted you to have the info. The estimate stands whenever you're ready.
Day 14 — The Soft Close
This is your last active follow-up. Make it warm and leave the door open.
Hi [Name], I know things get busy so I won't keep bugging you about the [project] estimate. If the timing isn't right, totally understand. We'll be here whenever you're ready — just shoot me a text. Thanks for considering us!
Want the Complete Follow-Up System?
These 7 templates are a great start. The full Estimate Follow-Up System includes a 7-touch sequence with exact timing, phone scripts, email templates, and objection-handling guides for "too expensive" and "let me think about it."
Get the Full System — $37Review Request Templates
The best time to ask for a review is right after the job is complete and the customer is happy. Here's how:
Hey [Name], so glad you're happy with the [project]! If you have 30 seconds, a Google review would mean the world to us. Here's the direct link: [Google review link]. Thanks for trusting us with your home!
Hi [Name], it was great working with you. Small businesses like ours live and die by reviews — if you had a good experience, would you mind leaving a quick review? [link] No worries if not. Thanks again!
No-Show Recovery
Customers ghost appointments more than you'd think. Here's how to recover them without burning the bridge:
Hey [Name], this is [Your Name] from [Company]. We were scheduled to come out today but it looks like we may have missed each other. No worries at all — want to reschedule? I've got availability [day] and [day] this week.
Hi [Name], just circling back on our missed appointment from [day]. I'd still love to get you on the schedule — we can be flexible on timing. Just let me know what works.
Win-Back Cold Leads
Leads that went cold 30-90 days ago are gold mines. Most contractors never reach back out — that's your advantage.
Hey [Name], [Your Name] from [Company]. We chatted about [project] last month. Just checking in — still thinking about it? We'd love to help when the timing is right.
Hi [Name], hope you're doing well! I wanted to reach out because we're running [seasonal offer / have availability / just finished a similar project in your area]. If the [project] is still on your radar, I'd love to chat. No pressure either way.
Referral Ask
Happy customers are your best marketing. But you have to actually ask.
Hey [Name], glad you're happy with everything! Quick question — do you know anyone else who might need [service type]? We're always looking for great customers like you. If you send someone our way, [referral incentive: "$50 off your next service" / "gift card" / "we really appreciate it"].
Hi [Name], we just finished up your [project] and it looks great. We'll have a crew in your area for the next few weeks — if any of your neighbors are thinking about [related work], we'd love to take care of them. Feel free to give them my number: [phone].
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The Complete Contractor Marketing Toolkit includes follow-up sequences, review autopilot, referral programs, seasonal campaigns, win-back systems, and more. 10 complete playbooks with copy-paste scripts.
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Tips for Better Follow-Up
- Speed matters. The first contractor to follow up wins 78% of the time.
- Text beats email. 98% open rate vs. 20%. Use texts for the first touch.
- Be human. These templates work because they sound like a real person, not a sales robot.
- Be consistent. The system only works if you do it every time, for every lead.
- Track everything. Know which follow-up touches are converting so you can double down.
The difference between a $200K year and a $400K year usually isn't more leads — it's converting the leads you already have. Start following up today.
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