How Fast Do You Pick Up a Phone Call or Call Someone Back After a Missed Call?

​It is wild to think that nearly 1 in 4 leads are lost just because of communication friction. When I started my exterior cleaning and painting business after decades in facilities and project management, setting a hard standard for response times was a non-negotiable first step.

​My rule is simple: if my hands are free and I'm safely on the ground, I answer it live. If a call does go to voicemail, my target is a callback within 15 to 30 minutes, and absolutely no later than the end of the day.

​To keep things moving when I'm in the middle of a job, I rely on two simple strategies:

• ​Automated Missed-Call Text Back: If I miss a call, an instant text goes out letting them know I'm on a job but will call right back. It keeps them engaged so they don't immediately call the next guy on Google.
• ​Online Booking: Giving clients a direct way to request quotes or schedule right from their phone keeps the pipeline moving even when I'm covered in paint.

​In our line of work, speed to lead is everything. Being the first one to respond is often the easiest, cheapest way to win the job!