How to stop missing customer calls when you're on the job

Most customers call two or three companies and hire the first one who responds. If you are under a sink or up a ladder, that is rarely you. These fixes cost almost nothing.

Use a voicemail greeting that asks for what you need

Say who you are, and ask for name, address, a short description and a good time to call back. You will return calls with everything you need.

Text back within five minutes

A quick message like "Got your call, I'm on a job, I'll call you at noon" keeps the lead warm. Many customers will wait if they know you saw them.

Write every call down in one place

A pile of voicemails and texts is how jobs disappear. Log each call as a job the moment you return it, with the customer, the address and what they need.

Block a callback window

Pick two times a day, like noon and 4 p.m., to return calls. Tell customers when to expect it.

Ask how they heard about you

Every call is a chance to learn what marketing works. A simple tally of Google, referrals and yard signs shows where to spend your time.