AI Receptionist Scripts: What a Good First 20 Seconds Sounds Like
The first 20 seconds of a missed-call text-back determine whether the customer replies or moves on. Here are example scripts for different trades, clearly labelled as examples.
When you miss a call, the text you send back in the first 20 seconds is the difference between keeping the lead and losing it. A good text-back message is short, friendly, acknowledges the missed call, and invites a reply. Here are example scripts for different trades. These are examples only — every script is tailored to your business on a free discovery call.
Why the first 20 seconds matter
When a homeowner calls a tradesperson and gets voicemail, they usually hang up and call the next one. A text sent within seconds changes this: it shows you are active, you care, and you are ready to help. But the text has to be right. Too long, and they will not read it. Too vague, and they will not reply. The best texts are under 30 words, acknowledge the missed call, and ask a specific question.
Example: Plumber (clearly an example)
Script: "Hi, sorry we missed your call. Is it a plumbing emergency? Reply here and we will get back to you straight away." Why it works: it asks whether it is an emergency, which helps you prioritise, and it gives the caller a clear instruction (reply here). It is 23 words and takes five seconds to read.
Example: Heating engineer (clearly an example)
Script: "Hi, sorry we missed your call. Having trouble with your heating or hot water? Reply with what is happening and we will call you back as soon as we can." Why it works: it narrows the problem (heating or hot water), which helps you prepare, and it asks for a description so you can call back informed.
Example: Electrician (clearly an example)
Script: "Hi, sorry we missed your call. Do you need an electrician today? Reply with what you need and your area, and we will get back to you." Why it works: it asks about urgency (today) and location (your area), which are the two things an electrician needs to know before calling back.
Example: Garage or mechanic (clearly an example)
Script: "Hi, sorry we missed your call. Need an MOT, service or repair? Reply with your car reg and what you need, and we will sort it out." Why it works: it lists the three most common services (MOT, service, repair) and asks for the registration, which saves time when you call back.
Example: Salon (clearly an example)
Script: "Hi, sorry we missed your call. Looking to book an appointment? Reply with what you would like and when, and we will get you sorted." Why it works: it is warm and welcoming, it asks for the treatment and the preferred time, and it uses language that fits a salon ("get you sorted").
What every good script has in common
Every effective text-back script shares five elements: (1) An apology for the missed call. (2) A question that helps you understand what the caller needs. (3) A clear instruction to reply by text. (4) A promise to get back to them. (5) Under 30 words. Scripts that are too long, too formal, or too vague get lower response rates. The goal is to sound like a helpful human, not an automated system.
How to get your script right
Your script should reflect your business and your tone. On a free discovery call, we discuss your trade, your common enquiries and your preferred style, and write a script that fits. You can update it at any time. The script is the first thing a potential customer sees from you, so it is worth getting right.
Summary
A good AI receptionist text-back script is under 30 words, apologises for the missed call, asks a specific question, invites a reply, and promises a callback. The examples above are for illustration only — every script is tailored to your trade and tone on a free discovery call.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I customise the text-back message for my business?
Yes. Your text-back message is written specifically for your trade and your tone on a free discovery call. You can change it at any time if you want to test different wording.
Does the text come from my phone number?
The text is sent from a dedicated number that is set up for your business. It is branded as your business, and the customer experiences it as a message from you, not from a third-party service.
What if the caller does not reply to the text?
If the caller does not reply, you still have their phone number from the missed call, so you can call them back when you are free. The text-back increases the chance they will wait for you rather than calling a competitor, but it does not guarantee a reply.
Can the text-back answer questions as well?
The initial text-back is a simple message that captures the enquiry. If the caller replies with a question, the AI can answer common questions from your knowledge base, or notify you to call back. For complex questions, the AI takes the caller's details for a callback.
How much does text-back cost?
Missed-call text-back starts at £49 per month. There are no long-term contracts, and everything is agreed on a free discovery call. A website with text-back included starts at £350 one-off plus £49 per month.
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Keywords: ai receptionist script, missed call text-back script, trade business text back, ai receptionist examples
Category: AI Receptionist