How Missed Call Text-Back Works
When a customer calls and you do not answer, AnswerBot automatically texts them back within 30 seconds and captures the lead through an AI-powered SMS conversation.
Here is exactly what happens, step by step. Setup takes about five minutes: one conditional call forwarding code dialled from your business phone, no app and no new number.
Updated September 21, 2026
Customer calls your business
A customer calls your business number while you are with a client, on a job site, or after hours. The call goes unanswered.
This happens more than you think, and it happens most to the shops who are busiest: you cannot answer a phone with both hands under a sink, on a roof, or on the highway between jobs.
AnswerBot texts back in 30 seconds
AnswerBot detects the missed call and instantly sends the caller an AI-generated text message. No voicemail, no waiting, no missed opportunity.
The job usually goes to whoever gets back to the caller first. A text that lands while they are still looking at the search results puts you ahead of every shop that let it go to voicemail.
AI handles the conversation
The AI carries on a natural text conversation with the caller. It asks what they need, how urgent it is, and captures details like photos and location.
Callers can text photos of the problem (leaking pipe, broken AC unit, damaged roof) so your team knows what they are walking into before you call back. On Growth and Pro, the AI also answers common questions (hours, service area, what you take on) using FAQ answers you wrote yourself in your dashboard.
You get a lead summary
AnswerBot emails you a complete summary: caller name, phone number, the nearest intersection, what they need, any photo they sent, and the full conversation transcript.
The subject line labels it hot, warm or cold, so you can see which to call first. You choose when it arrives: the moment the lead is ready, hourly, or as one daily summary, to as many as five addresses. The lead email also links to your dashboard.
Automatic follow-up if no reply
If the caller does not reply to the first text, AnswerBot follows up automatically at 2 hours, 24 hours, 3 days, and 7 days.
Most text-back services send one message and stop. AnswerBot keeps the lead warm with a persistent but respectful follow-up sequence. No lead falls through the cracks.
Fully compliant, always opt-out ready
Every message includes opt-out instructions. Callers can reply STOP at any time. AnswerBot is CASL and PIPEDA compliant for Canadian businesses.
AnswerBot is a Canadian company based in Ontario. All data is stored in Canada. We handle compliance so you do not have to think about it.
Setup takes 5 minutes
AnswerBot works with your existing phone number through standard call forwarding. No app to install, no new phone line, no technical setup. Dial one code on your phone and you are done.
See pricing and start your free trial