Plumbers, electricians and builders can't answer the phone halfway up a ladder. But many callers won't leave a voicemail. They ring the next number on Google.
Work out your own number
Try this quick sum:
- How many calls do you miss in a typical week?
- Roughly how many of those were new jobs?
- How many of those would you normally win?
- What's your average job worth?
If you miss five new-job calls a week, would normally win two of them, and your average job is worth £400, that's £800 a week of work going elsewhere. Your numbers will differ, but most trades are surprised by the total.
Why callers don't wait
People with a leak or a power cut want an answer now. Even for planned work, the first business to reply often gets the job.
Ways to stop missing jobs
- Call answering: a person or AI receptionist answers when you can't, takes details and books visits.
- Missed-call text back: an automatic text with a booking link goes to anyone you miss.
- Fast replies on WhatsApp, Facebook and your website enquiry form.
- Quote follow-ups, so quotes don't go cold.
- A clear Google Business Profile with hours, services and reviews, so customers trust you before they ring.
Start simple
You don't need everything at once. For most trades, answering every call and following up every quote makes the biggest difference in the first month.