A missed-call text-back is the simplest piece of automation in the Growth System, and usually the first one a business notices working. It does one job: when a call goes unanswered, the caller gets a text right away instead of silence.
What happens when a call is missed
The call rings through to voicemail or goes unanswered, the system records the missed call, and a text goes out from the business number. The message acknowledges the call, offers help, and can include a booking link.
This is illustrative: a caller rings a plumbing company at 7:40 pm. Nobody is at the desk. A text arrives saying the business saw the call and asking whether the issue is urgent or can wait until morning. The caller replies, and the reply is captured with the lead.
What it does not do
It does not answer the call, so the caller still hears your greeting and voicemail before the text arrives. It does not guarantee anyone responds to the reply, and it does not turn a text into a confirmed appointment on its own.
That is why it works best next to the AI receptionist: the receptionist answers the call when it can, and text-back covers the moments it cannot.
Set it up in this order
First, confirm which number sends the message and that text messaging is enabled for it. Second, write the message: one or two sentences, the business name, and one clear question. Third, decide where the booking link points, and make sure that page works on a phone. Fourth, set the escalation rule, so urgent replies reach a person instead of sitting in a shared inbox.
Consent and opt-out
Customers must be able to stop messages: every send includes an opt-out instruction, and replies of STOP are honored automatically. We configure opt-in and opt-out handling with you during onboarding and follow carrier guidelines.
How to tell it is working
Track three numbers each month: texts sent, replies received, and appointment requests that came out of those replies. Compare them against the month before, when missed calls ended in voicemail. That comparison tells you more than any single day of activity.