7-Day Lead Response Templates
Copy-paste SMS, email, and voicemail scripts for following up with restoration leads. Tested across 200+ companies. Use them today.
How to use these templates
Read this first. It takes 30 seconds and will make these templates 10x more effective.
Personalize everything. Replace all {{variables}} with your actual information. The more specific you are (mentioning their neighborhood, their exact issue), the higher your response rate.
Follow the cadence. Don't skip days and don't double up. Each touchpoint is designed to build on the last. The sequence matters as much as the words.
Multi-channel wins. Don't just text. The combination of SMS + email + voicemail increases contact rates by 3x compared to a single channel.
TCPA Compliance: Always include opt-out language in automated messages. These templates assume the lead initiated contact (inbound). For outbound, additional consent requirements apply.
Instant Response
The first 60 seconds after a lead comes in are the most valuable. A fast response signals professionalism and urgency. This is the #1 factor that separates companies that close from companies that chase.
Hi {{first_name}}, this is {{tech_name}} from {{company_name}}. I just received your request about {{service_type}} and wanted to reach out right away. Are you available for a quick call so I can learn more about your situation? I can also come take a look today if needed.
{{company_name}} received your request - next steps
Hi {{first_name}}, Thank you for reaching out to {{company_name}} about your {{service_type}} needs. I'm {{tech_name}}, and I'll be your point of contact. I'd love to learn more about your situation so we can get started quickly. Here's what happens next: 1. I'll give you a quick call to understand the scope 2. We'll schedule an on-site inspection at your convenience 3. You'll receive a detailed estimate within 24 hours of the inspection If you'd like to schedule a time that works best for you, just reply to this email or call me directly at {{phone_number}}. Looking forward to helping you get this resolved. Best, {{tech_name}} {{company_name}} {{phone_number}}
Hi {{first_name}}, this is {{tech_name}} from {{company_name}}. I'm calling about the {{service_type}} request you just submitted. I wanted to connect quickly to understand your situation and see how we can help. I'll also send you a text with my direct number. Feel free to call or text me back anytime. Talk soon.
Pro tip: Send the text before calling. People are 3x more likely to pick up a call from a number they just received a text from.
30-Minute Follow-Up
If they didn't respond to your first outreach, follow up with a different angle. Don't just repeat yourself. Add value or create urgency.
Hey {{first_name}}, just following up on my message from earlier. I know {{service_type}} situations can be stressful, so I wanted to make sure you know we can usually get someone out same-day. No pressure at all. Just let me know if you'd like to chat.
Morning Follow-Up
A fresh morning outreach catches people when they're alert and making decisions. Lead with urgency around their specific problem.
Good morning {{first_name}}. Just checking in about the {{service_type}} situation at your property. These issues tend to get worse quickly if not addressed, so I wanted to make sure you're taken care of. Would today work for a quick inspection? We have availability this afternoon.
Quick update on your {{service_type}} request
Hi {{first_name}}, I wanted to follow up on your {{service_type}} request from yesterday. I know things get busy, but I wanted to share some quick context that might be helpful: For {{service_type}} situations, timing matters. The longer water sits, the more it seeps into subfloors, insulation, and drywall, which can lead to mold growth within 24-48 hours. Getting an inspection early can save thousands in additional damage. We have availability today and tomorrow if you'd like us to come take a look. The inspection is free, and there's no obligation. Just reply here or call me at {{phone_number}}. Best, {{tech_name}} {{company_name}}
Pro tip: Mention a specific time slot ("this afternoon" or "tomorrow at 10am") instead of "whenever works." Specific offers convert 2x better than open-ended ones.
Channel Switch
Switch your approach. Use social proof and a different communication style. People respond to different triggers at different times.
Hi {{first_name}}, this is {{tech_name}} again from {{company_name}}. We just finished a {{service_type}} job for a homeowner in {{area}} and it reminded me of your situation. They waited a few days and the damage spread to two additional rooms. I don't want that to happen to you. Happy to come take a free look whenever works for you.
Hi {{first_name}}, it's {{tech_name}} from {{company_name}} again. I wanted to give you one more call about your {{service_type}} situation. We've been helping a lot of homeowners in your area this week, and I know how overwhelming these things can feel. If you'd like a free, no-obligation inspection, just give me a call back or shoot me a text. My number is {{phone_number}}. Hope to hear from you.
The "Did We Lose You?" Check-In
Direct and respectful. Acknowledge that they might have gone with someone else or the situation may have changed. This honesty builds trust.
Hey {{first_name}}, I wanted to check in one more time. I know you reached out about {{service_type}} a few days ago. If you've already found someone to help, no worries at all. But if you're still looking, I'm here and happy to help. Just let me know either way.
Still need help with {{service_type}}?
Hi {{first_name}}, I've reached out a couple of times about your {{service_type}} request and I wanted to check in one last time before I close out your file. If you've already handled it or found another company, that's completely fine. But if you're still dealing with it, here are a couple of things worth knowing: - Most homeowner insurance policies cover {{service_type}} damage if you file within a reasonable timeframe - We work directly with insurance companies and can help with the claims process - Our inspections are free, and we provide documentation your insurance company will need Just reply "yes" if you'd still like help, or "no" if you're all set. Best, {{tech_name}} {{company_name}}
Pro tip: The "reply yes or no" technique gets 4x more responses than open-ended questions. Make it easy for them.
The Value Drop
Stop selling. Send something genuinely useful. This positions you as a trusted expert, not a pushy salesperson. Even if they don't respond, you've built credibility.
Quick guide: what to know about {{service_type}} insurance claims
Hi {{first_name}}, I'm not reaching out to sell you anything today. I just wanted to share some information that might be helpful, whether you work with us or not. Here are the 5 things most homeowners don't know about {{service_type}} insurance claims: 1. TIME MATTERS: Most policies require you to report damage within a "reasonable time." Waiting too long can give your insurance company grounds to deny the claim. 2. DOCUMENT EVERYTHING: Before you clean up anything, take photos and videos. Timestamp them. Insurance adjusters need to see the original damage. 3. DON'T SIGN AN ASSIGNMENT OF BENEFITS (AOB) without reading it carefully. Some companies use AOBs to take control of your claim. 4. GET MULTIPLE ESTIMATES: Your insurance company will send their own adjuster, but having an independent estimate gives you leverage if their number is low. 5. SUPPLEMENTS ARE NORMAL: If the initial estimate doesn't cover everything, your contractor can file a supplement. This happens on about 60% of claims. If you have any questions about the claims process, I'm happy to walk you through it, no strings attached. Best, {{tech_name}} {{company_name}} {{phone_number}}
The Breakup Message
The final follow-up. Breakup messages work because of loss aversion: people pay more attention when something is being taken away. This single message often gets more responses than all previous ones combined.
Hi {{first_name}}, this is {{tech_name}} from {{company_name}}. This will be my last follow-up about your {{service_type}} request. I don't want to be a bother, but I also don't want you to fall through the cracks if you still need help. My direct line is {{phone_number}}. Save it and call anytime, even months from now. Wishing you the best.
Pro tip: Breakup messages have the highest response rate of any follow-up. About 25% of "lost" leads respond to this message. The key is genuine respect, not a guilt trip.
Specialized Templates
Extra scripts for the two most common edge cases: insurance claims and after-hours leads.
Insurance-Specific Templates
Great question about insurance, {{first_name}}. Yes, most homeowner policies cover {{service_type}} damage. Here's how we handle it: 1. We do a free inspection and document everything 2. We provide a detailed scope of work for your adjuster 3. We work directly with your insurance company on the claim 4. You only pay your deductible Want me to come take a look and we can figure out the insurance side together?
Scope of work and documentation for claim #{{claim_number}}
Dear {{adjuster_name}}, Thank you for working with us on this {{service_type}} claim for the property at {{property_address}}. Please find attached: - Detailed scope of work with line-item pricing - Photo documentation of all affected areas ({{photo_count}} photos) - Moisture readings and thermal imaging results - Equipment placement plan and drying timeline Our scope is based on IICRC S500/S520 standards and Xactimate pricing. If you have any questions or need additional documentation, please don't hesitate to reach out. I'm available by phone at {{phone_number}} or by email to discuss any line items. Best regards, {{tech_name}} {{company_name}} ICRC Certified | License #{{license_number}}
After-Hours Auto-Responses
Thank you for contacting {{company_name}}. We received your message about {{service_type}}. Our office is currently closed, but we understand emergencies don't wait. Here's what's happening: - Your request has been flagged as priority - A team member will call you first thing in the morning - If this is a true emergency, reply URGENT and we'll dispatch someone tonight In the meantime: if safe, turn off the water source and move valuables to a dry area.
Good morning {{first_name}}, this is {{tech_name}} from {{company_name}}. I saw your message come in last night about {{service_type}}. I'm calling you first. Are you available to talk for a couple minutes so I can understand what you're dealing with?
Pro tip: 34% of restoration leads come in after business hours. An instant auto-response at 2am converts better than a personal callback at 9am the next morning, because the homeowner feels heard immediately.
What if this entire sequence ran automatically?
These templates work great when you run them manually. But the companies seeing the best results have this entire 7-day cadence running on autopilot: AI responds in under 60 seconds, follows up on schedule, and books the inspection without anyone touching a phone.
See how it worksStop losing leads to slow follow-up.
These templates are a start. The system that runs them automatically is the next level. 15-minute call to see it in action.