Free template
SMS follow up templates for new leads
These SMS follow up templates cover the first week after a lead opts in: an instant reply within 60 seconds, a missed-call text, a qualifying question, a booking link, five follow-ups through day 7 and a reactivation text for old leads. Each includes the consent, opt-out and AI disclosure lines texting programs need.
What should a lead follow-up text say?
The first text should name your business and the person sending it, reference what the lead asked for, ask one easy question, and include opt-out language such as Reply STOP. If an AI assistant handles replies, say so. Send it within 60 seconds of opt-in, paired with a phone call.
How to use these templates
- Confirm consent is captured on your form before any text goes out.
- Load messages 1 and 2 as an instant workflow: text plus call within a minute of opt-in.
- Schedule messages 5 to 9 on days 1, 2, 3, 5 and 7, stopping the moment the lead books or replies.
- Route replies using the reply-handling table, including STOP keywords.
- Run message 10 on leads older than 30 days.
The speed-to-lead entry explains why the first minute matters: across our 60+ deployments, median first contact was 38 seconds and lead-to-booking rose 2.4x.
Customizing the texts by industry
- Home services: ask about the property and urgency in message 3, and offer two estimate windows rather than a link. See home services funnels.
- Personal injury: keep texts discreet, avoid case details in SMS, and push quickly to a call.
- Mortgage and insurance: ask buy, refinance or cash-out first; never quote rates by text.
- Med spas: mention the treatment and any intro offer, and book straight into the calendar.
- Coaching and B2B: use message 6 for a case story, and send a booking link rather than calling unannounced.
Mistakes that kill reply rates
- Waiting hours to send the first text. Speed matters more than wording.
- No business name. Unknown numbers get ignored or reported.
- Long messages with links in the first text. Ask a question first; links come after a reply.
- Ignoring opt-outs. Stop every channel immediately and log it.
- Texting without calling. Text after a missed call gets more replies than text alone.
We build these sequences in CRM automation projects, and the AI voice agent ROI calculator shows what instant calling adds.
The template
SMS FOLLOW-UP TEMPLATES
Funnels That Print | funnelsthatprint.com/templates/sms-follow-up-templates
Before you send anything:
- Text only people who gave consent to receive texts from your business at opt-in.
- Identify your business in the first message of every conversation.
- Include opt-out language ("Reply STOP to opt out") in the first message and regularly after.
- If replies are handled by an AI assistant, say so.
- Send between 8am and 8pm in the lead's local time unless they text you first.
- Keep each message under 160 characters where you can. Replace {braces}.
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1. INSTANT RESPONSE (send within 60 seconds of opt-in)
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Hi {first_name}, this is {agent_name} with {company}. Thanks for requesting {offer}. Is now a good time for a quick call? Reply STOP to opt out.
AI version:
Hi {first_name}, this is {company}'s AI assistant. Thanks for requesting {offer}! A few quick questions so we can help. Reply STOP to opt out.
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2. MISSED CALL FOLLOW-UP (right after an unanswered call)
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Hi {first_name}, just tried calling about your {offer} request. When is a better time today, morning or afternoon?
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3. QUALIFYING QUESTION (if they reply but have not booked)
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Quick question so I can point you the right way: {qualifying question, e.g. "Is the property you want to refinance your primary home?"}
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4. BOOKING LINK
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Perfect, {first_name}. Grab a time that works here: {booking_link}. Takes {length} min and you will leave with {takeaway}.
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5. DAY 1 EVENING (no reply)
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Hi {first_name}, {agent_name} from {company} again. Still want help with {problem}? Just reply YES and I will send a couple of times.
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6. DAY 2 (value or proof)
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{first_name}, we just helped a {similar customer type} in {city/niche} {specific result}. Happy to show you how it would work for you. Want a quick call?
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7. DAY 3 (easy yes/no)
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Hi {first_name}, should I keep your {offer} request open or close it out? A simple yes or no is perfect.
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8. DAY 5 (objection handler)
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A lot of people hold off because {common objection, e.g. "they think it will be expensive"}. {One-line answer}. Want me to send details?
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9. DAY 7 (breakup message)
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Hi {first_name}, I have not heard back so I will stop reaching out. If you still want {result}, reply anytime and we will pick it up. Reply STOP to opt out.
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10. REACTIVATION (30 to 90 days later, old leads)
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Hi {first_name}, it is {agent_name} from {company}. You asked about {offer} a while back. Are you still looking for help with that? Reply STOP to opt out.
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REPLY HANDLING
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Reply "YES" or a time -> send booking link (message 4) or book directly.
Reply with a question -> answer in one message, then ask for the call.
Reply "not now" or "later" -> ask "No problem, when should I check back?" and set a task.
Reply "wrong number" -> apologize, mark the contact as invalid, stop the sequence.
Reply STOP / UNSUBSCRIBE / END / QUIT / CANCEL -> stop all texts immediately. Send one confirmation: "You are unsubscribed from {company} texts. No more messages will be sent."
Angry or asks for a human -> stop automation and notify a team member right away.
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SEQUENCE RULES
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- Stop the sequence the moment the lead books, replies STOP, or asks a human question.
- Pair texts with calls. A text after a missed call gets more replies than a text alone.
- Never send more than two unanswered texts in a single day.
- Log every message and opt-out in the CRM.
- Review your consent language and sending rules with counsel. Requirements vary by state and country.
