Missed Call Text-Back
When you miss a call, a text goes back in under 2 minutes — before they call your competitor.
Import this blueprint into your automation tool:
How to import: Download the blueprint → go to make.com (free account) → Create new scenario → click the 3-dot menu → Import Blueprint → upload the file. Then replace the placeholder values (YOUR_TWILIO_NUMBER etc.) with your own.
What this does
A missed call from a potential customer is a lead about to go to your competitor. This template sends an automatic text within 2 minutes of any missed call — keeping the conversation alive and giving you time to call back when you're free. Studies show 60–80% of missed callers will book with whoever texts back first.
Before you start
- ✓ A Twilio number forwarding to your main business number (or Google Voice)
- ✓ Zapier connected to Twilio
Setup guide
Set up call forwarding through Twilio
Buy a Twilio number and set it to forward all calls to your existing business number. Put this Twilio number on your website and Google Business profile instead of your direct number. When a call is missed, Twilio logs it and Zapier can act on it.
Pro tip: This doesn't change anything about how calls reach you — they still ring your existing phone. You're just routing them through Twilio first to get the logging capability.
Create a Zap triggered by "New Missed Call" in Twilio
Zapier has a native Twilio "New Call" trigger. Add a filter: only proceed if call status is "no-answer" or "busy". This ensures you only text back callers who didn't reach you.
Add a 1-minute delay
Add Delay → 1 minute. This prevents the text from firing before the voicemail has even finished playing.
Send the text-back
Twilio SMS action → send to the caller's number with the missed call text-back message.
Hi, this is [Company Name]. We just missed your call and wanted to make sure we got back to you right away. What can we help you with today? We'll call you back within 15 minutes.
All messages — copy & paste ready
Hi, this is [Company Name]. We just missed your call and wanted to make sure we got back to you right away. What can we help you with today? We'll call you back within 15 minutes.
Hi, this is [Company Name]. We missed your call — our office is currently closed but we'll be back at [Time] tomorrow. For HVAC emergencies, call [Emergency Number]. Otherwise, we'll reach out first thing in the morning!
Pro tip
Add a second action: log the missed call to a Google Sheet with timestamp, caller number, and "Follow-up Done" column. Review this sheet weekly — patterns in when you're missing calls can tell you when you need more coverage.
Common questions
What if I don't want to use Twilio?
What about after-hours calls?
Need help setting this up?
Reply to your welcome email and I'll walk you through it. Most setups take under 30 minutes with help.
Get Setup Help