First attempt
Hi {{name}}, I just tried to call about your request for {{product}}. Is now good, or is there a better time to reach you?
Voicemail follow up texts: 13 messages to send right after the beep
You called, it rang out, and you left a voicemail. Most people never listen to it, so the text you send a minute later is the message that actually gets read. It should say who you are, why you called and how to answer in a few words. These 13 texts cover the first attempt, the second, the busy contact, the wrong time of day, and the last try. They are meant for people who asked for a call or gave you their number, never for numbers you found. Copy any message, or add all 13 to your keyboard and send them from iMessage, WhatsApp, LinkedIn or any other app in one tap.
Works in WhatsApp, iMessage, Instagram, Messenger and every other app.
Words in {{double braces}} are blanks. In the textcuts keyboard you fill them with one tap, and the names you used recently come back.
Right after the call
Short version
Sorry I missed you, {{name}}. I called about the quote you asked for. Reply here with a good time and I will ring back.
Question I can answer by text
Hello {{name}}, if a call is not convenient, I can answer your question right here. What would you like to know?
Missed call from them
I saw your missed call, {{name}}. Sorry I could not pick up. I can ring you at {{time}} if that suits.
Second and third attempts
Second attempt
Hi {{name}}, I tried you again earlier. No problem if it is busy. When is a good hour for a short call?
Different time of day
Hello {{name}}, I tried you in the morning before. Would an early evening call suit you better?
Offering email
Would you prefer I send the details by email, {{name}}? Give me the address that works best and I will send a short summary.
Giving a direct number
This is my direct line, {{name}}. Call or text me whenever it suits you, and I will pick up as soon as I can.
Closing it out
Last attempt
{{name}}, this is my last try about your request. If you still want to talk, reply with a time. If not, no problem at all.
They called back
Thanks for returning my call, {{name}}. I missed it by a minute. May I call you right now?
Confirming the new time
Great, {{name}}. I will call you on {{day}} at {{time}}. If anything changes before then, text me.
Thanking them for replying
Thanks for answering, {{name}}. I will keep the call to ten minutes and have the details ready.
They said stop
Understood, {{name}}. I will not contact you again. Thank you for telling me.
When to send each message
| When | Message | Note |
|---|---|---|
| 2 minutes after the voicemail | First attempt | Always. |
| Next day | Second attempt | Second attempt. |
| After two misses | Different time of day | Try a different hour. |
| After two voicemails | Giving a direct number | Give your direct number. |
| After three attempts | Last attempt | Last message. |
| When they call back | They called back | Reply quickly. |
| When they say stop | They said stop | Honor it at once. |
Do not say
Texting a number that never agreed to hear from you: bought lists, scraped numbers, a business card you were handed once.
Instead: Text only people who gave you their number for this purpose, type each message yourself, and honor a stop request right away.
Leaving voicemails and texts on a number you never had permission to use.
Instead: Call and text only people who asked to hear from you.
Calling and texting five times in one day.
Instead: One call and one text per day, and no more than three attempts.
Texting a link and nothing else.
Instead: Say who you are and why you called first.
Reading a script into the voicemail.
Instead: Be brief: your name, the reason, a time to call back.
Replying to a stop request with one more pitch.
Instead: Send one short confirmation and stop.
Works in WhatsApp, iMessage, Instagram, Messenger and every other app.
Frequently asked questions
Should I text after leaving a voicemail?
Yes, if the person gave you their number for this purpose. A text is read far more often than a voicemail, so keep it short and say how to reply.
How many times should I try?
Three attempts over a week at different times of day, then one last message. Stop after that.
What if someone asks me to stop texting?
Stop that day and do not send another message, even a polite goodbye that asks for a reply. The FCC's rules on stopping unwanted texts count words like stop, quit and cancel as a clear request. Note it in your CRM so nobody else on your team writes to them either.
Can I send these in WhatsApp, iMessage or LinkedIn?
Yes. textcuts is a keyboard, so the messages work in WhatsApp, iMessage, LinkedIn and SMS and every other app where you type.
Do these work on the free plan?
Yes. 10 of the 13 use a single blank, which fills in on the free plan. The other 3 use two blanks and need Pro to fill both from the keyboard. Free holds 8 textcuts and 1 folder, so start with the six essentials.