Easy Free 15 minutes
How to Respond to Leads Instantly with Templates
Set up instant auto-replies so leads hear from you in seconds, not hours.
What You'll Need
- A smartphone
- Access to your business phone or messaging app
- 5 minutes to write a quick response template
Steps
1
Write your instant response template
Create a friendly message that goes out immediately when someone contacts you.
- Open ChatGPT (chat.openai.com)
- Ask: 'Write a friendly auto-reply for a [your trade] business. Keep it short, confirm we got their message, and say we'll call back within 1 hour.'
- Copy the response and tweak it to sound like you
Tip: Example: 'Thanks for reaching out to [Business Name]! Got your message and I'll call you back within the hour. - Mike'
2
Set up text auto-reply (iPhone)
Use the built-in auto-reply feature.
- Go to Settings → Focus → Do Not Disturb
- Scroll down and tap 'Auto-Reply'
- Turn on 'Auto-Reply' and paste your message
- Note: This only works when Do Not Disturb is on
Tip: For always-on auto-reply, you'll need an app like OpenPhone or a CRM.
3
Set up text auto-reply (Android)
Download an auto-reply app.
- Search 'SMS Auto Reply' in the Play Store
- Download 'SMS Auto Reply' by RootUninstaller
- Create a new rule for 'All incoming messages'
- Paste your template and turn it on
4
Set up email auto-reply
Auto-respond to emails from your website or contact form.
- In Gmail: Settings → See all settings → Vacation responder
- Turn it on and paste your message
- For better results, use your website form's built-in auto-reply
5
Test it yourself
Make sure it actually works.
- Text your business number from a different phone
- Check that the auto-reply comes through
- Send yourself an email too
- Adjust the message if needed
You're Done!
Now every lead gets an instant response! They know you're alive and will call back soon.
Pro Tips
- • The goal is speed, not perfection. A fast 'got it!' beats a slow detailed response
- • Consider OpenPhone ($15/mo) for a dedicated business line with better auto-reply features
- • Still call them back ASAP — auto-reply buys you time, not infinite patience
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