Easy Free 5 minutes
How to Create 'On My Way' Message Templates
Look professional and help customers prepare with a quick heads-up text.
What You'll Need
- A smartphone
- Customer phone numbers
- 2 minutes to set up
Steps
1
Create your OTW template
Write a short message to send when you're heading to a job.
- Keep it simple: 'Hi [Name], this is [Your Name] from [Business]. I'm on my way and should arrive in about [X] minutes. See you soon!'
- Or even simpler: 'On my way! ETA 15 minutes. - Mike'
- Include your name so they know it's not spam
Tip: Customers love knowing you're coming. It's a small thing that makes a big impression.
2
Save it as a text shortcut
Type 3 letters, get the full message.
- iPhone: Settings → General → Keyboard → Text Replacement
- Tap '+' to add new shortcut
- Phrase: 'On my way! Should arrive in about XX minutes. - [Your Name]'
- Shortcut: 'otw'
- Now typing 'otw' auto-expands to your full message
3
Android alternative
Set up a similar shortcut on Android.
- Open Gboard (Google Keyboard) settings
- Go to Dictionary → Personal dictionary
- Add your OTW message with shortcut 'otw'
- Or use an app like Texpand for more control
4
Send it every single time
Make this a habit.
- When you leave for a job, send the text immediately
- Update the ETA based on actual drive time
- If you're running late, send an update
- This takes 10 seconds and makes customers happy
5
Automate with your CRM (optional)
Some tools can send this automatically.
- Jobber/HouseCall Pro: Enable 'On my way' notifications
- Tap one button when leaving and it sends automatically
- Even better: GPS triggers the message when you start driving
You're Done!
You now have a professional 'on my way' system! Customers will notice the difference.
Pro Tips
- • Always overestimate your ETA slightly — better to arrive early than late
- • If you're running behind, text them before they text you
- • This tiny habit separates pros from amateurs in customers' minds
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