Who to text first
A great script sent to the wrong list still gets nothing. The roofing lists that book inspections are tight:
- Homeowners, not renters. The person who can say yes to a roof.
- Roofs 15 years old or more. Old enough that a replacement is on their mind.
- Near recent hail and storm activity. Damage is fresh and they’re already thinking about it.
- Cell numbers. A text only works if it reaches a phone that gets texts.
We pull these lists from our own database of 100M+ contacts, built only for your service area. See how roofing campaigns work.
The opener
The first text has one job: get a reply. The rules we follow on every campaign:
- One short question. Around ten words to a short sentence or two. Long, pitchy texts read as spam.
- First names. Theirs and the sender’s.
- Local, not branded. “A local roofing company” reads like a neighbor. A company name and a slogan read like an ad.
- No link. Links get texts filtered and make people suspicious.
- A reason it’s about them now. You’re working in their area this week.
The opener from the real Tomball, TX campaign:
“Hey Corey, Hank Reed with a local roofing company. We’re working in Tomball right now. Open to a free roof inspection while we’re in the area?”
Two variations worth testing against it (change one thing at a time):
- “Hey Corey, it’s Hank. We’re doing roofs in Tomball this week. Want us to take a look at yours?”
- “Hey Corey, Hank here. Did your roof take any hail damage in the last storm?”
Replies to the pushback you’ll get
| They say | Reply |
|---|---|
| “I already filed a claim.” | Don’t argue. Ask about the roof: “Got it. What kind of damage are you noticing? Any leaks or missing shingles?” In Tomball, that homeowner was paying out of pocket and booked the same day. |
| “How’d you get my number?” | “It came from public records and third-party data providers. Happy to remove you if you’d like. Want us to take a look at the roof while we’re nearby?” |
| “How much is a new roof?” | “Depends on what we find. The inspection is free, so you get a real number. I have today at 12:30, or tomorrow 8 to 5. What works?” |
| “My roof is fine.” | “Good to hear. How old is it, roughly?” Older roofs often have damage owners can’t see from the ground. |
| “Not now” / “Maybe later” | “No problem. Is it OK if I check back after the next storm?” Then follow up later. Don’t push. |
| “Stop” / “Not interested” | Remove them right away. No last pitch. |
The full thread: cold text to booked inspection
Word for word from a client campaign. Names and addresses removed.
Tomball, TX · roofing · booked the same day
● Inspection booked for the same afternoon
Three things made this work: the bot asked about the damage before pitching, it let the homeowner name their own budget, and it offered two real times instead of a calendar link.
Book the inspection in the text, not with a link
The moment a homeowner says “sure, come take a look,” offer two specific times. Every extra step, like a booking link or “call our office,” is a place to lose them. Our AI agent offers times in the conversation, books the one they pick on your calendar, and sends reminders so the crew isn’t driving to a no-show.
A note on compliance. Marketing texts are covered by federal rules such as the TCPA and the National Do Not Call Registry, plus state laws. We follow applicable telemarketing rules and honor every opt-out right away. This guide is not legal advice; check your own campaign with counsel.
Plans
Text up to 25,000 people a month on real phones. AI caller calls your leads back in seconds, and the Appointment Setter books them. 24/7 account manager.
Priced on what we save you. Built to cut your payroll in half; one client saves $30K a month. Everything in Lead Gen, plus AI employees that take over repetitive roles to cut your payroll, your voice clone, AI Receptionist, AI Salesperson and a monthly call with Max.
A custom solution: Lead Gen plus a full AI workforce across your teams and locations, priced as a share of the payroll we save you.
3-month minimum, then month to month. 6-month terms save 10%. You sign the agreement before any payment.
Questions
What is the best first text for roofing leads?
A short, local question with no link, like “Hey Corey, Hank Reed with a local roofing company. We’re working in Tomball right now. Open to a free roof inspection while we’re in the area?” It reads like a neighbor, gives a reason it’s timely, and asks for one small yes.
Who should a roofing company text?
Homeowners with roofs 15 years old or more near recent hail and storm activity, on cell numbers. We pull those lists from our own database of 100M+ contacts for your service area.
Should I send a booking link?
We don’t. Offer two specific times in the text and book the one they pick. Links add a step where homeowners drop off.
Can Client Gravity run roofing texting for me?
Yes. We build the list, write the bot in your voice, text from real phones and book inspections on your calendar. Campaigns go live within 48 hours of your kickoff call.
Want this running for you?
Get on a live video call with Max right now and see a custom demo built for your business.
Not ready for video? Tell us about your business and we’ll text you →