If you’re chasing leads but keep losing them after a call, you’re not alone. Following up is a pain, and manual SMS reminders just eat up your day. This guide is for anyone using Justcall who wants to stop dropping the ball and start sending timely SMS follow-ups—without more busywork or buying into another overhyped “AI” tool.
Let’s get straight to it: here’s how to automate SMS follow-ups after calls in Justcall so you can nurture leads, stay top of mind, and actually close more deals.
Why Automate SMS Follow-Ups After Calls?
Before we dig into settings and buttons, let’s be honest—most leads need more than one touch to move forward. Calls are good, but people forget or get busy. A quick SMS right after a call can:
- Remind them what you discussed
- Nudge them to take the next step (like booking a demo or sending docs)
- Show you’re on the ball
Manually sending those messages is tedious and easy to mess up. Automation keeps it from slipping through the cracks. But don’t expect miracles—SMS isn’t magic. If your follow-up is generic spam, or you chase cold leads, no amount of automation will save you. Use it to reinforce genuine conversations.
What You Need Before You Start
Let’s not waste time—here’s what you’ll need:
- A Justcall account with SMS credits (SMS isn’t free)
- Admin or manager access in Justcall (you can’t set up automations as a regular user)
- A clear idea of your follow-up message (write it out before you build the automation)
- Caller ID numbers verified in Justcall for sending messages
If you want to get fancy and pull in lead names or appointment times, make sure you actually collect that data and it’s available in Justcall or your CRM.
Step 1: Understand How Justcall Automations Work
Justcall has a basic automation feature called “Workflows.” These let you set triggers (like a call ending) and actions (like sending an SMS). It’s not as slick as Zapier but, for SMS follow-ups, it does the job. Don’t expect deep logic or endless branching—keep it simple.
Pro tip: You can also use Zapier with Justcall if you want more complex workflows, but for most people, Justcall’s built-in automations are enough.
Step 2: Write Your SMS Template
Don’t gloss over this. The automation’s only as good as your message.
- Be personal: If you can, use placeholders like {{contact_name}}. But don’t fake it—if you don’t have their name, don’t guess.
- Keep it short: SMS gets cut off at 160 characters. Long texts feel spammy.
- Include the next step: “Reply to book a demo” is better than “Thanks for your time.”
- Be clear who you are: Leads forget who called them. “Hi, it’s Sam from Acme Solar…” goes a long way.
Example template:
Hi {{contact_name}}, thanks for your call with Acme Solar today. Got questions or ready to book your install? Reply here—happy to help!
Step 3: Set Up the SMS Automation in Justcall
Here’s how to actually set it up in Justcall:
- Log in to your Justcall dashboard.
- In the left sidebar, click “Automation” (sometimes called “Workflows” depending on your account).
- Hit “Create Workflow.”
- Choose your trigger:
- For following up after every call, pick “When a call ends.”
- You can get more specific (like only after missed calls, or only for outbound calls) if you want.
- Set your filter (optional):
- Want to only message new leads? Filter by call type, tags, or duration.
- Don’t overcomplicate—if you’re not sure, skip filters for now.
- Choose your action:
- Select “Send SMS.”
- Pick the phone number you want the message to come from (make sure it’s SMS enabled).
- Paste your SMS template.
- Use any placeholders offered (like {{contact_name}} or {{agent_name}}).
- Double-check for typos.
- Test it before going live.
- Use your own number or a colleague’s to make sure the SMS actually gets sent and looks right.
- Activate the workflow.
Heads up: There’s no “undo” on a mass SMS. Start with a test group or your own calls until you trust it.
Step 4: (Optional) Connect Justcall to Your CRM
If your leads live in a CRM (like HubSpot, Salesforce, Pipedrive, etc.), you can connect Justcall so that call outcomes and SMS follow-ups log in the same place. This isn’t required, but if you want clean records, it’s worth it.
- Go to Justcall’s integrations page.
- Pick your CRM and follow the setup.
- Adjust your workflow so SMS actions match your CRM’s contact data (e.g., use CRM first names).
Don’t get lost in integration hell. If this sounds painful, stick with Justcall’s native automations at first.
Step 5: Monitor, Measure, and Adjust
Automation isn’t “set it and forget it.” Here’s what to watch out for:
- Check delivery rates: Some carriers block automated SMS, especially if messages are too similar or sent in bulk. If you see failed messages, tweak templates or send fewer at once.
- Watch for replies: Don’t ghost people who reply. Set up notifications or assign someone to handle incoming texts.
- Tweak your message: If you’re getting no response, try changing the wording or timing.
- Stay legal: SMS rules vary by country. In the U.S., you need consent. Don’t spam people who haven’t opted in. If you’re unsure, check local laws.
What Works, What Doesn’t, and Common Pitfalls
What works:
- Quick, relevant messages right after a call
- Personalization (even just a first name)
- Clear next steps
What doesn’t:
- Generic “Thank you for your time” texts—these get ignored
- Flooding leads with multiple follow-ups after the same call
- Ignoring replies (this kills trust fast)
Pitfalls to avoid:
- Overcomplicating with too many filters or branching logic—keep your first automation simple
- Forgetting to test—typos and broken placeholders look unprofessional
- Not monitoring opt-outs or complaints
FAQ: Real Talk
Can I automate different messages based on call outcome?
Sort of. Justcall lets you filter by missed/answered calls or tags, but complex logic (like “send this if they said yes, that if they said maybe”) needs third-party tools like Zapier.
What about compliance?
If you’re in the U.S., get prior express written consent before sending marketing texts. Automated follow-ups after real conversations are usually fine, but don’t add folks who never talked to you.
Does this replace human follow-up?
Nope. SMS is a nudge, not a relationship. Use it to keep the ball rolling, not to close deals.
Keep It Simple, Iterate as You Go
Automating SMS follow-ups in Justcall isn’t rocket science, but it does require thoughtful setup. Don’t chase every shiny feature—start with a single, solid workflow, see what works, and tweak from there. The best systems are the ones you actually use.
If all else fails, remember: a simple, timely message beats a perfect automation that never gets sent. Stick to the basics, watch your results, and let real-world feedback guide your next steps.