When I first started my cleaning business, I had no idea what to say when a new lead would message, call, or DM me. I’d either say too much, not enough, or worse—ramble and lose the lead completely. It took real-world practice, mistakes, and listening to what actually worked before I could confidently guide a conversation from inquiry to booking.
Now, after converting hundreds of leads into long-term clients, I’ve learned that it’s not about being a “salesperson.” It’s about being clear, confident, and helpful—fast. In this blog, I’m sharing tested scripts you can plug into your own business today to stop ghosting, start booking, and sound professional no matter how someone contacts you.
Let’s make your first impression your most profitable one.
Script: The First DM Response That Gets Replies
Scenario: A potential client DMs your business on Instagram or Facebook.
What to Say:
“Hi [Name]! Thanks so much for reaching out. I’d love to learn more about what kind of cleaning you’re looking for. Can I ask what area you’re located in and what days usually work best for you?”
Why It Works: You’re friendly, acknowledge their message, and immediately move the conversation forward with two simple qualifying questions.
Script: Phone Call — The 60-Second Intro That Books Consults
Scenario: A lead calls your number off a flyer, website, or Google listing.
What to Say:
“Hi, this is [Your Name] with [Your Business Name] — thanks so much for calling! May I ask who I’m speaking with?”
(They respond.)
“Great, [Their Name]! What type of cleaning are you needing help with today?”
Why It Works: This script keeps the call focused, personal, and easy to transition into booking a quote or consultation.
Script: Quick Text Follow-Up After a Missed Call
Scenario: You missed a call from a number that didn’t leave a voicemail.
What to Say:
“Hi! I saw I missed a call from this number — this is [Your Name] with [Your Business Name]. Did you need help with a cleaning service?”
Why It Works: It opens the door without pressure, and most people feel more comfortable replying via text.
Script: When They Ask “How Much Do You Charge?” Too Soon
Scenario: A new lead messages and goes straight to price.
What to Say:
“Great question! Our pricing depends on the size of the home and what type of cleaning you’re looking for. Can I ask how many bedrooms/bathrooms and whether this would be a one-time or recurring service?”
Why It Works: You avoid quoting blindly and turn the conversation back to their needs.
Script: The Magic Reply to “I’m Just Shopping Around”
Scenario: A lead tells you they’re comparing companies.
What to Say:
“Totally understandable! I always recommend getting a few quotes to find the right fit. If it helps, I can send over a quote with what’s included so you can compare clearly. What’s the address and size of the space?”
Why It Works: You respect their process, provide value, and position your quote as easy to compare.
Script: Response for Leads Who Ghost After Pricing
Scenario: They asked for a quote… then disappeared.
What to Say:
“Hey [Name], just checking in to see if you had any questions about the quote I sent last week. I’ve got a couple openings coming up and wanted to offer you first dibs before they fill up. Let me know!”
Why It Works: You’re reminding them without nagging, and the “first dibs” line creates urgency without being pushy.
Script: How to Turn a “Maybe Later” into a “Let’s Book”
Scenario: They say they’re not ready yet.
What to Say:
“Totally get it. Would it help if I followed up in a couple of weeks to check in? Or do you want me to pencil in a tentative date now and you can confirm closer to the time?”
Why It Works: You stay in control of the follow-up and offer two low-pressure options that keep the door open.
Script: When They Message at 10PM on a Sunday
Scenario: A lead sends a late-night message after hours.
What to Say:
“Hey [Name]! Thanks for reaching out. I just saw your message and will follow up first thing in the morning when I’m back in office hours. If you’d like to share a few quick details, I’ll be ready to help you as soon as I’m back online.”
Why It Works: You acknowledge them, set a boundary, and still invite the lead to keep moving forward.
Script: The Final Check-In Before You Archive the Lead
Scenario: They’ve gone cold for weeks.
What to Say:
“Hi [Name], just wanted to follow up one last time before I close your file. If you’re still needing help with cleaning, I’d love to help! If not, no problem at all — just let me know either way.”
Why It Works: It sets a clear boundary and gives them one last chance to engage before you move on.
Tone and Customization Tips for Better Results
These scripts aren’t meant to be copy-pasted word-for-word every time. Adapt them to fit your voice. Some clients respond better to more formal language, others to a casual tone. Either way, the essentials stay the same:
- Stay short and clear.
- Make your next step obvious.
- Always leave the door open to continue.
- Avoid emojis unless you know your audience appreciates them.
Tone builds trust faster than perfect grammar. Speak like a human — but a helpful, professional one.
How to Use These Scripts Across Platforms
You’ll run into leads across platforms — here’s how to adapt the scripts for each:
Phone Calls:
Keep your tone calm and confident. Smiling while talking actually helps your voice sound more warm and engaging.
Texts & DMs:
Spacing matters. Break long texts into short lines. Use line breaks between questions to make replies feel easier.
Email:
Always include a greeting, a short paragraph, and a signature with your business info and contact number. Avoid sending quotes with no context — pre-frame them like in the ghosting script.
Should You Automate Replies?
Yes — but only the first few seconds. A fast reply matters, especially with DMs and texts. A good auto-response might look like:
“Hi! Thanks for messaging [Your Business Name]. We’re currently helping other clients but will reply within [timeframe]. In the meantime, feel free to let us know your address, service needs, and ideal days for cleaning.”
Then, follow up personally. Automation starts the relationship, but a human finishes it.
Setting Boundaries Without Losing the Lead
You don’t have to be available 24/7 to close leads. It’s okay to:
- Use autoresponders for off-hours
- Let non-ideal leads go
- Say no when the job doesn’t fit your model
Professional boundaries actually build trust. Most people respect them when you communicate them clearly and kindly.
Final Thoughts: How to Use These Scripts to Increase Bookings
You don’t need to sound like a robot, and you don’t need to memorize lines. These scripts are just the starting point. Adjust the tone to match your personality, but always aim to:
- Respond quickly
- Ask clear qualifying questions
- Keep it short and easy to reply to
- Follow up with purpose
Start testing these this week. You’ll close more leads, build trust faster, and stop feeling awkward the next time a new message pops up
