Why seconds matter on lead platforms
Lead platforms commonly send the same request to more than one pro. The homeowner hears from whoever is fastest, and most stop shopping once someone credible offers a time. A reply two hours later, after you're off the roof, is often too late, even though you paid the same for the lead.
The first message
| Job | Qualifying question |
|---|---|
| Water heater | "Is it leaking now, or are you planning a replacement?" |
| AC repair | "Is it not running at all, or running but not cooling?" |
| Drain | "Is it one drain or several?" |
| Electrical | "Is anything sparking or smelling hot?" (safety first) |
How forwarding works
- Get a lead inbox address (with HireJosie it's your own address).
- In Angi, Thumbtack and your other lead sources, set lead notification emails to forward there.
- Each new lead is read for name, phone, job and source, and texted within 60 seconds.
- Replies are handled by text: questions answered, job booked. Anything unreadable comes to you untouched.
Lead email from Thumbtack · "AC not cooling" · texted 38 seconds later
Hi Marcus, this is Arctic Air HVAC about your AC request. Is it not running at all, or running but not cooling? We can come today at 4pm or tomorrow at 9am.
running but warm air. 4 today works
Booked today 4:00pm
Guardrails
- One reply per lead, even if it arrives from two sources (duplicate guard).
- Quiet hours for non-urgent leads.
- Opt-out respected.
See Instant Lead Reply and speed to lead.
What Josie does
- Instant Lead Reply: Forward lead emails from Angi, Thumbtack, Yelp, Google LSA and your website. Josie texts every lead in 60 seconds.
- Next-Day Booking: Routine night calls get booked into tomorrow's first slots instead of "call us back".
- Hang-Up Recovery: Texts callers who hang up within 30 seconds and books them by text.
- For your trade: 24/7 Emergency Answering Service for Home Service Companies
Common questions
How fast should I respond to Angi leads?
As fast as possible: under a minute is the practical target, because the same lead often goes to several pros.
Can I automate replies to Thumbtack leads?
Yes. Forward the lead notification emails to HireJosie and Josie texts each new lead within 60 seconds and books the job by text.
What does HireJosie cost?
HireJosie is $29/month for 200 AI minutes, starting with a 7-day free trial — cancel before day 7 and you pay nothing. Pro is $79/month for 500 minutes, with $0.25/minute overage after that. Every feature is on every plan, and every plan starts with a 7-day free trial.