Quick answer
The trigger belongs after the forwarded call ends.
Use Twilio's <Dial> action callback to receive DialCallStatus. Treat completed as answered. Send the missed-call SMS only for busy, no-answer, failed, or canceled.
What you need before setup
Twilio account
A customer-owned account with billing enabled.
Voice and SMS number
A Twilio number capable of receiving calls and sending messages.
Forwarding phone
The phone the business owner or operator will answer.
Approved messaging route
The registration or verification required for the chosen US sender type.
Business-identified message
Copy that names the business and gives the caller a useful next step.
Optional booking URL
A real calendar or quote-request page; omit it when none exists.
The five-part call flow
Receive the call on a Twilio number
Use a Twilio number that supports both Voice and SMS. Configure its incoming voice request to run your call-handling Function.
Forward with TwiML Dial
The Function returns TwiML that dials the owner's phone. Preserve the inbound caller ID and set a ring timeout shorter than the destination voicemail pickup.
Read the Dial action result
Set an action URL on Dial. Twilio posts DialCallStatus when that dial attempt ends, giving the Function a specific connection outcome.
Send only after a true missed outcome
Send one business-identified SMS only for busy, no-answer, failed, or canceled. Do not send the missed-call message when the result is completed.
Forward the caller's reply
Attach a second Function to the number's incoming-message handler. It can notify the owner of the caller number and reply while leaving reserved opt-out handling intact.
The voicemail edge case matters.
A carrier voicemail system can answer the forwarded leg. When that happens, Twilio may report the dial attempt as completed, so the missed-call text does not fire. Set the Dial timeout below the destination phone's voicemail pickup time, then test it on the real carrier.
Use clear, limited first-message copy
The first text should identify the business, acknowledge the missed call, offer a useful reply or booking path, and include the required opt-out language. Twilio's current Messaging Policy requires an initial opt-out instruction for recipients.
Example structure
Hi, sorry we missed your call—this is [Business Name]. Reply with what you need, or request a time here: [Booking URL]. Reply STOP to opt out.
This is operational guidance, not legal advice. The business remains responsible for consent, registration, message content, opt-outs, and applicable law.
Do not launch until these tests pass
| Test | Action | Expected result |
|---|---|---|
| Answered call | Owner answers before timeout | Call connects; no missed-call SMS |
| No answer | Owner lets the phone ring | One text is sent after no-answer |
| Busy or failed | Destination cannot accept the call | One text is sent after the reported failure |
| Caller reply | Caller replies to the Twilio number | Owner receives the caller number and message |
| STOP | Caller replies STOP | No custom forwarding; Twilio opt-out handling remains in control |
Skip the blank-page setup.
The Jobsite Closer lifetime package includes two copy-and-paste Twilio Functions, a four-step browser guide, launch tests, and optional CRM workflow recipes. It is a protected instant download after Stripe confirms payment.
$67 one-time purchase
No HighLevel required for the Twilio track
Customer-owned Twilio account
No required sales call
Twilio missed-call text-back FAQ
Does Twilio know whether I answered the forwarded call?
Twilio reports a DialCallStatus to the action URL configured on the Dial verb. A completed status means the called party answered; busy, no-answer, failed, and canceled represent unsuccessful connection outcomes.
Can I use my existing personal or business number?
This setup uses a voice- and SMS-capable Twilio number as the public automation number. You can forward that Twilio number to your existing phone. Porting or conditional forwarding from another carrier is a separate carrier-specific project.
Why must the ring timeout be shorter than voicemail pickup?
If the destination carrier's voicemail answers, Twilio can see the call as completed. A shorter Dial timeout lets Twilio return no-answer before voicemail accepts the call, which preserves the intended missed-call decision.
Do I need HighLevel?
No. Twilio Programmable Voice, Messaging, and Functions can support the basic missed-call, SMS, and owner-notification path. A CRM is optional when you want pipelines, booking sequences, or broader follow-up automation.
Do US text messages require registration?
Twilio states that application-to-person SMS sent over US 10-digit long-code numbers must use A2P 10DLC registration. Toll-free and short-code messaging use different verification paths. Confirm the current route and requirements in your own Twilio account before launch.
What does the $67 Jobsite Closer purchase include?
It includes the self-setup Twilio Starter Kit and workflow resources. It does not include a Twilio account, phone number, messaging registration, carrier fees, calls, texts, CRM subscription, or managed implementation.