Texting is often the best way to get a website preview in front of a small business owner. They're on their phone all day, they can tap the link between jobs, and they can text back with "can you change the photo?" without having to call.
But there's a right way and a wrong way. The wrong way gets your number blocked and makes you look like spam. The right way starts with permission.
Rule one: ask first
Only text a business after someone there has said it's OK. Usually that happens on the call itself (the cold calling script builds the question in):
Can I text you the link, or is email better?
If they say text, you're good. If they say email, use email. If you only reached voicemail, don't text them out of the blue. Leave your number and let them text you.
Why this matters: an unexpected text with a link from an unknown number looks exactly like a scam. Owners get those constantly. Depending on where you are, there are also rules about sending marketing texts to people who haven't agreed to them. Asking first solves both problems.
Rule two: check it's a cell
Lots of business numbers are landlines or VoIP lines that can't receive texts. Before you hang up:
Is this number a cell, or is there a better one to text?
If they give you a different number, write it down right away.
The first text
Send it within a minute or two of hanging up, while they still remember the call.
Hi [name], it's [your name], we just talked on the phone. Here's the website I made for [business name]: [link]
Take a look whenever you get a chance. If you want anything changed, just text me back.
That's it. A few things it does right:
- Your name first, and a reminder of how they know you.
- Their business name, so it's obviously about them.
- One link, on its own so it's easy to tap.
- A single, easy next step.
Versions for different situations
They were busy and said "just text it":
Hi, it's [your name], the web designer who called a minute ago. Here's the site I put together for [business name]: [link]. No rush, look whenever you're free.
The front desk gave you the owner's cell:
Hi [name], this is [your name], a local web designer. [Front desk person's name] at the shop gave me your number and said texting was fine. I built a website for [business name], here's the link: [link]. Happy to answer any questions.
Only use that one if the person at the desk really did say the owner was OK with texts. If they just handed you a number, call it instead.
They have an outdated site:
Hi [name], it's [your name] from the call. Here's the updated version of your site I mentioned: [link]. It's set up so people on phones can tap to call you. Let me know what you think.
They texted you first after a voicemail:
Hey [name], thanks for getting back to me. Here's the site I built for [business name]: [link]. Want me to call you to walk through it, or is text easier?
The follow-up text
If a few days go by with no reply, and they gave you permission to text:
Hi [name], [your name] again. Did you get a chance to look at the site for [business name]? Happy to change anything.
A week or so after that, one last one at most:
Hey [name], last check-in on the website. If now's not the time, no worries at all. The link will stay up if you want it later: [link]
Then stop. The follow-up guide has the full schedule across calls, texts and email.
What to avoid
- Texting numbers that never agreed to it. Not from a Google listing, not from a directory, not because the number "looks like" a cell.
- Sending more than one link. One preview link, nothing else.
- Link shorteners from unknown services. They look shady. Use the full preview link.
- Long messages. If it needs scrolling, it's too long.
- Pressure. No "offer ends today," no "only two spots left."
- Late-night or early-morning texts. Stick to normal business hours, even if you're up late building previews.
- Mass texting tools. Send each text yourself, to one person at a time.
- Pretending to be someone else. Always your real name, never "Google" or "your website team."
If they say stop
If an owner replies "stop," "don't text me," or anything like it, stop. Reply once if it feels natural:
Got it, sorry to bother you. I won't text again.
Then mark them do-not-contact in your sheet. Don't text again, don't switch to calling to "follow up on the text." Done.
Turning a text thread into a sale
When an owner texts back with changes ("can you put our truck photo at the top?"), that's a great sign. Make the change quickly and text back:
Done, take a look: [link]
When they seem happy:
Glad you like it. If you want it live, it's [price] to set up and [monthly] a month, covering hosting, your domain and changes. Want me to send the details?
Then send a short written agreement and a payment link by email or text. Don't try to work through the whole agreement by text; a quick call or email is clearer for that part.
Every preview Rover builds lives at its own link, so you can text it to an owner right after the call and it'll still be there when they get around to opening it. Rover also writes a text message for each business so you're not typing one from scratch on the spot.
Common questions
Is it legal to text a business owner about a website?
Rules on marketing texts vary by country and state, and some are strict. The safest approach is to only text people who have said it's OK, identify yourself clearly, and stop the moment they ask. If you're unsure about your local rules, look them up before texting.
Should I text or email the preview?
Ask the owner which they prefer. Many owners of trades businesses prefer text because they're on their phone all day. Office-based businesses like dentists or accountants may prefer email.
What if they don't reply to my text?
Give it a few days, then call. A call after a text often works better than a second text. If you've followed up a couple of times with no reply, let it rest.
Can I send a screenshot instead of a link?
You can include one screenshot along with the link if you think it helps, but the link matters more. Owners want to tap through the real thing on their phone and see how it feels.
Keep reading
- How to Follow Up After a Cold CallA simple follow-up schedule for selling websites after a cold call, with scripts for each touch and clear rules for when to stop.
- Cold Calling Script for Selling WebsitesA word-for-word cold calling script for selling websites to local businesses, with versions for gatekeepers, busy owners, outdated sites and "how much?"
- Email Templates for Selling WebsitesCopy-ready email templates for selling websites to local businesses: after a call, cold intro, follow-up, proposal, and the last check-in.