Templates
Don't start from a blank page.
The words for the messages small businesses put off writing. Copy one, swap the [brackets] for your own details, and send it. 8 are free; 10 more come with membership.
Reviews
Asking for them and answering them.
Free
Text message: the review link, right after they say yes
A customer has just told you they are happy and agreed to leave a review. Send this before they reach their car.
Hi [first name], it's [your name] from [business]. Thank you again for coming in today! Here's that Google review link: [review link] It really does make a difference for a small business like ours.
Members
Email: asking for a review the day after
For customers you didn't get to ask in person. Send it the next morning, while the visit is still fresh.
Members
What to say: asking for a review at the counter
For you and your staff to practice until it feels natural. Use it the moment a customer says something kind.
Outlines for the emails every small business should send.
Free
Welcome email for new subscribers
Set this up once in your email service so it goes out automatically when someone joins your list.
Subject: Welcome to [business] Hi [first name], Thank you for signing up. Here's what to expect: about one email a month with [what you'll send: a useful tip, what's new, and the occasional offer]. That's it. To start you off, here is [one helpful thing: your best tip, most-asked question, or a link to something useful]. If you ever have a question, just reply to this email. It comes straight to me. [your name] [business] · [phone] · [address]
Free
Monthly email outline: three short parts
Your regular monthly email. One helpful thing, one new thing, one next step. Aim for under 200 words.
Subject: [Say plainly what's inside, e.g. "3 things to do before the first freeze"] Hi [first name], ONE HELPFUL THING [A tip, a how-to, or the answer to a question customers ask you. Three or four sentences.] ONE NEW THING [A product, a service, a team member or a finished project. Two sentences and a photo.] ONE NEXT STEP [What to do now: "Book by the 15th," "Reply to this email to order," or "Stop in this week."] Thanks for reading, [your name]
Members
Email to customers you haven't seen in a while
Once or twice a year, to customers who haven't been in for six months or more. Friendly, short, no guilt.
Members
Seasonal reminder email
A few weeks before the season when customers need you. Useful first, sales second.
Referrals
Turning a happy customer into the next one.
Free
Thank-you message that opens the door to a referral
A day or two after a job that went well. A text or a handwritten card both work.
Hi [first name], thank you again for trusting us with [what you did]. It was a pleasure. If you know anyone else who's dealing with the same thing, I'd be glad to help them too. Feel free to pass along my number: [phone]. — [your name], [business]
Members
Wording for a hand-out referral card
Print on a business-card-sized card and give two to every happy customer: one to keep, one to pass on.
Already a member? Open the full library.
Membership
Stuck on what to do next? Ask people who do this every day.
Members get a private group for questions and feedback, plus members-only playbooks. $99.99 a year — about $8.33 a month.
See what's included
Social posts
Captions for the posts that are hardest to start.
Free
Post: answer the question you hear most
The easiest useful post there is. Pair it with a photo of the thing you're talking about.
Free
Post: before and after
You have two photos from the same angle. Get the customer's OK before posting anything from their home or of them.
Members
Post: introduce a team member
People do business with people. Use a relaxed photo of them at work, not a posed headshot.
Included with membership →
Members
Post: holiday hours
Post it a week ahead and again the day before. Change the hours on your Google profile at the same time.
Included with membership →
Members
Post: invite followers onto your email list
Once a month. Say exactly what people get and how often, so signing up feels safe.
Included with membership →