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Call handling
How to answer more calls from paid search
A missed paid call is money thrown away. You paid to get that person to call — and they probably called your competitor next.
Published Jul 18, 2026 · 5 minute read
Key takeaways
- Only run ads when someone can answer.
- Call back missed calls within 5 minutes.
- Track missed calls as closely as answered ones.
How many calls are you missing?
Many businesses miss 20–30% of calls without realising. Check your call log for a week — the number is often a shock.
Easy ways to answer more
These simple steps help:
- Match ad hours to answered hours
- Use call alerts on mobile
- Call back missed calls fast
- Use an answering service after hours
- Train staff on a short greeting
Speed wins jobs
Customers with urgent problems usually book the first business that answers. A callback in 5 minutes wins far more jobs than one the next morning.
FAQ
Should ads run 24/7?
Only if someone answers 24/7. Otherwise pause ads when closed.
Is an answering service worth it?
For emergency trades, it often pays for itself quickly.