This is the reference guide for every term that comes up in beeAgently content. If something in a guide or playbook confused you, look it up here.
A–C
Action (Zapier)
The thing that happens after a trigger fires. In a Lead Bee, the trigger is "new form submission" and the action is "send a text message."
AI Agent
A piece of software that completes a specific task automatically when a trigger event occurs. Proactive — it acts without waiting for someone to initiate. Different from a chatbot, which is reactive.
Automation
Any workflow where software handles a task that would otherwise require a human to do it manually. In home services, this usually means lead follow-up, estimate nudges, and review requests.
Bee
beeAgently's term for a single AI agent workflow. A Lead Bee is an agent that follows up on leads. An Estimate Bee follows up on quotes. A Review Bee asks for reviews.
CRM (Customer Relationship Management)
Software that stores your customer and lead information, tracks where each relationship is in the sales process, and often manages jobs and invoices. For trades, this is usually Jobber, HouseCall Pro, GoHighLevel, or ServiceTitan.
Chatbot
A software tool that responds to messages when a customer initiates contact. Usually embedded on a website. Reactive — waits for the customer to type. Different from an AI agent, which reaches out proactively.
D–L
Delay (Zapier)
A wait period built into an automation. Example: "wait 3 days before sending the estimate follow-up." Delays are what make time-based sequences possible.
Estimate Bee
An automation that follows up on sent estimates that haven't received a response. Typically fires on Day 1, Day 3, and Day 7 after an estimate is sent.
Filter (Zapier)
A condition check built into an automation. "Only proceed if the estimate is still in 'sent' status." Prevents automations from firing when the situation has changed — like sending a follow-up to a customer who already booked.
FSM (Field Service Management software)
Software built specifically for service businesses that manage jobs in the field. Includes scheduling, dispatch, invoicing, and customer management. Examples: Jobber, HouseCall Pro, ServiceTitan.
GoHighLevel (GHL)
An all-in-one CRM and automation platform popular with home service businesses. Includes SMS, email, pipeline management, and automation in one dashboard. $97/mo starting price.
Lead Bee
An automation that sends a personalized text or email response within 60 seconds of a new lead coming in. The most common first automation for home service businesses.
Lead Source
Where a new inquiry comes from — website form, Google, Facebook, referral, missed call. Different sources may need different automations or different first-contact messages.
M–S
Make (formerly Integromat)
An automation connector platform similar to Zapier, but with more powerful multi-step workflow tools. Better for complex automations; steeper learning curve. Free tier available.
NiceJob
A review automation platform built specifically for service businesses. Connects to your FSM and automatically sends review requests after job completion. $75/mo.
Pipeline
The stages a lead or customer moves through from first contact to completed job. In CRM terms: New Lead → Estimate Sent → Follow-Up → Booked → In Progress → Complete. Automations are often triggered by pipeline stage changes.
Review Bee
An automation that sends a review request text 2 hours after a job is marked complete. The text includes a direct link to the Google review page.
ROI (Return on Investment)
The revenue generated by an automation minus the cost of the tools running it. Use the beeAgently ROI Calculator to estimate your numbers before committing to tools.
SimpleTexting
An SMS platform for sending and receiving text messages from businesses. Connects to Zapier for automated sends. $39/mo starting price.
SOC 2 Type II
A security audit standard for software companies, conducted by independent auditors. Type II means ongoing compliance over time (not just a one-time snapshot). Look for this certification when evaluating tools that will handle customer contact information.
T–Z
TCPA
The Telephone Consumer Protection Act — US law governing how businesses can send automated texts and calls. Every SMS platform we recommend is TCPA-compliant. STOP replies must be honored automatically.
Trigger
The event that starts an automation. In a Lead Bee: "New form submission." In an Estimate Bee: "Estimate marked sent." In a Review Bee: "Job marked complete."
Webhook
A method for one software tool to notify another tool in real time when something happens. Your website form can send a webhook to Zapier the moment someone submits — allowing Zapier to fire immediately rather than waiting for scheduled polling.
Zapier
The most widely used automation connector platform. Connects 6,000+ apps. Watches for trigger events and fires actions in response. Free tier available; paid plans from $19.99/mo. Think of it as the glue between your tools.
Zap
A single automation workflow built in Zapier. A Zap has a trigger (something happens) and one or more actions (things that happen in response). Your Lead Bee might be a single Zap: trigger = new form submission, action = send SMS.
If you encountered a term that isn't here, email hello@beeagently.com with the word and where you saw it. We update this glossary regularly based on what readers ask about.