Introduction
Struggling to keep up with customer inquiries, appointment reminders, and marketing campaigns? Businesses today face the challenge of staying connected with customers in a timely and personal way, but manual communication is time-consuming and inefficient. Missed appointments, unanswered questions, and lost leads can cost you valuable revenue.
That’s where SMSLocal comes in. Our automated text messaging platform empowers your business to communicate effortlessly, improve customer engagement, and drive conversions – all without requiring any technical expertise. Imagine a customer instantly receiving a shipping confirmation after placing an order, or a sales rep automatically following up with a lead after a demo – all powered by SMSLocal’s intuitive interface. With SMS messages having a 98% open rate and leads 40% more likey to convert, SMSLocal provides a direct line to your customer base. Secure and reliable, you can focus on growing your business.
Key Takeaways
- Automated Text Messages enhances communication by sending pre-scheduled messages, improving efficiency and engagement.
- SMS has a 98% open rate and leads are 40% more likely to convert via text.
- Types of automated messages include scheduled texts, auto-replies, drip campaigns, emergency alerts, and appointment reminders.
- Automation saves time, reduces manual effort, and ensures consistent communication.
- Automated texts can be personalized to maintain a human touch.
- SMSLocal offers various types of automated messages, including scheduled texts, auto-replies, drip campaigns, emergency alerts, and appointment reminders.
What is automated text messages?
Automated text messages are messages sent automatically in response to a specific trigger or event, without requiring manual intervention. This means you can connect with your customers at the perfect moment, providing timely information and personalized service, all while freeing up your team to focus on other important tasks. SMSLocal makes this process incredibly simple, eliminating human error and ensuring consistent, professional communication.
For example, imagine receiving a thoughtful message like this:
Hey Jack,
Happy 1-year anniversary with Sandwich Club rewards! 🎉
Use promo code 15ANNI at checkout for 15% off your next purchase.
Text STOP to opt out.
With automation, businesses can send everything from a single scheduled message to an entire SMS campaign. Whether it’s appointment reminders, surprise sales, delivery notifications, or bulk messages, automated texting software makes it easy to stay connected with customers at the right moments. The possibilities are endless, and it’s a simple yet powerful way to engage your audience.
Types of Automated Text Messages
Automated texts help businesses connect with customers in different ways, making communication smoother and more effective. Companies across various industries can use them to fit their specific needs. Here are some common types of automated texts:
Scheduled Messages
Timing matters when it comes to engagement. With scheduled text messages, businesses can send messages when customers are most likely to see them—whether it’s during lunch breaks, in the evening, or over the weekend.
Auto-Reply Texts
Set up automated responses based on specific keywords. Whether it’s sharing business hours, confirming appointments, or sending out promo codes, auto-replies ensure quick and accurate communication.
Drip Campaigns
Want to stay top-of-mind with customers? Drip campaigns let you send a series of automated text messages over time. You can schedule multiple campaigns at once, saving effort while keeping engagement high.
Emergency Alerts
Need to send urgent updates? Automated texts allow businesses to instantly notify their audience about emergencies, whether it’s a weather-related closure, a security alert, or another critical update.
Appointment Reminders
Forget about no-shows! Automated appointment reminders ensure customers stay informed about their upcoming bookings, helping businesses run more smoothly.
With automated text messages, businesses can engage their audience effortlessly, ensuring timely communication while saving valuable time and resources.
How Automated Text Messages Work
Automated text messages function based on different triggers and scheduling options, allowing businesses to communicate efficiently. Here’s how they work:
- Scheduled Messages – Set messages to go out at a specific time, ensuring they reach customers when they’re most likely to engage.
- Recurring Messages – Automate texts to send on a regular basis, whether it’s daily, weekly, or monthly, until manually stopped or an end date is reached.
- Auto-Replies – Instantly respond to customers based on predefined triggers, such as keywords, inquiries, or actions like appointment confirmations.
- SMS API – Integrate text messaging into your system using an SMS API, enabling automated message sending based on customer interactions or business workflows.
By leveraging these automation options, businesses can streamline communication, improve customer engagement, and save time while maintaining a personal touch.
How to Send Automated Text Messages
Automated text messages is a game-changer for businesses, helping streamline communication and stay connected with customers without requiring manual effort. Whether you’re sending appointment reminders, promotions, or customer support messages, automation makes it easy to engage at the right time.
While business texting platforms are commonly used for automation, even personal phones offer basic scheduling features. Here’s how you can set up automated texts using both methods.
Automating Texts with a Business Platform
Using a business texting platform allows companies to automate messages efficiently. These platforms provide tools to send mass texts, manage contacts, integrate with other systems, and ensure secure communication.
Every automated text sent through a business platform includes three key components:
- Trigger – A condition that starts the automation, like a keyword or a specific time of day.
- Action – The response that follows, such as sending a message or updating a contact list.
- SMS Template – A prewritten message that is automatically sent when triggered.
How to Set Up Automated Texts on a Business Platform:
- Access Automations – Open your business texting platform and navigate to the automation section.
- Choose a Trigger – Select an event that will initiate the automated message, such as a keyword response or a scheduled time.
- Set an Action – Define what happens when the trigger is activated. In most cases, this means sending a text message.
- Select an SMS Template – Create a reusable message with personalized fields (like customer names) to make texts feel personal.
- Test the Automation – Use your personal phone to trigger the automation and check if it responds correctly.
Once you’ve mastered the basics, you can easily create advanced automations for different scenarios, like handling customer inquiries or running marketing campaigns.
Setting Up Automated SMS Drip Campaigns
Drip campaigns send a series of texts over time, helping businesses nurture leads or keep customers engaged. Unlike one-time scheduled messages, SMS drip campaigns enroll contacts based on triggers and send texts at set intervals.
Engage Smarter with SMSLocal!
How to Create an SMS Drip Campaign: Step-by-Step Guide
- Create a Contact List
- Prepare a list of recipients who will receive the automated messages. This list will include customers or leads who are part of the campaign.
- Set Up a New Campaign
- Go to the campaign section in your SMS platform and start a new SMS campaign.
- Choose a Sending Schedule
- Select a “Days Apart” option to send messages at defined intervals (e.g., every 3 days, weekly). This ensures your campaign runs at a consistent pace.
- Refine Campaign Settings
- Decide whether to remove contacts who reply to your messages or exclude those already in active campaigns. This keeps your list clean and avoids unnecessary communication.
- Prepare SMS Templates
- Write and customize the messages you want to send throughout the campaign. Include personalized fields to make the messages feel more relevant to each recipient.
- Automate Contact Enrollment
- Use a trigger, such as a keyword response, to automatically add customers to your campaign list. This ensures new leads are enrolled in the campaign without manual intervention.
- Test Your Campaign
- Enroll yourself or a small group in the campaign to test how the messages are sent and how the flow works. Monitor the timing, frequency, and content of the messages to ensure everything runs smoothly.
This method ensures that customers receive timely, relevant messages without businesses having to send each one manually.
Cross-Platform SMS Automations
Businesses that use CRMs like HubSpot or Salesforce can integrate SMS automation directly into their workflows. This allows text messages to be triggered by actions in other systems, such as order confirmations or follow-ups after a product demo.
How to Set Up a Cross-Platform SMS Automation:
- Integrate Your SMS Platform with Your CRM – Map customer data fields between systems to sync contacts.
- Build an Automation Workflow – In your CRM, create an automation sequence that includes text messaging.
- Test the Integration – Run a test by triggering an event, such as a completed demo, to see if the SMS is sent correctly.
With cross-platform automation, businesses can create seamless communication flows across email, SMS, and CRM tools.
Automating Texts on Personal Phones
If you’re not using a business texting platform, you can still automate messages on your personal phone with built-in features or third-party apps.
| iPhone Setup Steps | Android Setup Steps | |||
| 1. Open the Shortcuts app and tap Automation at the bottom. | 1. Download an automation app from the Play Store (e.g., SMS Auto Reply or Textra). | |||
| 2. Tap ‘Create Personal Automation’ and select a trigger, like time of day or location. | 2. Follow the app’s steps to create auto-replies or scheduled messages. | |||
| 3. Choose ‘Send Message’ and enter the text and recipient. | 3. Set up triggers like incoming messages or specific time frames. | |||
| 4. Review the automation and tap Done to activate it. | ||||
While personal phone automation is more limited, it can still be useful for sending reminders or responding to messages automatically.
How to Send Automated Text Messages with SMSLocal
Automated text messaging with SMSLocal is a breeze. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
- Log in to your SMSLocal Account: Access your dashboard.
- Navigate to Automations: Click on the “Automations” (or similarly named) section in the main menu.
- Create a New Automation: Click the “Create New Automation” (or similar) button.
- Choose Your Trigger: Select the event that will start the automation (e.g., “Keyword Reply,” “Scheduled Time,” “List Subscription”).
- Define the Trigger Details:
- Keyword Reply: Enter the keyword(s) that will trigger the automation.
- Scheduled Time: Set the date and time you want the message to be sent.
- List Subscription: Choose the list that, when a contact is added, will trigger the automation.
- Set the Action: Choose “Send a Text Message.”
- Select or Create an SMS Template:
- SMSLocal’s template system allows you to create reusable messages with personalized fields (e.g., [First Name], [Appointment Time]).
- Write your message, incorporating any relevant personalization tags.
- Example: “Hi [First Name], thanks for joining our SMS list! Here’s a special offer: [Discount Code].”
- Test Your Automation: Use the “Test” feature (or, if not available, manually trigger the automation with your own phone) to ensure it works as expected.
- Activate Your Automation: Once you’re satisfied, click “Activate” (or similar) to start the automation.
Examples of Automated Text Messages
To give you a better idea of how automation works in real life, here are some common examples:
1. Keyword-Based Auto Replies
Customer: “Do you offer free shipping?”
Automated Response: “Hi there! Yes, we offer free shipping on orders over $50. Let us know if you need help placing an order.”
2. First-Time Customer Welcome Texts
Customer: “Hey, I have a question.”
Automated Response: “Thanks for reaching out! You’ve connected with ABC Store. Reply HELP for assistance or DEALS for special offers.”
3. After-Hours Auto Replies
Customer (sent at 10 PM): “I need help with my account.”
Automated Response: “Thanks for contacting us! Our support team is available from 9 AM to 6 PM. We’ll get back to you as soon as possible.”
4. Drip Campaign Example
Customer texts: “SUMMER”
Automated Response (Day 1): “Welcome to our Summer Sale! Expect exclusive offers twice a month. Reply STOP to opt out.”
Follow-Up (Day 5): “First big reveal: A limited-edition summer collection is live! Check it out now: [link]”
By leveraging automated texting service, businesses can engage customers in a meaningful way while saving time and resources.
The Benefits of Automated Text Messaging
Businesses that embrace automated text messaging gain numerous advantages, from improving operations to increasing customer satisfaction and boosting profits. Here’s why automated SMS should be a key part of your communication strategy:
1. Customers Prefer SMS
People want to hear from businesses via text. With SMS being a fast and direct way to communicate, businesses can easily connect with their audience in real-time.
2. High Open Rates
Text messages have an impressive 98% open rate, with most being read within 15 minutes of delivery. This makes SMS one of the most effective ways to reach customers quickly.
3. A More Personal Approach
Unlike emails or social media messages, SMS feels personal. It allows businesses to engage with customers in a direct and meaningful way, strengthening relationships.
4. Reach Customers Anytime, Anywhere
Whether your audience is at home, at work, or on the go, text messages ensure your message gets delivered and seen—no internet connection required.
5. Saves Time for Employees
Automation eliminates the need for employees to manually send individual messages, freeing them up for more important tasks while ensuring consistent communication.
6. Keep Customers Engaged
With automated SMS campaigns, businesses can send regular updates, special promotions, and important reminders to keep customers engaged and opted-in.
7. Versatile for Any Business Need
Automated texting service is not just for promotions—it can be used for appointment reminders, order updates, customer support, surveys, and more.
8. Easily Resend Messages
Need to resend a campaign or follow up on a previous message? With automation, businesses can duplicate and resend texts with just a click.
9. Saves Time and Money
Automated text messaging reduces labor costs and improves efficiency, making it a cost-effective solution for businesses of all sizes.
10. Enhances the Customer Experience
By delivering timely and relevant messages, businesses can create a smooth and hassle-free experience for customers, increasing satisfaction and loyalty.
With all these benefits, automated text messages is a must-have tool for businesses looking to improve communication, streamline operations, and build stronger relationships with their customers.
Final Tips for Using Automated Texts Effectively
Start Simple – Begin with basic automations like an after-hours reply before setting up complex campaigns.
Personalize Messages – Use custom fields to address recipients by name and make messages feel more human.
Provide Value – Every automated message should serve a purpose, whether it’s providing support, offering deals, or keeping customers informed.
With the right strategy, automated texting software can transform how businesses communicate, making interactions more efficient while keeping a personal touch.
Why Choose SMSLocal for Automated Messaging
SMSLocal’s messaging platform empowers your business with fast, efficient, and secure communication solutions.
Free Trial
Experience SMSLocal’s capabilities firsthand with our free trial, allowing you to explore our features without any commitment.
Send Longer Messages
Communicate more effectively by sending messages up to 918 characters, ensuring your content is delivered in a single, cohesive message.
Include Media in Messages
Enhance your communications by including images, videos, and PDFs in your messages, making them more engaging and informative.
Built-in Link Shortening
Our platform automatically shortens links, optimizing character usage and ensuring your messages are concise and effective.
Free Incoming Messages
Receive messages from your customers at no additional cost, allowing for seamless two-way communication.
Access from Any Device
Manage your messaging campaigns from any device—desktop, laptop, tablet, or smartphone—providing flexibility and convenience.
Data Security
We prioritize the security of your data, implementing the latest protocols to protect both your information and that of your subscribers.
Dedicated Support
Our team is committed to assisting you in setting up and optimizing your messaging campaigns, ensuring you get the most out of our platform.
Conclusion
Automated text messages is an invaluable tool for businesses aiming to enhance communication, improve customer satisfaction, and save time. With SMSLocal, you can easily set up automated campaigns to engage your audience personally and efficiently. From sending reminders to running marketing campaigns, automation allows you to scale your messaging while maintaining a personal touch.
With features like longer messages, media inclusion, and secure communication, SMSLocal provides a reliable platform to meet your business needs. Start with our free trial and experience the benefits firsthand. Automate smarter, engage better, and drive stronger customer relationships with SMSLocal today!
Ready to give automated texting a try?
FAQ
An automated texting service, like SMSLocal, is a platform that allows businesses to send pre-scheduled or triggered text messages to customers automatically. This streamlines communication, improves engagement, and saves time.
Using SMSLocal can improve customer engagement, reduce manual work, ensure timely communication, and boost conversions. It helps businesses send appointment reminders, promotional messages, confirmations, and more, with minimal effort.
Automated texting software is the tool used to manage and send automated messages. An automated texting service refers to the broader process of setting up and sending these messages, often encompassing the software, support, and best practices.
Yes, businesses can send automated text messages using a texting service like SMSLocal. These messages are pre-scheduled or triggered by specific actions or events.
An automated message is a pre-written text that is sent automatically based on a defined trigger, such as a specific time, a customer action, or an event. SMSLocal makes it easy to create and manage these messages.
On Android, SMS refer Yes, it’s legal to send automated text messages, but businesses must comply with regulations like the TCPA (Telephone Consumer Protection Act) and GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation). This requires obtaining prior consent from recipients, providing a clear opt-out option, and respecting privacy laws. SMSLocal helps you stay compliant by providing tools for managing consent and opt-outs.
s specifically to the traditional text messages sent via the cellular network, while other forms of messaging like WhatsApp or Facebook Messenger use internet data instead of cellular networks. SMS is a more basic, text-only form of communication, while messaging apps on Android can include multimedia features like images and videos.
AccordionTo start, sign up for an SMSLocal account. Set up your account, choose your messaging strategy
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