How to Send Automated Text Messages

Are you doing your best as a business to stay connected while also managing your reputation? We have the ideal solution to help—learning how to send automated text messages! These will quickly become your secret weapons for building strong customer relationships and managing your online reputation.

Automated text messages are quick and direct, and customers love them. Sending personalized and timely messages helps build trust and keeps your business in your customers’ minds.

Why should you care about automated text messages? You’d be shocked to discover how easily they engage customers and get their feedback. Happy customers mean a stellar reputation, and that’s the name of the game. So keep reading as we get into just how to send automated text messages and grow your business with ease!

Choosing the Right Platform

There are many platforms out there, but which one is your knight in shining armor? Look for features that suit your business, like easy integration with your existing systems. A good platform is the backbone of your SMS strategy.

Platforms

There’s a bunch of different platforms out there, but here are a few stars:

• Twilio: It’s like the Swiss Army knife of messaging. Twilio lets you send SMS, MMS, and even WhatsApp messages. It’s robust and trusted by big players.
• EZ Texting: Simple and effective. EZ Texting is great for small businesses. It’s user-friendly, so you won’t feel like you’re decoding a spaceship manual.
• TextMagic: A pocket-friendly option. TextMagic packs a punch without emptying your wallet. It’s reliable and has solid customer support.

Features

Features to consider when choosing which platform to use include the following:

• User-Friendly Interface: No one likes a complicated dashboard. Look for a platform that’s easy to use, so you can focus on your business, not decoding tech stuff.
• Personalization Tools: Make your messages stand out. Look for platforms that let you personalize texts so you can add a dash of your business’s personality.
• Automation Capabilities: The whole point is automation, right? Ensure your chosen platform can set up triggers and send messages without you pressing a hundred buttons.
• Reporting and Analytics: Numbers are your friends. Choose a platform that gives you insights, such as who opened your messages and what they liked.

If you’re using a CRM tool, make sure your chosen platform plays nice with it. Seamless integration means fewer headaches.

Selling stuff online? Your messaging platform should also sync up with your online store. It keeps everything in harmony.

If you want to share your messages on social media, picking a platform that can work across multiple platforms is also something to watch out for.

Remember, the right platform is like a good sidekick—it makes your life easier. 

Building Your SMS Contact List

Get those digits! Collecting and organizing customer phone numbers might seem like a daunting task, but with the right strategies, it becomes a breeze. 

Collecting

Here are some practical and easy-to-implement strategies for collecting numbers:

• Digital Sign-Up Forms: Place a simple sign-up form on your website. Offer an incentive, like a discount or early access to new products, to sweeten the deal.
• Loyalty Programs: If you have a loyalty program, use the customer’s phone number as their ID. This not only simplifies the process but also ensures you have accurate contact information.
• Email Campaigns: If you have an email newsletter, include a field for phone numbers during the registration process. Explain the added benefits of joining your SMS list.
• Referral Programs: Incentivize customers to refer friends by offering exclusive deals. Collect phone numbers as part of the referral process.

Organizing

When you’re ready to organize them effectively, consider trying out the following strategies:

• Segmentation: Organize phone numbers based on customer preferences, purchase history, or demographics. This helps with targeted messaging.
• Regular Updates: Periodically check and update customer phone numbers. Remove duplicates or incorrect entries to maintain accuracy.
• Data Security: Ensure that customer data, including phone numbers, is stored securely and complies with data protection regulations.
• Opt-Out Options: Always provide customers with an easy way to opt-out if they no longer wish to receive messages. This builds trust and shows respect for their preferences.

Remember to always ask for permission before sending messages. Consent is key when it comes to personal information, and it’s important to be careful with it once you receive it. Keep your contact list clean and updated as well—maintaining your contact list leads to more effective communication with your customers and helps build trust.

Crafting Engaging and Effective Messages

Writing texts might sound easy, but it’s an art. Make your messages short, sweet, and compelling. Personalize them to make customers feel special, and don’t forget a call-to-action—it’s your way of saying, “Hey, let’s do business!”

Don’t forget to include a call-to-action. Without a call-to-action, messages are merely informative and don’t give your customers an easy way to get in touch with you. Sometimes all it takes is a “contact us” to get your business some attention.

Timing and Frequency

Timing is everything, and you have to find the sweet spot between being helpful and annoying. You can do this by understanding your customers’ habits. Are they more likely to engage in the morning, during lunch, or in the evening? Tailor your timing based on their typical behavior. 

Different days result in different responses as well. Test different timings for different customer segments and see what works best, including different days and different periods in between messages. This way, you can see what works best for your audience, which you can then implement in future text messages.

When to Use Automated Text Messages

Automate wisely! Use triggers based on customer interactions and milestones. Here are some examples of effective automation scenarios you can use to your advantage:

Responses to FAQs

When customers hit your website or messaging platforms with common queries, automated responses can provide instant, accurate answers. This not only saves time for both customers and your team but also ensures consistency in the information shared.

Drip Campaigns

Drip campaigns allow you to send a series of well-timed messages that guide customers through their journey with your business. Whether it’s a welcome series for new customers, educational drips to showcase your expertise, or re-engagement campaigns to win back inactive customers, you can use drip campaigns like a personalized road map for each individual.

Deadline Alerts

Deadline alerts automate the process of notifying customers about crucial dates. Whether it’s a subscription renewal, a limited-time promotion, or any other time-sensitive event, these alerts ensure that your customers are in the loop.

Appointment Reminders

Details like time, location, and any necessary preparations are neatly included in automated appointment reminders. These reminders not only reduce no-shows but also show your commitment to a smooth and professional customer experience.

Billing Reminders

Billing reminders ensure that your customers are always aware of their financial commitments. Send notifications for upcoming payments, complete with clear instructions and payment links. For overdue payments, automated alerts can provide information on late fees and offer assistance options, showcasing your dedication to transparent and hassle-free transactions.

See Also: 40 Sample Text Messages to Delight Your Customers [Templates]

Monitoring and Analyzing Performance

Numbers don’t lie, so use analytics to measure your success. Track engagement and response rates to see what’s working and what needs a little boost. Adjust and conquer! Nothing in business is ever stagnant, and that includes the performance of your automated messages. Keep an eye on how they’re doing, and make changes to help improve them for the better.

See Also: Best Practices for Broadly Text and Email Campaigns

How Broadly Helps With Online Reputation for Small Businesses

At Broadly, we’re on a mission to make your online reputation soar. With our tools, you can effortlessly manage customer feedback, get more reviews, and be the local hero your business deserves. Schedule a demo below and let’s build your stellar online reputation together!