Businesses are increasingly leveraging SMS messaging, reaping the benefits of its diverse features, including SMS autoresponders. SMS is user-friendly and boasts unparalleled delivery and response rates. Currently, no communication channel is as cost-effective or efficient as SMS. Entities across all industries can profit from utilizing SMS to distribute coupons, alerts, reminders, and other marketing content.
Using bulk SMS services, sending messages to multiple recipients is effortless. However, your customers may also have similar inquiries that require specific responses. This is where SMS autoresponders for businesses come in. Autoresponders are an essential feature of SMS marketing platforms such as JookSMS. This feature allows businesses to craft message templates sent promptly to common customer queries. Let’s find out how text message marketing autoresponders work and their potential benefits.
What is an SMS Autoresponder?
Auto-response texts are pre-programmed messages triggered by specific actions, such as sign-ups or support requests. They eliminate the need for manual intervention and enable instantaneous replies to particular keywords in a customer’s message.
For example, if a customer queries your business hours, an automated response can swiftly provide all the relevant details without requiring your direct attention.
Your system can promptly generate automatic replies based on predefined actions or criteria—specify when to trigger them. It’s crucial to have contingency plans for platform malfunctions or device issues.
How Does the Autoresponder Work?
SMS autoresponders work based on automation rules. An automation rule is a way of setting up a trigger for a preset text reply. Let’s say a client texts you asking for an appointment. You can set up an automation rule based on a specific keyword – in this case, the keyword will be “appointment.”
The system will reply with a pre-defined text whenever you get a text mentioning this keyword.Based on the keyword used, which mailing lists a contact is in, or if they are a new contact, these rules can apply any combination of the following actions:
- Send a text message
- Add the contact to new mailing lists
- Send a text-to-speech call
- Send an audio recording as a voice broadcast
- Remove the contact from mailing lists
- Schedule a future text message to be sent
What are the Features of SMS Autoresponders?
SMS Autoresponders offer many features that enhance the user experience and facilitate seamless communication between businesses and their clientele. These features include:
- Time Setup: You can schedule auto responses based on specific times. It is beneficial to send a pre-defined text whenever you get a text mentioning this marketing message at peak hours or acknowledging customer inquiries after business hours. For example, a restaurant can program an autoresponder to confirm reservation requests received outside operating hours with a message like, “Thank you for your reservation request. We’ll get back to you during our working hours.”
- Keyword Recognition: Autoresponders can be programmed to identify and respond to specific keywords in incoming messages. It allows for tailored responses to common queries or actions. For instance, customers texting the keyword “DISCOUNT” can automatically receive the current promotional offers.
- Personalization: This feature allows businesses to insert personal information, such as the recipient’s name, into the autoresponse, making the interaction more personal and engaging. An example would be, “Hello [Name], thank you for subscribing! Stay tuned for exclusive offers.”
- Analytics and Reporting: This provides insights into the performance of the SMS autoresponder campaigns, including response rates, engagement metrics, and more.
- Integration with Other Platforms: Many SMS autoresponders can integrate with CRM systems, email marketing platforms, and other business tools, ensuring a cohesive communication strategy across all channels. For example, when a new contact is added via an SMS subscription, that contact can simultaneously be added to an email newsletter list.
Each feature allows you to schedule auto responses based on specific times. This is handy for sending SMS autoresponders, an essential tool of modern business communication strategies. They facilitate efficient, responsive, and personalized engagement with audiences at scale.
What are the Benefits of Using SMS Autoresponders?
There are many benefits of incorporating SMS autoresponders into your business communication strategy. These include:
- Notify of Unavailability – When you are away from work or unreachable for an extended time, this informs others of your absence and return date. It’s particularly beneficial for businesses, helping them maintain professionalism and prevent potential customer service issues.
- Ensure Message Receipt – Auto-replies can also confirm text receipt. For instance, through an SMS platform, a message like “Thank you for your message! We’ll respond promptly” assures senders their text is acknowledged and in process.
- Enhance Customer Support – MMS or SMS can automatically address common queries. For businesses providing text support, setting up responses with general answers assures customers of attention and promises a detailed reaction from an expert soon. It automates the process and saves time for both parties.
- Improve Efficiency – Responding to each text can require significant workforce hours. Auto-replying saves time and improves efficiency in offering quality responses quickly, without typos or missing information.
- Create Impressive First Impressions—An automated reply acknowledging a new contact shows them you care about their inquiry and are on top of it. It can be programmed to express gratitude for signing up, request information, or offer feedback.
What are the Limitations of Using SMS Autoresponders?
While SMS autoresponders offer many benefits, some limitations should be considered when incorporating them into your business communication strategy. These include:
- Limited Message Length: Most SMS autoresponders have a character limit for each response, typically 160 characters. It can be challenging to work with, especially when sending detailed information or messages.
- Lack of Personalization: Despite the personalization feature, some businesses may find that automated responses need more human touch and the warmth of a real conversation.
- Language Limitations: SMS autoresponders are primarily designed in English or other widely used languages. It can pose a challenge for businesses operating in multilingual communities.
- Dependence on Technology: As with any technology, there is always the risk of malfunctions or glitches that can result in delayed or incorrect responses.
What Can Text Messages Autoresponders be Used for?
Text marketing automation offers straightforward options that unlock a variety of potential applications, particularly when integrated with other automated texting solutions.
1. Onboarding sequence
You can allow users to subscribe to your SMS list by texting a keyword like JOIN, triggering a welcome message, and including them in your newsletter. Conversely, a keyword such as STOP can remove a contact from your mailing list when they wish to unsubscribe. In many countries, it is mandatory to offer an opt-out option when utilizing SMS autoresponder marketing.
2. Welcome messages
Welcome texts can be triggered when new contacts subscribe to your SMS list. These messages can include a personalized greeting, an introduction to your business and services, and an invitation to engage further.
3. Easy reminders
SMS autoresponders can send reminders for appointments, due dates, or upcoming events. You can tailor the messages to include the recipient’s name and relevant details, making them more effective in prompting action.
4. Staggered series of coupons
Subscribers can receive automatic coupon codes at scheduled intervals, encouraging repeat purchases and rewarding loyal customers. Tailor advises individual customer behavior triggered by events like birthdays and anniversaries.
5. Out-of-Office Messages
Out-of-office text messages can be sent automatically when you are unavailable. This feature is beneficial for businesses to maintain professionalism and avoid customer service issues while away. Additionally, autoresponders can send texts with alternative contacts or ways to reach you during your absence.
6. Customer Service
To enhance customer support, consider offering offline assistance through keyword suggestions for common issues. These keywords can prompt troubleshooting inquiries or provide additional information and keyword choices. Another option is to enroll the customer in your support mailing list for personalized assistance from a live agent.
7. Event Triggering
SMS autoresponders can be programmed to respond with different messages based on the recipient’s specific keywords or actions. It allows for personalized and relevant engagement, improving the overall customer experience.
8. Marketing Campaigns
Businesses can integrate SMS autoresponders into marketing campaigns to keep customers engaged and informed about promotions, new products, or upcoming events. This can be done through targeted messages based on demographics, interests, or past interactions.
9. Surveys and Feedback
An SMS autoresponder can engage users with multiple-choice questions, assigning unique keywords to each answer. You can construct branching surveys by tailoring subsequent questions to the previous response. This allows for a deeper exploration of their feedback and ensures surveys remain concise by eliminating unnecessary questions. Streamlining the survey length can boost SMS response rates significantly.
How to Setup an Autoresponder?
Mobile phones have limited texting capabilities and are not the best tools for text marketing. They are only able to send automatic responses while driving.
A dedicated business texting service like JookSMS is essential for businesses or organizations. Platforms like JookSMS offer automation, mass messaging, and phone number features crucial for effective audience engagement. Here’s a guide to kick-start automated texting on most business texting platforms.
- Select a business texting service —Various business texting services, such as JookSMS, facilitate the setup of automated text responses. However, choosing a service that aligns with your needs is crucial. These platforms offer texting functionalities tailored for diverse business types, from eCommerce ventures to nonprofits and small enterprises.
- Register for a free account and establish your SMS number – Begin by creating a complimentary account and acquiring a text number for your business or organization. You must request a number port to use your business phone number or landline for texting. Upon submission of your request, it typically takes 1-7 days to activate your business number for texting. This process is sometimes called number hosting, which is distinct from number porting.
- Organize your subscriber and contact database – Ensuring your contact and subscriber lists are well-maintained is essential to leveraging an email marketing service like Constant Contact or Mailchimp. Many business texting services, including JookSMS, facilitate the synchronization of contact details across platforms. This integration enables alignment between email campaigns, automation workflows, and SMS auto-reply messages.
- Define your autoresponder keywords – Autoresponder keywords are specific terms or phrases that trigger automated responses. Opt for a concise yet memorable keyword that recipients can text.
- Configure your autoresponder message templates – Devote time to crafting your messages. Text messages offer the flexibility to include personalization tags, images, media, links, and QR codes. These elements enhance customization and personalization while facilitating immediate recipient action. Utilizing tags automates the inclusion of contact details in texts. Incorporating links, images, and media simplifies recipient engagement. Platforms like JookSMS enable the retention of media-enriched messages as templates for future campaigns. Remember, keep your text messages brief and incorporate a compelling call to action.
What are the Best Practices of Using SMS Autoresponders?
Businesses may quickly start using text message marketing and autoresponders for their campaign. However, to increase the chances of engagement with your audience, it is essential to follow these SMS marketing best practices when using autoresponders:
- Keep a Human Tone
It’s vital to remember that even automated communications should feel personal and relatable. Use a conversational tone in your SMS autoresponders to make your messages feel less robotic and more like a dialogue between real people. Tailoring messages with the recipient’s name and relevant information can significantly enhance this effect.
- Offer Value
Every message sent should provide value to the recipient. Whether it’s a helpful tip, an exclusive offer, or vital information about your services, ensure that your communications contribute positively to the recipient’s day. This approach not only increases engagement but also fosters loyalty among your audience.
- Start a Discussion to Collect Contact Information
Engage your audience by asking open-ended questions or seeking their opinion on relevant topics. This strategy initiates interaction and provides an opportunity to collect valuable contact information. Ensure to include a clear call to action encouraging them to reply with their details or contact information.
- Use Short Codes
Implement shortcodes that are easier for your audience to remember and use. These codes can efficiently direct users to engage with your services, participate in surveys, or redeem offers. Short codes also streamline the process for users to initiate conversations or access specific information quickly.
- Maintain Analytics Records
Testing and measuring your text message autoresponder performance is crucial, just like with any marketing channel. Monitor click-through rates, conversions, and unsubscribe rates to gauge audience engagement. Conduct A/B testing with various versions of your auto-responses to discover what resonates best with your audience. Experiment with different copy, calls to action, and tones in your messages to enhance effectiveness.
What are the Examples of Autorespond Messages?
Creating autoresponder text messages is accessible with platforms that allow you to save several templates. Here are some autoresponder messages you can use for your business or organization.
- Welcome Message
“Hi Tomas! Thanks for subscribing to our text updates. You’ll be the first to know about our exclusive offers and new products. Stay tuned!”
- Customer Service
Thank you for contacting ShoesForYou! We have received your message, and we are here to assist you. An agent will get back to you within 24 hours.
- Sales Promo
Thank you for choosing DenimForLess! We have received your message and will respond promptly. In the meantime, explore our incredible deals on last season’s denim at [link].
- Out-of-Office
Hello Mr. Green, Thank you for your message. We will contact you within one business day. Our business hours are Monday through Friday, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. EST. We eagerly anticipate our conversation with you.
- Lead Generation Text Example
Thank you for your interest in Norwich Invest. We will get back to you shortly. Subscribe to our free investor newsletter and get weekly market updates and commentary at [link].
- Confirmation Messages
Thanks for your order with XYZ Store! We will keep you updated on your order status via text. For more details, visit [link].
What are the Best Platforms for Autoresponding?
Various texting services and platforms are available to cater to your distinct business requirements. The best SMS Auto Reply Apps provide the specific features that you need for your business. Each platform offers a range of exciting features and capabilities. Here are a few examples that you can consider.
- JookSMS – This service offers an easy-to-use platform with a user-friendly interface. It enables contact list management, automation of messages, and integration with other marketing tools like email platforms.
- TextMagic – With TextMagic, users can create auto-replies for specific keywords and even schedule messages for later delivery.
- EZ Texting – EZ Texting offers advanced customization options for autoresponders, including multimedia messaging and two-way conversations.
- SimpleTexting – This platform allows for creating custom autoresponder workflows and offers a user-friendly interface for managing contacts and campaigns.
What is the Difference Between an SMS Autoresponder and a Chatbot?
The significant difference between an SMS autoresponder and a chatbot lies in their complexity and interaction. SMS autoresponders are automated texts triggered by specific events like user subscriptions or purchases. These messages are predefined and cannot interpret user input beyond triggers. In contrast, chatbots use AI and NLP to understand and respond to various user queries conversationally. They enable two-way communication and offer personalized responses based on the context of the conversation.
One similarity between SMS autoresponders and chatbots is their role in automating communication and enhancing customer engagement. Both tools can deliver timely information, support customer service efforts, and engage users in meaningful interactions. However, the depth and quality of these interactions are generally more sophisticated with chatbots due to their AI-driven understanding and response mechanisms.
SMS autoresponders excel in simplicity and reliability. They’re easy to set up and can send messages across devices without the internet. Ideal for notifications, confirmations, and reminders. Chatbots, on the other hand, offer dynamic user experiences. They can adjust responses, give recommendations, and handle complex inquiries. Yet, they need more advanced tech and internet access, limiting accessibility compared to SMS autoresponders.
SMS autoresponders offer simplicity and reliability for primary automated responses, and chatbots, thanks to AI and NLP technologies, provide advanced interactivity and personalization. The choice between the two depends on a business’s needs regarding customer engagement and service complexity.