Automate SMS Responses for Enquiry Forms
TL;DR:
- Set up automated SMS messages to respond instantly when someone fills out your enquiry form
- Include a thank you, what happens next, and a clear action they can take
- Next steps could be booking links, downloading guides, or just reassurance about timing
- Automation means you respond quickly without watching your inbox constantly
- SMS gets read faster than email, making it perfect for initial contact
When someone fills out an enquiry form on your website, speed matters. An automated SMS response shows you're professional and keeps you top of mind while they're still thinking about your service.
What Goes in Your Automated SMS
Keep it short but useful. Your message needs three things:
A quick thank you – acknowledges they took the time to get in touch
What happens next – sets expectations about timing and your process
One clear action – gives them something to do right now if they want to
Here's what that looks like in practice:
"Thanks for your enquiry about web design, Sarah. I'll review your details and get back to you within 24 hours. Want to see examples of my work? Check out my portfolio: [link]"
Or keep it simpler:
"Got your message about SEO services. I'll call you tomorrow morning to discuss your needs. Thanks for getting in touch."
Setting Up SMS Automation
Pick the right tool
Your SMS service needs to connect with whatever form builder you're using. Most popular options like Gravity Forms, Contact Form 7, or Squarespace forms can link up with SMS platforms through Zapier or direct integrations.
Write your templates
Draft a few different versions based on what service they're enquiring about. Use merge tags to pull in their name and specific details from the form.
Test everything before you go live. Fill out your own form a few times and make sure the messages arrive when they should.
Keep messages on brand
If you're usually casual and friendly, don't suddenly sound corporate in your SMS. If you're more formal, don't try to be their mate. Match the tone they'd expect from your website.
TL;DR:
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FAQs
Is SMS automation hard to set up with my website?
Most form builders connect to SMS services through built-in options or tools like Zapier. The trickiest bit is usually writing messages that sound natural, not the technical setup.
Does SMS automation actually convert better than email?
SMS gets read within minutes, while emails might sit unread for hours or days. For that initial "we got your message" response, SMS keeps the conversation moving faster.
What if someone doesn't want to receive SMS messages?
Always mention in your form that they'll get an SMS confirmation. Most people expect some kind of immediate response when they submit an enquiry.
Jargon Buster
SMS – Text messages sent to mobile phones. Stands for Short Message Service but everyone just calls them texts.
Automation – Software that handles repetitive tasks for you, like sending the same type of message every time someone fills out a form.
Lead nurturing – Staying in touch with potential customers until they're ready to buy. Think of it as keeping the conversation going.
Integration – Making two different tools work together, like connecting your website forms to your SMS service.
Merge tags – Placeholders in your message templates that get replaced with actual information from the form, like the person's name.
Wrap-up
SMS automation for form responses is one of those simple changes that makes a bigger difference than you'd expect. People appreciate knowing their message went through, and you look professional without having to monitor your inbox constantly.
The key is keeping messages helpful rather than pushy. You're confirming receipt and setting expectations, not trying to close a sale via text message.
Learn about QuickSMS: https://www.quicksms.com/