Set Up Your SMS Autoresponder Quickly
TL;DR:
- SMS autoresponders send instant replies when people text specific keywords to your business number
- Perfect for handling FAQs, opening hours, promotional info, or any repetitive queries
- Set up keywords like 'INFO' or 'HOURS' that trigger your pre-written responses
- Always test your autoresponders before making them live to avoid embarrassing mistakes
An SMS autoresponder automatically sends pre-written text messages when it receives specific keywords. When someone texts 'INFO' to your business number, they get instant details about your services without you lifting a finger.
This works particularly well for businesses that get the same questions repeatedly. Instead of manually responding to "What are your opening hours?" fifty times a week, you can set up an autoresponder to handle it.
Getting Your Autoresponder Running
Start by picking a platform that supports SMS automation. Most business messaging platforms offer this feature, though the setup process varies.
Choose your keywords carefully. Pick words that make sense to your customers. 'HOURS' works better than 'OPENTIMES'. 'HELP' is clearer than 'ASSISTANCE'. Think about what people would naturally type.
Write your responses with care. You've got limited characters, so make every word count. Include the essential information and nothing else. If someone texts 'HOURS', they want your opening times, not your company history.
Here's the basic setup process:
- Pick your platform and create an account
- Choose keywords that customers will actually use
- Write clear, helpful responses for each keyword
- Test everything before going live
Common Autoresponder Uses
Business information works well for autoresponders. Opening hours, location details, parking information, or basic service descriptions all make good automated responses.
Event information suits businesses running regular events or classes. Set up keywords for different events so people can get instant details about times, prices, or booking requirements.
Promotional offers can work through autoresponders, though be careful not to spam people. A keyword like 'DEALS' that people actively request is different from pushing unwanted offers.
FAQ responses save enormous amounts of time. List your most common questions and create keyword triggers for each answer.
Testing Your Setup
Send test messages from different phones to check everything works correctly. The wrong message triggering from a keyword creates confusion and looks unprofessional.
Check your responses read well on mobile screens. What looks fine on your computer might appear cramped or unclear on a phone.
Time your responses to ensure they send quickly. Customers expect instant replies from automated systems.
FAQs
Can I set up multiple keywords for the same response?
Yes, most platforms let you assign several keywords to one message. 'HOURS', 'TIMES', and 'OPEN' could all trigger your opening hours response.
What happens if someone texts a keyword that isn't set up?
This depends on your platform settings. You can usually set a default response or choose to send nothing at all.
How do I stop people getting stuck in autoresponder loops?
Include clear instructions in your messages about how to reach a real person. Something like "Text HELP for more options or call us on [number]".
Can I update my autoresponder messages after they're live?
Yes, you can edit responses anytime through your platform's dashboard. Changes usually take effect immediately.
Jargon Buster
Keywords – Specific words that trigger automatic responses when texted to your number
Auto-reply – An instant response sent automatically when certain conditions are met
Trigger – The action (like receiving a specific keyword) that starts an automated response
Default response – A standard message sent when someone texts something that doesn't match any set keywords
Wrap-up
SMS autoresponders handle repetitive customer queries without any ongoing effort from you. Set them up properly with clear keywords and helpful responses, and they'll save hours of manual messaging time.
The key is keeping responses genuinely useful rather than just automated for the sake of it. Test everything thoroughly and update your messages when your business information changes.
Learn about QuickSMS https://www.quicksms.com/