Text Message Automation Guide: How to Send Automated Text Messages for Business in 2024?

According to a study by Mobilesquared, automated text messages have an astounding open rate of 98%. SMS automation or text message automation is proving to be incredibly effective for businesses. In the fast-paced world of modern business, effective communication is the key to success.

In today's digital age, businesses are harnessing the power of text message automation to supercharge their operations, enhance customer engagement, and boost their bottom line. Whether you're a small startup or a corporate giant, the benefits are universal.

But, what is text message automation? Is it similar to SMS automation? Why should businesses use it in 2024? How can you use text message automation or SMS automation for your business? In this blog, we will dive into the world of text message automation and explore how you can leverage its potential for your business success in 2024.

What Is Text Messaging Automation / SMS Automation? 

Text messaging automation, also known as SMS automation, is the innovative practice of employing technology to send text messages without direct manual intervention, revolutionizing the way businesses interact with their stakeholders. At its core, it's an efficient, time-saving, and personalized method for engaging with customers, employees, and partners.

In a world where instant communication is king, automation enables businesses to trigger messages based on predefined rules, schedules, or triggers. It's the digital assistant that never takes a coffee break, consistently delivering messages, whether it's sending appointment reminders, order confirmations, or promotional updates.

What sets text messaging automation apart is its ability to scale seamlessly, catering to a handful of recipients or a massive audience. This technology empowers businesses to maintain a personal touch while dealing with a high volume of messages. As we delve deeper into this fascinating realm, we'll explore the diverse applications, benefits, and the tools that make text messaging automation an indispensable asset for modern businesses.

What Are Automated Text Messages? 

Automated text messages, also known as automated SMS, refers to the use of technology and software to send pre-programmed text messages automatically, without the need for manual intervention. These messages are designed to be sent at specific times or triggered by certain events or actions. 

Automated text messages are commonly used by businesses and organizations to streamline communication processes, deliver timely information. Moreover, it is also used to engage with customers or prospects in a more efficient and personalized manner.

Automated text messages can serve various purposes, such as marketing campaigns, sales outreach, customer service responses, appointment reminders, payment notifications, and more. This technology allows for personalized messaging at scale, as recipients can receive targeted content based on their specific interactions or preferences.

To implement automated SMS, businesses typically utilize specialized software or platforms that provide features for scheduling, personalization, segmentation, and analytics. These tools enable businesses to create and manage automated text message campaigns, track performance metrics, and optimize their messaging strategies based on data-driven insights.

Automated text messages allows you to:

• Maintain prompt contact with your consumer base
• Reward your cherished consumers with royal treatment.
• Convey pertinent information to a certain consumer base group.
• Send reminders automatically
• Increase marketing initiatives
• Amazing specials and discounts
• Engage with potential customers or consumers at particular moments
• Increase the number of engaged customers

7 Types of Automated Text Messages 

Text message automation has emerged as a dynamic tool in this journey, offering endless possibilities for businesses to connect, inform, and inspire. From personalized marketing campaigns and appointment reminders to feedback requests and shipping notifications, there are various types of automated text messages. Below listed are the top 7 types of automated SMS in 2024.

1. Autoresponders

Autoresponders are a convenient way to maintain constant communication with your contacts, ensuring you stay connected without exhausting yourself. SMS is the preferred choice for customer support, allowing customers to multitask. 

Utilize Autoresponders to extend a warm welcome to new contacts with enticing promotions, inform customers about response timeframes, or address frequently asked questions. A significant 60% of customers would rather text for support. Automating FAQ responses through SMS reduces call center traffic and cuts costs.

With automated messaging, you can schedule messages according to your preferences: set reminders for specific events, share weekly tips through recurring messages, or trigger a message based on specific keywords sent by your contacts.

2. Scheduled Text Messages 

They offer the convenience of sending information, announcements, or deals to contacts at predetermined times and dates. With this feature, users can effortlessly reach their intended recipients without the need for manual texting. 

By utilizing scheduled text messages, recipients can receive timely updates and rewards, ensuring they stay informed and engaged. Additionally, users can take advantage of specialized apps, such as the Birthday Texts app, to automatically send birthday messages, enhancing customer relationships.

3. SMS Drip Campaigns

Similar to email marketing, SMS Drip Campaigns enable businesses to nurture leads and drive sales. The process of setting up these campaigns is made effortless with automated texting software. This sequence of automated messages can be activated based on specific events such as a contact subscribing to your text list, texting a keyword to your number, or remaining inactive for a designated duration.

4. Recurring Texts 

They refer to messages that are automatically sent on a regular schedule using an auto SMS sender. Unlike scheduled text message campaigns that send messages at a specific time, recurring texts continue to send until they are manually stopped or reach a predetermined end date.

5. Retail SMS Updates

Retail SMS updates involve retailers sending automated SMS to customers regarding order updates, shipping and delivery status, new product releases, sales announcements, and even reminders for abandoned carts. To streamline this process and reach customers more efficiently, businesses may use SMS automation software that integrates seamlessly with popular tools and platforms such as Shopify, BigCommerce, WooCommerce, Drip, HubSpot, and Shift4Shop.

6. Automated Text Reminders 

Automated SMS reminders are pre-scheduled messages sent at a specific time to help minimize no-shows, missed payments, and other related issues. These reminders can be created and scheduled manually, or you can utilize the integration of automated sms with popular scheduling tools to automate your workflow.  About 64% of consumers prioritize appointment reminder texts over other messages they receive from businesses.

Businesses can use automated SMS reminders for various purposes, such as sending quarterly survey requests, reminding employees about weekly meetings, or periodically checking in with clients. 

7. Automated Workflows 

Automated workflows are sequences that guide subscribers through personalized experiences based on their behaviors. This powerful tool enables businesses to send automatic text messages and customize the messaging based on individual actions. By leveraging workflows, businesses can send follow-up texts after a specified time or based on recipient clicks, making it ideal for creating SMS chatbots, lead nurturing, and information collection.

Why Should Businesses Use Text Message Automation in 2024?

About 55% of businesses use SMS automation for contacting their customers. SMS automation provides a convenient and effective means to capture customers' attention. With people keeping their phones within reach at all times, unlike constant email checking, SMS proves to be a reliable communication channel. In fact, it is a preferred option for many individuals.

Utilizing text messaging automation allows you to directly and promptly inform customers about promotions, confirm orders and deliveries, and enhance overall customer engagement. These messages reach recipients' mobile devices instantly, ensuring immediate visibility upon sending. Here are 7 reasons on why you should use text messaging automation for your business in 2024.

1. Simple Setup

The setup process for all our text message automation features is designed to be user-friendly and straightforward. We believe that effective marketing tools should be both easy to use and powerful. With our SMS marketing software, we have ensured simplicity while also providing the flexibility to handle more complex requirements as needed.

2. Messaging Efficiency

By utilizing automation, you can free up your time to focus on other vital aspects of your business or organization. Our auto texting service takes care of the necessary tasks involved in staying engaged with your audience, allowing you to direct your attention elsewhere.

3. Consistent Returns

Text messaging automation offers consistent returns by delivering messages to your audience in a smart and consistent manner. Many brands struggle with outbound marketing because it requires ongoing, hands-on attention. However, by sending automated texts, you can consistently provide value and ensure that your brand remains top of mind with your customers.

4. Intelligent Engagement

Intelligent engagement is crucial for successful automation. It's important to ensure that your messages are relevant, engaging, and timely. Our segmentation tool, integrated with all our SMS automation features, allows you to target specific groups and create a higher level of confidence that each group text sent delivers value and is well received by its recipients.

5. Cost-Effective Communication 

Streamlining communication through text message automation reduces the need for extensive call centers and minimizes the cost of outbound phone calls. Additionally, automating frequently asked questions can cut operational costs, leaving more room in your budget.

6. Personalized Interactions 

Text message automation allows for highly personalized messages. You can address customers by their name, offer tailored recommendations, and provide relevant content, showcasing that you understand their specific needs and preferences.

7. Enhanced Customer Experience 

Customers appreciate the convenience of receiving important information through text messages. It eliminates the frustration of waiting on hold during a phone call or sorting through a cluttered email inbox. This seamless and efficient communication approach contributes to an overall enhanced customer experience.

4 Best Ways to Use Text Message Automation for Businesses in 2024

Text messaging proved beneficial for 96% of marketers, resulting in increased revenue. But, how can businesses use text message automation in 2024? Below listed are 4 ways in which businesses can implement SMS automation.

1. SMS Marketing Automation 

Automated SMS marketing platforms and campaigns are utilized by businesses and organizations to create demand and generate leads. They employ scheduled campaigns, which consist of sequences of broadcasts and auto-response texts, to send automatic text messages. The goal is to encourage recipients to text a specific keyword and opt-in to text messaging. Once opted in, relevant content is delivered to them.

Best Practices for SMS Marketing Automation

• Begin with a memorable keyword and an attractive content offer.
• Clearly communicate opt-out policies upfront.
• Send relevant content when someone texts the keyword and opts in.
• Utilize visual media like photos, images, QR codes, and gifs to enhance the messaging.
• Include a single call to action (CTA) that directs recipients to a webpage or resource.
• Effective CTAs prompt contacts to learn more or take further action.
• Personalize follow-up messages based on the recipient's interactions with the business or organization.

Examples of SMS Marketing Automation

• Scheduling a new product announcement
• Sending an image of a QR code for recipients to scan and learn more
• Automatically sharing a new blog post or content once published
• Automated promotional messages with an "Text Keyword To" reply option
• Texting a link for text-to-give and text-to-donate campaigns for nonprofits and other organizations
• Automatic "Happy Birthday" promotional rewards

2. Automated Outreach for Sales Teams

Sales teams find texting to be an effective tool for outreach. It allows for follow-up with prospects and helps keep leads warm. Automated text responses offer salespeople new avenues to connect with leads and prospects, facilitating the progression of deals.

Best Practices for Automated Sales Campaigns

• Schedule automated messages to be sent at relevant times, particularly during business hours.
• Include links that enable multiple recipients to schedule meetings.
• Maintain persistence and consistency in messaging to establish rapport with recipients.
• Keep messages concise and focused.
• Provide a clear call to action (CTA).

Examples of Automated Sales Text Messages

• Scheduling follow-ups for meetings or Zoom conferences
• Sharing product information, promotions, and special offers
• Sending automated shopping cart reminders for e-commerce sales
• Automatic sales receipt messages

3. Automated Customer Service Responses

Automated text messages serve as effective means for responding to customer inquiries and meeting their expectations. SMS customer service  provides informational content and is designed to deliver timely and relevant information to contacts.

Best Practices for Automated Customer Service Text Messages

• Ensure seamless integration of automated texting with other communication tools.
• Personalize text messages and consider the appropriate tone.
• Deliver communication that is relevant and timely.
• Set realistic response time expectations.

Examples of Automated Customer Service Text Messages

• Sending new customer welcome messages
• Automatic notifications about office closures, revised office hours, or out-of-office messages
• Instant "Text-to-Pay" messages and payment reminders based on due dates
• Providing links to exit surveys, polls, and Google reviews

4. Automated Appointment Reminders and Confirmations

In addition to using multiple communication methods for appointment reminders, businesses can employ automated text reminders. For example, an email reminder may be sent five days prior to an appointment, followed by SMS messages three days in advance, and finally, a phone call on the day before the appointment.

Best Practices for Automated Appointment Reminders

• Obtain consent from contacts to send automated texts.
• Clearly communicate no-show and cancellation policies.
• Send automated text reminders only during normal business hours.
• Personalize text messages with media and tags, such as {{FirstName}}, whenever possible.
• Make the texts actionable with clear calls to action (CTAs) for rescheduling or canceling.
• Provide recipients with a contact number by utilizing a business text messaging service that supports call forwarding.

SMS Automation: How to Set Up Automated Text Messages for Business?

Here's a step by step on how you can implement SMS automation in your business in 2024.

Step 1: Setting up Opt-In Forms

To start automated text messaging for your business, the first step is creating an opt-in form where customers can give their consent to receive text messages. Businesses can use digital form platforms like Google Forms or Jotform to collect phone numbers and add a consent checkbox. 

Offering incentives, like special deals, can encourage sign-ups. Make sure to allow opt-outs, provide incentives, and send messages at appropriate times. Alternatively, you can implement keyword campaigns, where customers sign up by texting a specific keyword to a designated number, with opt-out options available.

Step 2: Organizing and Segmenting Your SMS List

Effective organization and segmentation of your SMS marketing list are crucial. Segment your list based on factors like location, demographics, or initial engagement with your company. You can also use preferences collected through the sign-up form for personalized segmentation. Design the sign-up form to capture the types of messages customers want, so you can tailor your automated texts accordingly.

Step 3: Crafting Your Text Messages

Creating your automated text messages requires careful thought, as it influences how customers perceive your company. Besides promotions, word choice is essential for customer decision-making. Due to character limitations, keep your messages concise while ensuring they convey a clear offer. Use personalization tokens to make the content more individualized and show appreciation and care.

Step 4: Choosing an API

Selecting the right Application Programming Interface (API) is necessary for sending automated text messages. APIs are software interfaces that enable interactions, including SMS messaging. Integration of SMS with your software can be done by developers using an SMS API provider. 

The steps may vary based on the chosen API, but it can be as simple as writing a few lines of code. Twilio's Programmable Messaging API is a recommended choice, known for its reliability, functionality, and scalability.

Step 5: Scheduling and Sending Messages

The final step involves scheduling and sending your automated SMS messages. Many users will receive these notifications and open their phones to view your messages. You can schedule messages for specific times, ensuring effective delivery to your audience.

Conclusion

In conclusion, text message automation provides businesses with a powerful tool to streamline their communication processes and enhance customer engagement. By implementing automated text messages, you can efficiently reach your audience, nurture leads, and provide personalized experiences. Remember, when utilizing text message automation, it's crucial to prioritize relevance, timeliness, and clear calls to action.

By leveraging the power of text message automation in your business, you can optimize your communication strategies, improve efficiency, and enhance customer experiences. So, start exploring the possibilities of automated text messages and revolutionize the way you engage with your audience. 

If you're looking forward to implement text message automation in your business, look no further than App0. App0 is the cutting-edge, AI-powered messaging platform revolutionizing customer communication in the world of finance. 

Seamlessly merging AI and text-based messaging, App0 delivers data-driven insights, lightning-fast deployment with No-Code, and rock-solid security and compliance. Imagine turning notifications into interactive conversations, simplifying complex processes like customer onboarding. With App0, you'll engage users precisely, gather vital data, and boost customer satisfaction through data-driven decision-making.

 Request a Demo today to learn more about full-service messaging that can help in revenue generation and delightful customer experience.

Text Message Automation: FAQs