SMS Keywords: Automating your SMS Follow-Up and Driving Engagement

Ever feel like you’re juggling a million conversations, trying to keep every contact warm and engaged without cloning yourself? Instant connection, zero hassle for them, and real insights into what makes them tick. But the reality of manual follow-ups can be a time-sucking black hole. What if you could flip the script? Imagine effortlessly sparking conversations, understanding their needs on the fly, and building stronger relationships… all without lifting a finger for every single touchpoint.

Imagine no more! Enhanced SMS keyword automation makes this level of effortless engagement a reality.

For marketing managers, recruiting teams, and sales professionals, keyword automations give you the opportunity to simplify workflows, guide prospects down a hassle-free funnel, and maximize conversions. 

The Power of Keyword Automation

SMS keywords offer a simple yet powerful way to engage leads. When a customer texts a keyword to your number, it triggers an automated response. For example, a contact texts your stadium number with the keyword “SEATS”. That then triggers an automated response to the customer, providing them a link or information on how to purchase seats for your event. Now we can take this a step further with enhanced keyword functionality. You can use layered keyword flows where sub-keywords guide recipients through tailored interactions based on their responses. 

So what does that look like? Let’s go back to our stadium example. Your contact texts the keyword “SEATS”, now your automated response asks “Are you interested in purchasing season tickets or learning about seat options? Text BUY to purchase your seats, or OPTIONS to explore available seating options.” This gives the recipient the opportunity to self identify and lead them to the exact information they are looking for without any friction. Saving you and the contact time. 

Enhanced SMS keywords help you connect faster, smarter and stay personal in your messaging. Allowing you an instant two-way engagement, so your contacts can respond in real time. You can gather first-party data from those replies to better understand your audience, then trigger automated follow-ups that drive conversions and intent. It’s a simple way to create more relevant conversations at scale.

Benefits of Enhanced Keywords 

1. Effortless Opt-Ins: Keywords make it easy for contacts to opt into marketing campaigns, lowering the friction of engagement. For example, QR codes can be paired with SMS keywords for instant sign-ups. 
2. Personalized Engagement: Dynamic keyword flows adapt to a lead’s specific interests, offering tailored responses and relevant follow-ups. 
3. Scalability: Automated workflows allow you to manage and nurture large contact lists without sacrificing personalization. 
4. Data-Driven Insights: Capturing keyword responses gives you granular insights into customer needs, helping refine campaigns for maximum impact. 
5. Higher Conversions: By delivering timely and relevant information, keyword automation helps move leads further along the customer journey. 

Enhanced Keywords Across Business Functions 

SMS has been part of business communication for a while but most teams are only using a small piece of what it can actually do.

Whether it’s marketing sending out a quick promo, sales chatting one-on-one with prospects, or support replying to customer questions, SMS can fit into everyday workflows across your company. And with enhanced keyword automation, using it just got simpler.

Let’s take a look at how this tool can support different teams and make communication smoother across your organization.

1. Marketing 

For marketers, engaging leads at scale can be overwhelming. Enhanced keywords simplify segmentation and targeting, helping you connect with the right audience. 

Example Use Case 

A customer texts your keyword DISCOUNTS. Your SMS auto-response reads, “Are you looking for deals on clothing or accessories? Reply CLOTHING for apparel offers or ACCESSORIES to explore options.” 

• If they respond with CLOTHING, you send them a link to apparel deals. 
• If they reply with ACCESSORIES, they receive a different link tailored to their preference. 

This helps marketers understand interest areas and delivers targeted promotions to increase conversions and higher intent. 

2. Recruiting 

Automating candidate engagement streamlines the recruiting process, saving time for recruiting managers while providing candidates a smooth experience. 

Example Use Case 

A job seeker texts JOBS. Your auto-reply prompts, “Great! Are you interested in marketing roles or tech roles? Reply MARKETING or TECH.” 

• MARKETING responses enroll candidates in sequences showcasing open positions in marketing. 
• TECH responses lead to tech-related opportunities. 

By gathering preferences upfront, recruiters can deliver targeted job opportunities without delay. 

3. Sales 

For sales teams, understanding potential customer needs is vital to closing deals. Enhanced keyword flows help qualify leads effortlessly. 

Example Use Case 

A prospect texts BIKES. They receive an automated message asking, “Are you looking to buy a bike today or learn more first? Reply BUY to browse products or INFO to get details.” 

• Replying BUY routes them to your product page. 
• Replying INFO shares bike specifications and customer reviews. 

This structured flow guides prospects down the sales funnel while providing them with relevant resources. 

4. Customer Service 

Customer service teams can reduce manual workflows by addressing frequently asked questions using automated keyword responses. 

Example Use Case 

A customer texts HOURS to learn about store timings. An automated reply instantly shares operating hours along with any special holiday schedules. 

By automating FAQs, your team can focus on resolving complex customer concerns while maintaining high responsiveness. 

5. Sports Marketing 

For sports event managers looking to engage fans, enhanced keywords can manage ticket sales or fan polling. 

Example Use Case 

A fan texts SEATS to explore ticket options for a game. Automated replies ask, “Do you want to purchase season tickets or single-game tickets? Reply SEASON or SINGLE.” 

• SEASON responses provide early-bird discounts for season tickets. 
• SINGLE responses guide them to choose seats for individual games. 

This interactive process improves fan engagement while driving higher sales. 

Why Choose TextUs for Keywords & Automation 

TextUs enhanced keywords makes it easy to engage leads from the very first touchpoint. Giving you the ability to create personalized experiences that guide each person through the funnel. You can capture useful insights up front, automate follow-ups and stay personal without adding extra work for your team.

Here’s what you can do with it:

• Capture Granular Interests: Gather specific data about customer preferences through sub-keyword flows. 
• Streamline Campaigns: Automatically enroll leads into relevant drip campaigns based on their responses. 
• Reduce Workload: Save valuable time by automating repetitive processes. 

Unlike traditional SMS keyword tools, our platform integrates seamlessly with your existing CRM systems such as HubSpot or Salesforce, ensuring you maintain a holistic view of all customer interactions in one place. 

It’s powerful, easy to use, and built to help your team move faster without sacrificing your personal touch.

Ready to Get Started? 

Witness the potential of SMS keyword automation firsthand – request a demo for your organization today!

With enhanced keywords, you can finally deliver the right message to the right person at the right time. It’s time to unlock next-level customer engagement that converts. 

State of SMS Engagement 2024

Looking to increase engagement with your candidates, prospects, and customers in 2024? Look no further! We conducted a survey paired with usage data to figure out which communication channels are most effective for which industry and size. Discover all of the tips about business communication and download our free report today!

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