Texting Guide for Keyword Automation

Keyword automation makes it easy to handle inbound responses at scale while keeping every message relevant and timely. With TextUs, you can use simple keywords to trigger Sequences, route replies, and send the right information instantly without manual follow-up.

How TextUs Fits Keyword Automation Workflows

TextUs lets you create custom keywords that match common responses or intents, such as DEMO, APPLY, or HELP. When a contact replies with a keyword, TextUs can automatically trigger an action, such as sending a resource, enrolling them in a Sequence, or assigning the conversation to the right team.

You can use keyword automation for campaigns, support replies, event registrations, and more. Each keyword connects directly to a Sequence or inbox workflow, ensuring contacts always get a quick response while keeping your team organized.

What to Set Up First

Plan which keywords will support your workflow and map each one to a clear action. Connect your CRM or ATS so new replies and enrollment data can sync both ways. Register your 10DLC numbers and keep opt-out handling active so STOP and UNSUBSCRIBE can process automatically.

Prepare templates that pair with each keyword, such as welcome, confirmation, help, or follow-up, and ensure they use short, consistent language. Define Shared Inbox rules to route certain keywords (like APPLY or DEMO) to specific teams. Confirm your response timing and make sure all templates are approved and up to date.

How to Create an SMS Campaign With TextUs

1. Choose your audience: Open Campaigns in TextUs and select a segment from your CRM, such as “Active Leads.” This can make sure your campaign reaches the right people.
2. Write your message: Keep it short and clear. Example: “Hi {{first_name}}, want to see how [Product] works in action? Reply DEMO and I’ll text a short video link.”
3. Attach media: Add a simple one-pager, pricing sheet, or demo clip to make your message more informative. Attachments can help contacts decide faster.
4. Set up an A/B test: Create a second version that changes your CTA or timing. Use the better performer as your next template.
5. Schedule your campaign: Send during business hours when response rates are highest. Set recurrence for ongoing inbound campaigns.
6. Create a keyword: Add a keyword like DEMO, APPLY, or INFO and reference it directly in your message. When the contact replies, TextUs will recognize it automatically.
7. Link to a sequence: Connect the keyword to a two-step Sequence. For example, “Step 1: Send the link or document. Step 2: Send a follow-up after 24 hours.”
8. Send and monitor: Launch your campaign, track responses, and confirm the right keyword actions are firing.

Example sequence messages:

• Step 1 (auto-reply): “Thanks for your interest! Here’s the link: [short URL]. Let me know if you’d like to book a quick walkthrough.”
• Step 2 (reminder): “Hi {{first_name}}, did you get a chance to review the info? I can send a quick PDF or book a short demo.”

Segmentation and Personalization Strategy

Segment your contacts by intent, lead source, or campaign so each keyword fits naturally into the conversation. For example, use DEMO for sales outreach, APPLY for recruiting, or INFO for marketing content. Exclude people who have already engaged or converted.

Personalize lightly by using the first name and context, such as a product or event name. Example: “Hi {{first_name}}, thanks for joining our [Event Name]. Reply INFO to get the recap.” Maintain fallback values to keep messages clean and consistent.

Refresh segments weekly so only active, relevant contacts stay in rotation. Clean lists can protect deliverability and improve engagement.

Template Library for Keyword Automation Scenarios

Create a small set of reusable templates for quick setup and response consistency. Each should match a keyword trigger and clearly state the next step.

• “Thanks for your interest! Here’s a one-pager about [Product]: [short URL]. Want to see it live? Reply DEMO.”
• “Great! Here’s your application link: [short URL]. Reply HELP if you have any questions.”
• “Here’s the quick guide you requested: [short URL]. Want me to text more examples?”
• “Thanks for joining! Here’s your event confirmation. Reply INFO if you’d like to see the agenda.”
• “Appreciate your message! Here’s a resource that can help: [short URL]. Reply STOP to opt out anytime.”

Review the template performance monthly with compliance. Keep responses short, useful, and free of repetitive phrasing.

Reporting and Attribution Workflow

Export deliveries, replies, and keyword activity from TextUs weekly. Join the data with CRM or ATS outcomes such as booked demos, completed applications, or conversions. Preserve campaign names and keywords for accurate tracking.

Measure reply rate per keyword, follow-up response time, and completion rate. Look for which keywords generate the most engagement or fastest conversions. Share weekly summaries that highlight high-performing triggers and underused ones to refine campaigns.

Optimizing Keyword Design and Response Flow

Use simple, single-word triggers that are easy to type and remember. Avoid special characters or long phrases. Stick to words that match user intent, such as START, DEMO, APPLY, INFO, or HELP.

Test keyword performance regularly and remove those with low engagement or confusion. If customers reply with variations, create new keywords or add aliases that route to the same Sequence.

Keep every auto-response human in tone and action-oriented. Make sure each message includes value (a link, answer, or next step) to encourage ongoing conversation.

Managing Replies in the Shared Inbox

All keyword-triggered replies appear in the Shared Inbox so your team can see context instantly. The first responder can assign ownership to maintain a clear workflow. Templates can help ensure follow-up messages sound consistent while still allowing for personalization.

Use tags like DEMO, APPLY, INFO, and SUPPORT to organize responses by intent. Add short notes when forwarding threads to other teams so context isn’t lost. Keep notifications on during business hours to ensure no lead or request is missed.

Compliance and Deliverability for Keyword Automation

Use registered 10DLC numbers for keyword-based campaigns. Keep opt-out handling on so STOP and UNSUBSCRIBE can process automatically. Include a line like “Reply STOP to opt out” in your first message.

Avoid sending multiple automated responses within minutes. Space follow-ups naturally and keep attachments lightweight. Send messages during local business hours for higher engagement and better deliverability.

FAQs About Texting Guide for Keyword Automation

Can I use multiple keywords in one campaign?

Yes. You can include several keywords like DEMO, INFO, and APPLY in a single campaign. Each keyword can trigger its own Sequence or response, depending on how you set it up.

Can keywords trigger follow-up messages automatically?

Yes. TextUs can link each keyword to a Sequence that sends follow-ups automatically. This is useful for nurturing leads or sharing additional resources.

Can I see which keywords perform best?

Yes. You can track keyword usage and response rates directly in TextUs. Export campaign data to analyze which triggers get the most replies or conversions.

How does the Shared Inbox work with keyword automation?

All keyword replies appear in the Shared Inbox where team members can assign threads, tag them, and respond using templates. This helps manage inbound messages quickly and consistently.

Can keywords be reused across campaigns?

Yes. You can reuse existing keywords across multiple campaigns if they serve the same purpose. Make sure the connected Sequences and templates stay relevant for each use.