Texting Guide for SDRs

Sales development representatives depend on speed, clarity, and personalization to convert cold leads into qualified opportunities. TextUs gives SDRs the ability to reach leads quickly, manage responses efficiently, and pass qualified conversations to account executives with full context.

How TextUs Fits SDR Workflows

TextUs Campaigns help SDRs run outbound prospecting, event follow-ups, and demo confirmations with minimal manual work. You can attach PDFs or images such as intro one-pagers, short case studies, or event invites to give immediate context.

Keywords like DEMO, INFO, or YES can automatically enroll contacts into Sequences that send confirmations and reminders.

Replies appear in the Shared Inbox so SDRs and AEs can collaborate in real time. CRM integrations log all message activity, so contact history, stage updates, and conversions are tracked without manual input.

What to Set Up First

Connect your CRM to sync lead lists, stages, and ownership automatically. Register 10DLC numbers and confirm that opt-out handling is active so STOP and UNSUBSCRIBE are processed automatically.

Create targeted segments such as “Inbound Demo Requests,” “Event Leads,” and “Cold Outbound.” Prepare templates for outreach, follow-ups, reschedules, and demo reminders. Assign Shared Inbox coverage by shift or region so responses get immediate attention.

How to Create an SMS Campaign With TextUs

1. Choose your audience: Open Campaigns in TextUs and select a CRM segment such as “Inbound Demo Requests.” This can make sure your outreach targets active leads.
2. Write your message: Keep it short and natural. Example: “Hi {{first_name}}, saw you checked out [Product]. Want a 10-minute chat to see how it fits your team? Reply YES and I’ll send a quick link.”
3. Attach media: Add a one-pager, short demo screenshot, or event invite. Attachments can help leads understand value quickly.
4. Set up an A/B test: Create two versions with different openers or calls to action. Keep the higher-performing version for your next send.
5. Schedule your campaign: Send during business hours, ideally within 5–15 minutes of lead activity for inbound campaigns.
6. Create a keyword: Add a keyword such as YES, DEMO, or INFO and mention it in your message. TextUs can handle and track replies automatically.
7. Link to a sequence: Connect the keyword to a two-step sequence. Example: “Step 1: Send the demo scheduling link. Step 2: Follow up 24 hours later if there’s no response.”
8. Send and monitor: Launch the campaign, review replies, and tag high-intent contacts for handoff to AEs.

Example sequence messages:

• Step 1 (auto-reply): “Thanks, {{first_name}}! Here’s your link to book a time: [short URL].”
• Step 2 (reminder): “Hi {{first_name}}, just checking in. Want to grab a slot for your demo this week? You can book here: [short URL].”

Segmentation and Personalization Strategy

Segment by source, intent, and activity level so each message matches where the lead is in the buying cycle. Create lists such as “Inbound Demo Requests,” “Event Leads,” or “No Reply After Call.” Exclude closed or inactive records.

Personalize with first name, company, or event attended. Example: “Hi {{first_name}}, great to meet you at [Event]. Want to see how [Product] can help with [Pain Point]? Reply DEMO and I’ll send a link.” Add fallback text to avoid missing fields.

Refresh lead lists daily. Fresh data ensures you’re reaching active prospects and reduces opt-outs.

Template Library for SDR Scenarios

Keep a small library of short, direct templates for your recurring workflows.

• “Hi {{first_name}}, saw you downloaded [Resource]. Want a short walkthrough to see how [Product] helps with [Pain Point]? Reply DEMO.”
• “Thanks for attending [Event]! Want to see how teams like yours use [Product]? Reply YES for a demo link.”
• “Quick question—still looking for a solution to [Pain Point]? Reply INFO and I’ll text a short overview.”
• “Hi {{first_name}}, just checking in on your interest in [Product]. Ready for a quick call this week? Reply YES.”
• “Missed you earlier! Want to reschedule your demo? Reply TIMES and I’ll share options.”

Review the template performance monthly with compliance. Update messages to reflect new offers and adjust tone based on reply rates.

Reporting and Attribution Workflow

Export deliveries, replies, and clicks from TextUs weekly. Combine this data with CRM fields like meeting booked, opportunity created, and contact owner. Keep campaign names and keywords consistent for clear attribution.

Track reply rate, demo-booked rate, and time-to-response. Compare campaign types to identify which opener and send time perform best. Share findings with marketing and AEs to refine your outreach strategy.

Handoff and Qualification Process

Use tags in the Shared Inbox to mark replies as “Interested,” “Booked,” or “Needs Follow-Up.” Once a lead books or qualifies, assign it directly to the AE with a short note. Include contact context like engagement, key pain point, and last message sent.

If a lead goes quiet, move them into a slower sequence. Example: “Step 1: Recheck interest after 7 days. Step 2: Share one case study 10 days later.”

Keep all communications logged to the CRM so AEs can pick up where you left off.

Managing Replies in the Shared Inbox

All replies can appear in the Shared Inbox so SDRs and AEs have full visibility. The first responder assigns ownership to avoid duplicates. Templates help keep tone consistent, while personal notes make messages feel genuine.

Use tags like Demo, Pricing, Outbound, or Inbound to track thread type. Add short context notes before forwarding to AEs. Keep notifications active so you can follow up on hot replies instantly.

Compliance and Deliverability for SDRs

Use registered 10DLC numbers for all prospecting traffic. Keep opt-out handling active so STOP and UNSUBSCRIBE process automatically. Include “Reply STOP to opt out” in your first message.

Avoid spam triggers like excessive punctuation or multiple links. Keep attachments under 1 MB. Send messages during business hours and space follow-ups 24 to 48 hours apart.

FAQs About Texting Guide for SDRs

Can I send intro materials or case studies by text?

Yes. TextUs allows PDFs, images, or GIFs in both campaigns and one-to-one conversations. SDRs often attach one-pagers or case studies to give context before a call.

Can I automate demo follow-ups or reminders?

Yes. You can link keywords like DEMO or YES to Sequences that send scheduling links and follow-up messages automatically.

Can I track which texts lead to booked meetings?

Yes. Track deliveries, replies, and clicks in TextUs, then export the data to your CRM. Join it with meetings created to measure conversion.

How does the Shared Inbox help SDR teams?

It lets multiple SDRs and AEs manage replies in one view. Ownership tags and notes prevent duplicate outreach and support faster follow-ups.

What metrics should I focus on?

Focus on delivery rate, reply rate, and demo-booked rate. Evaluate message tone, timing, and keyword performance weekly to keep improving results.