Using Autoresponders with Texts

Autoresponders work by being assigned to specific text messages. When recipients reply to those texts, they automatically receive the autoresponder message. This guide explains how to use autoresponders with your text messages.

Assigning Autoresponders to Text Messages

During Text Creation

When creating a new text message:

Compose your text message as usual
Look for the autoresponder selection field
Choose an autoresponder from the dropdown
Complete and send your text message

When Editing Texts

When editing an existing text message:

Open the text message for editing
Find the autoresponder selection field
Select an autoresponder (or change the existing one)
Save your changes

How It Works

The autoresponder is linked to the specific text message
When recipients reply to that text, they receive the autoresponder
The autoresponder is not tied to the campaign as a whole
Each text can have its own autoresponder

Best Practices

Match Context

Use autoresponders that match the content of your original text:

If your text is about a sale, use a sales-related autoresponder
If your text asks a question, use an autoresponder that addresses it
Keep the conversation flow natural and relevant

Example:

Text: "Check out our new product line! Reply PRODUCT for details."
Autoresponder: "Thanks for your interest! Here's what's new: [product details]..."

Set Expectations

Let recipients know they'll receive automated responses when appropriate:

Mention in your original text that automated responses are available
Be transparent about when responses are automated
Provide alternative contact methods for complex inquiries

Keep It Relevant

Ensure autoresponders provide value and answer common questions:

Address questions your text might generate
Provide additional helpful information
Guide recipients to the next step

Test First

Send test messages to verify autoresponders work as expected:

Test the full flow: send text → reply → receive autoresponder
Verify message content and formatting
Check that media displays correctly
Ensure timing and delivery work properly

Common Integration Patterns

Question and Answer

Send a text with a question, autoresponder provides the answer:

Text: "Want to know our hours? Just reply!" Autoresponder: "We're open Monday-Friday 9am-5pm. Reply with any other questions!"

Information Request

Text invites recipients to request information:

Text: "Reply INFO to learn more about our services." Autoresponder: "Here's what we offer: [detailed information]..."

Confirmation Flow

Text asks for confirmation, autoresponder confirms:

Text: "Reply YES to confirm your appointment." Autoresponder: "Confirmed! Your appointment is set for [date/time]..."

Engagement Follow-Up

Text engages recipients, autoresponder continues the conversation:

Text: "Thanks for being a valued customer!" Autoresponder: "We appreciate you! Reply with any questions or feedback."

Managing Assignments

Reviewing Assignments

Check which texts have autoresponders assigned
Review autoresponder relevance to text content
Ensure assignments make sense in context

Updating Assignments

Change autoresponders when text content changes
Update to match seasonal or promotional changes
Refresh assignments based on performance

Removing Assignments

Remove autoresponders when no longer needed
Unassign when text messages are updated
Clean up unused assignments

Troubleshooting

Autoresponder Not Triggering

Verify the text has an autoresponder assigned
Check that the original message was sent successfully
Ensure the reply doesn't match keywords or EchoWords
Confirm the autoresponder belongs to the correct campaign

Wrong Autoresponder Sending

Check the autoresponder assignment
Verify the text message content
Review autoresponder selection
Update assignment if needed

Timing Issues

Autoresponders send immediately upon reply
Check for delivery delays
Verify message processing
Review system logs if needed