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SMS Keywords

Text-to-subscribe keywords are of the quickest and easiest ways to collect phone numbers and grow your contact list.

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Pairing Keywords With Autoresponders

When you create an SMS keyword with SimpleTexting, you’ll also get the opportunity to write an autoresponse with it. Here’s a breakdown of both the keyword and the autoresponse:

What Is an SMS Keyword?

An SMS keyword is a word or phrase that can text to your number to sign up for future text messages. Because you can create multiple or unlimited keywords in your SimpleTexting account at no additional cost, you can build different contact lists by interests. For example, a pet store could create a text-to-join keyword for their grooming department or for pet types.

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What Is an Autoresponder?

An autoresponse is a followup message that gets sent to a contact after they’ve texted the keyword to your number. This automated text message is typically used to confirm that someone’s subscribed to future text messages and welcome them. Some businesses even offer an incentive for joining. Here’s an example of an autoresponse for a restaurant text marketing program.

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Keywords make it easy to engage with our audience while we’re top-of-mind for them, instead of sending them an email later on.

Kelley Henry Executive Director, SoGal

What Number Can I Use For SMS Keyword Campaigns?

Keywords work well with the following number types:

If you’re not sure what number to choose, here’s a guide to picking the right phone number type for your business.

Toll Free Number

These are 10-digit phone numbers that begin with a three-digit toll-free code (800, 888, 877, 866, 855, 844, or 833). We can text-enable and help you verify an existing toll-free number your customers are familiar with.

Vanity toll-free numbers

This is a toll-free telephone number that, after the three-digit code, spells a name, word, or acronym. For example, 1-800-FLOWERS or 1-888-NEW-CARS.

Registered Local numbers

These are standard 10-digit numbers with an area code local to your business. Yes, just like your landline or VoIP number. If you already have one that you’d like to use, we can help you register and text-enable it!

Dedicated Short Code

A short code is an abbreviated phone number that is 5 or 6 digits in length. Short codes are designed for instances when a business or organization needs to send or receive a high volume of text messages in a short amount of time.

How You Can Use SMS Keywords

Organizations use keywords in many different ways. We see businesses:

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SMS Keyword Examples

Here are some other ways our customers use keywords:

  • Text to Vote Surveys to get feedback: “Text GATORADE to (833) 222-3059 to vote for our new flavor.”
  • Text to Win sweepstakes. “Text BOOKS to (833) 222-3059 for the chance to win free books for your classroom!”
  • Triggers, also known as sub-keywords, allow customers to receive updates, replies to questions, and information about your business: “Text HOURS to 35352 to receive our open hours for the week.”
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How to Set Up an SMS Keyword Campaign

We’ll walk you through setting up your first keyword campaign step by step. Check out or the video below.

Keyword video 4_27

• Go to Keywords on the left hand side of your account and click Create first keyword.

• Assign the keyword to an existing list of contacts, or create a new list just for people who sign up for that specific keyword.

• Type out your auto confirmation message.

• Set your message frequency and any triggers you’d like.

• Adjust your additional parameters.

• Click Save keyword.

Note: if you ever need to edit your keyword, just click the three dots at the end of the row and choose Edit.

After You Create Your SMS Keyword

You’ve set up your first keyword. Now there are a few next steps to follow for maximum keyword success.

  • Be sure you have express consent from your contacts before you text them.
  • Promote your keyword. You can advertise your keyword in your storefront, on social media, on any intake paperwork you have—you name it. The only rule is to feature your keyword anywhere your audience will see it.
  • Keep track of how many people are engaging with the keyword from your Keywords page–just look for the “Engagement” column next to your keyword.

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