How To Set Up A Text Number To Ask Questions

Are you sick of answering the same questions over and over again at conferences and presentations? 

Maybe you want to set up a forum where people feel safe asking a question anonymously, or just need a way for your audience to reach you when they need to.

Regardless of your reasons, texting enables you to answer questions quickly and easily.

Today, we’ll show you how to help people send their questions over text一and explain why setting up a text number to ask questions makes so much sense.

4 Steps To Set Up a Text Number To Ask Questions

It’s simple to enable event attendees to ask questions via text But first, you’ll need to make sure you’re set up with an SMS service to give you the right tools.

We’ll show you a little more about what we mean below, but once you’re set up, it’s easy. First, what phone number should you use?

1. Choose a Phone Number Type

You have three options: a toll-free number, a local number, or a dedicated short code. All of these can send and receive messages, but they differ in a few key ways.

A local number is the most versatile type of number. Along with toll-free numbers, they’re approved for mass messaging and 2-way communication. Just remember to have your local number registered or your toll-free number verified.

If you’re willing to spend a little more, a dedicated short code can also be a great option, as these short five-or-six digit numbers are easy for people to remember. 

2. Create a Keyword

Keywords are short words or phrases that, when texted to your phone number, allow a user to sign up to receive text messages from you. If you’re hosting an event with a Q&A, a keyword can be a huge asset at the start of a presentation.

Simply let attendees know to text in the keyword followed by a question (or list of questions). You’ll have their question stored to answer either during the presentation or after.

Keywords are also a great organization tool because they sort your contacts into lists. 

Say you create a keyword named for each speaker at your event. Your contacts will be sorted into lists based on the keyword they text in. 

This makes following up a snap.

3. Create Templates For Common Questions Over Text

With SimpleTexting, you can create templates for frequently asked questions instead of having to type your answers over and over again. Simply open up a new SMS message, select the template icon, then click Add Template.

Now, whenever you need to use your template, just click the icon, select the template, and your message is already written!

4. Familiarize Yourself With The Inbox

To answer incoming questions, you’ll want to be sure you know all the tools the inbox has to offer. Here are some features to know as you get started:

• Conversation Filters: Filter messages by when you received them or how long they’ve been in your inbox. Stay on top of your messages to make sure leads don’t get left behind.
• Notes: Annotate conversations with notes only visible to you and your team. Talk through customer questions behind the scenes and make sure your team members are in the loop.
• Scheduled Messages: Schedule a future date and time for your message to send.
• File Sharing: Upload photos, PDFs, or other media and send them as links to individual contacts. Program materials, product photos—you name it, you can send it.
• Mark Texting Conversations as Closed/Open: When you’re done with a conversation, mark it as closed to hide it from your Inbox. If a customer replies, it will show as “open” again.
• Snooze Conversations: Hide conversations for a set period of time. When the snooze period ends (or if someone replies), your conversation will appear at the top of your inbox.
• Emojis: Make your messages feel more conversational and friendly by adding emojis.👏 Never sound like a robot again. 🤖

4. Start Answering Questions Via Text

Now that you’re set up, it’s time to start answering questions! Give your audience prompts or conversation starters, whatever you can do to encourage them to send messages. 

You can then reply one-on-one through the inbox or as a bulk text. Either way, your customers will feel like they’re getting the VIP treatment from start to finish.

Why You Should Have Customers Send Questions Over Text

Q&A’s can be tough, whether in-person or over Zoom. Who do you call on? How will you handle repeats of the same question?

Texting lets you skip all that hassle by putting important questions directly in your hand. People prefer to text rather than call or email because texts are a fast, easy to organize, and comfortable way to communicate. 

We can’t think of a better way to set the tone of your next event, presentation, or conference. Want to learn more about using text marketing? Read this guide on SMS marketing for events.