Key Takeaways
According to a study, 52% of consumers say they’ve bought a product due to an SMS marketing message.
It’s widely used for personal communication i.e. P2P messaging and by businesses i.e. A2P messaging.
The context of this article is B2B i.e. A2P messaging. Businesses generally use SMS for: -
- Marketing and promotion i.e. promotional SMS
- Important information i.e. transactional SMS
- Authentication purposes like OTP SMS verification
With no need for an internet connection, SMS remains a powerful tool for instant and direct messaging.
What is a click-to-text SMS link?
A click-to-text SMS link in simple terms does the following 2 things:-
- Open a phone’s messaging app
- Recipient’s number is already filled in
It makes it easy for users to send a text with just one tap. These links can be embedded into various parts of a website, not just within text. These solve for various business use cases like P2A verification, taking opt-ins etc.
What is Required to Create a Click-to-Text SMS Link?
In just a few minutes, you can create an HTML link that not only pre-fills the recipient's number but also includes a default message. This not only grows your SMS contact list but also simplifies customer support.
To set up a functional link, you’ll need three components
- A call-to-action (CTA)
This is the clickable text that encourages users to take action.
- A recipient phone number and message
The number users will text and the pre-filled message they will send.
- The hyperlink itself
This combines the phone number and message into a structured format.
How to Set up a Click-to-Text SMS Link?
To setup a click-to-text link follow these steps: -
- Craft Your Call-to-Action
Your CTA should be clear, engaging and action-driven. Instead of a generic “Click here to text us,” opt for something more enticing, like
“Sign up for texts & get $10 off your first purchase!”
Adding an incentive makes it more compelling for users to engage. You can also refer to our guide on SMS marketing for businesses for more tips and best practices.
- Write the Default SMS Message
When users click the link, their messaging app should open with a pre-written message. Ensure the message aligns with your goal and encourages engagement.
For example,
“Send this text to subscribe to exclusive deals and updates from [Your Brand].”
- Create the Hyperlink
Now, combine your elements into a functional HTML link using the <a> tag. The href attribute defines where the link leads, just like a standard website link.
Here’s the format
<a href="sms:+1234567890?&body=Hello%20I%20would%20like%20to%20know%20more">Click here to text us!</a>
- Customizing Your Link
- Replace +1234567890 with your business’s phone number.
- Modify the text after body= with your default message.
- Use %20 in place of spaces to ensure proper formatting.
Once added to your website, clicking the link will open the user’s messaging app with the recipient’s number and pre-written message already in place.
Placing Click-to-Text Links
You can add a click-to-text link almost anywhere, but here are some strategic spots to maximize engagement
- Website Call-to-Action (CTA) Sections
Embed the link in promotional banners, pop-ups or product pages to encourage direct interaction.
- Website Footer
A subtle yet effective placement for users who scroll to the bottom looking for contact options.
- Contact Page
Make it easy for customers to reach you by adding a quick-text option alongside phone and email details.
- Email Signature
Include the link in your professional email signature, allowing recipients to text you instantly with a single click.
Thus, there are multiple business scenarios where businesses can use click to text functionality. Like the use cases of user identity and verification, this functionality has utility in both authentication and communication.
Setting up Click-to-text Link Alternatives
If you’re not keen on click-to-text links or want to explore additional ways to grow your SMS list, here are a couple of popular alternatives
1. Click-to-Text Button Generator
Instead of a simple hyperlink, consider using a clickable button that stands out on your website. Many SMS gateway platforms offer tools to create these buttons, allowing users to open their messaging app instantly
- No coding or design skills required.
- Fully customizable, including text, icons and colors.
- Pre-fill both the recipient’s number and the message.
- Easily add the generated code to your website’s footer or any relevant page.
2. Mobile Sign-Up Widget
Ideal for businesses using opt-in keywords, a mobile sign-up widget provides an interactive way to encourage SMS subscriptions
- Clicking the widget triggers a pop-up with details about your SMS program.
- Customers can tap the pop-up to open their messaging app with a pre-filled keyword and number.
- Fully customizable to match your branding and marketing goals.
Benefits of a Click-to-Text SMS Link
With various opt-in methods available for bulk SMS marketing, why choose click-to-text links? Here’s why
- Higher Engagement
The easier it is to take action, the more likely customers are to opt in. The simplicity of click-to-text links boosts conversions.
- Speed
These links operate automatically, allowing instant opt-ins with no delays.
- Convenience
Instead of manually entering a number and message, users can subscribe with just two clicks, making the process effortless.
- Versatility
These links can be embedded across different sections of your website and used for various purposes, from marketing campaigns to customer support.
Best Practices of Click-to-text Links
Before launching your click-to-text link, keep these key tips in mind to ensure a smooth user experience and compliance with industry standards
- Hide the Link on Desktop Devices
While some computers can send SMS messages, these links are most effective on mobile. Consider using CSS or JavaScript to display them only on mobile screens.
- Test for Compatibility
Some iOS versions may not support pre-filled messages. Use analytics tools like Google Analytics to check the dominant operating systems among your visitors and adjust accordingly.
- Avoid Spammy Language
Steer clear of words in all caps or terms like “FREE,” “BUY NOW,” or excessive symbols (e.g., “$$$”), as they can look suspicious and deter users. Staying compliant with messaging regulations is essential.
- Include a Compliance Message
Be transparent about your messaging policy by stating your brand name, the frequency of messages, the type of content users will receive and how they can opt out. If your SMS API platform offers automated compliance messaging, take advantage of it.
Use Cases of Click-to-Text Link
Now that you’re well-versed in click-to-text links, let’s explore some practical ways to use them effectively
1. Converting Email Subscribers into SMS Contacts
If you already have a strong email list and want to build your SMS audience, click-to-text links make the transition seamless
- Add the link to your email campaigns with an incentive for subscribers to join your text program.
- Include it in your email signature to ensure ongoing visibility and engagement.
2. Driving Website Visitors to Your SMS Program
Turn casual website traffic into engaged SMS subscribers by strategically placing your click-to-text link
- Feature it in banners, navigation menus, or the website footer.
- Guide users into an SMS program where you can nurture leads and improve customer engagement.
3. Enhancing Customer Support and Service
Make it easy for customers to connect with your support team through SMS instead of waiting on hold or dealing with slow email responses
- A quick text message option can reduce wait times and improve user experience.
Conclusion
Click-to-text links are a simple yet powerful tool for boosting engagement, streamlining customer interactions and growing your SMS subscriber list. Whether used for marketing, customer support or driving conversions, they make communication effortless. With the right placement and best practices, you can maximize their impact.
Click to Text SMS with Message Central
Click to text is essentially an MO SMS which can be put to various business use cases. Message Central is a CPaaS platform extending the same functionality to businesses.
You can use Message Central’s SMS APIs to configure the click to text functionality on your website. Get in touch with the team to get started.
