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Keyword SMS automation turns a single call to action into an automatic lead-capture machine. Promote a keyword — at a speaking event, in your social media bio, on a podcast — and let the HoopAI Platform handle the rest: capturing the contact, sending the instant reply, applying tags, and enrolling them in a nurture sequence.
Keyword SMS marketing automation article

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Why this matters

A keyword opt-in is one of the simplest and most powerful lead generation tools available. Say “Text GUIDE to [your number]” once at an event, in a podcast interview, or in your social media bio — and the system handles every new lead automatically from that moment forward. No manual follow-up. No leads falling through the cracks.

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How to set up keyword SMS automation

1

Create a new workflow

Go to Automation > Workflows and click New Workflow. Name it based on your keyword — for example, “Keyword Opt-In: GUIDE”.
New workflow creation
2

Add the Customer Replied trigger

Click Add Trigger and select Customer Replied. This trigger fires whenever a contact sends a message matching your specified criteria.
3

Configure the trigger filters

Add the following filters:
  • Channel: SMS (or Facebook Messenger, Instagram, Google My Business — your choice)
  • Reply Type: Exact Match Phrase
  • Value: Your keyword — for example, GUIDE, FREEBIE, or JOIN
Exact match ensures the workflow only fires when someone texts your exact keyword.
Keyword trigger filter configuration
4

Add a Send SMS action

Click Add Action > Send SMS. Write your automated reply. For example:
“Thanks for texting! Here’s your free guide: [link]. Reply STOP to opt out.”
Always include opt-out language — this is required by carrier regulations.
5

Add follow-up actions

Continue building the automation sequence:
  • Add Tag: Tag the contact with your keyword for segmentation (e.g., keyword-guide)
  • Add to List: Place them in a relevant contact list
  • Wait Step: Pause 1 day before the next follow-up message
  • Send SMS or Email: Continue nurturing with additional value
The best keyword automations deliver a series of 3-5 follow-up messages spaced over the first week. Give value in each message — a tip, a case study, a booking invitation — before making a direct sales ask.
6

Publish and promote

Toggle the workflow to Published. Then promote your keyword everywhere your audience sees you:
  • Social media bios and posts
  • Speaking events and webinars
  • Podcast calls-to-action
  • Business cards and printed materials
  • Website landing pages and email signatures
Keyword promotion strategy

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Key points

A keyword opt-in gives interested people a frictionless way to raise their hand. One call-to-action at a speaking event or in a social media post can generate dozens of new leads automatically — with no manual follow-up required. The system works even while you are presenting or sleeping.
The same workflow structure works across SMS, Facebook Messenger, Instagram DMs, and Google My Business. Simply set the channel filter to match where you want to capture opt-ins. Create separate workflows for each channel with customized responses.
Create a separate workflow for each keyword. Different keywords can represent different lead magnets, campaigns, or audiences. Each workflow delivers a tailored response and follow-up sequence specific to that keyword.
Always include opt-out language (“Reply STOP to unsubscribe”) in your first automated message. This is required by US carrier regulations and protects your sender reputation. Check your SMS workflow action settings to append this automatically.

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Key benefits

Collect contact information and opt-ins without any manual intervention.
Contacts receive an immediate, professional response the moment they text in.
Works at events, on social media, in podcasts, on printed materials — anywhere you have an audience.
Keyword-based tags let you segment leads for targeted follow-up campaigns.
The same approach works on SMS, Facebook Messenger, Instagram, and Google My Business.
A single keyword call-to-action can continuously generate new leads over time.
Last modified on March 8, 2026