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Keyword SMS automation lets you capture leads automatically when someone texts a specific word or phrase to your business number. You promote the keyword — at events, on social media, in emails — and the HoopAI Platform handles everything else: capturing the contact, sending the response, applying tags, and enrolling the contact in follow-up sequences.
Keyword SMS marketing automation article

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Why this matters

A keyword opt-in is one of the simplest and highest-converting lead generation tools available. When you say “Text GUIDE to [number]” at an event or in a social media post, every person who texts in becomes a new lead in your system — automatically tagged, sequenced, and followed up with — without any manual work on your part.

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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 keyword 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 to the trigger:
  • Channel: SMS (or the channel you want to monitor — Facebook Messenger and Instagram also work)
  • 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 — not just any message.
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 an opt-out instruction — 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
  • Send SMS or Email: Continue nurturing with additional value-driven content
Build a 5-day follow-up sequence after the initial keyword response. Day 1: deliver the promised resource. Day 2: share a related tip or case study. Day 3: invite them to book a call or visit your site. Days 4-5: soft close with a clear offer.
6

Publish and promote

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

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Key points

Keyword opt-ins provide a frictionless way for interested people 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 — without any manual follow-up required.
The same workflow structure works across multiple channels. Set the channel filter to Facebook Messenger, Instagram, Google My Business, or SMS depending on where you want to capture opt-ins.
Create a separate workflow for each keyword. Different keywords can represent different lead magnets, campaigns, or audiences — and each workflow can deliver a customized response and follow-up sequence.
Always include an opt-out instruction (“Reply STOP to unsubscribe”) in your first automated message. This is required by US carrier regulations and protects your sender reputation.

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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 in any context — events, social media, podcasts, printed materials.
Use keyword-based tags to segment leads for targeted follow-up campaigns.
A single keyword call-to-action can generate leads continuously over time.
Last modified on March 8, 2026