Build keyword-triggered workflows to automatically capture leads from SMS and social media without any manual follow-up.
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.
The Keyword SMS Marketing Automation lesson in the HoopAI Academy
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.
Go to Automation > Workflows and click New Workflow. Name it based on your keyword — for example, “Keyword Opt-In: GUIDE”.
Creating a new keyword automation workflow in the HoopAI Platform
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.
Configuring the keyword trigger filter — channel, reply type, and keyword value
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
Promoting a keyword call-to-action across marketing channels for continuous lead capture
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.
Multi-channel keyword triggers
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.
Using multiple keywords
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.
Compliance reminder
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.
