Toggle this option on to enable an auto reply to incoming text messages. For example, when it is after hours or you are on vacation.
The auto responder settings work per phone number. This enables each phone number to have unique settings if desired.
REMEMBER: Incoming texts are free; outgoing are not.
This option costs the standard 1 credit per 160 characters each time it is sent.
So we recommend setting your auto response to once a day.
We will show you the numbers for which you have turned on an auto reponder (see image below).
Where to find the Auto Responder
Setting up the auto responder is done on your My Numbers page.
Here is the direct link.
(OR)
 | Click on Settings (left-hand most column, yellow box and #1 in image to the left).
Click on My Numbers (blue box and #2 in image to the left). |
ON YOUR MY NUMBERS PAGE >>>
Click on the detail line of the number for which you wish to set the autoresponder.
The number's edit box will pop up on the right-hand side of the screen.
| Scroll down to Auto Responder (beta) and click on it. |
The Auto Responder box will pop up.
Setting up the Auto Responder
VACATION REPLY: Vacation Reply
AFTER HOURS REPLY: After Hours Reply
WHICH TO CHOOSE AND WHEN: Which to choose and when
USING WITH KEYWORDS, LINKS, ETC.: Using with keywords, links, etc.
Vacation Reply
| Step 1: Choose Vacation Reply (blue box in image to the left). |
 | Step 2: Type in the message which your texters should see. We have typed in "I'm taking a break. Please save your texts until I return on Sunday."
REMEMBER: Incoming texts are free; outgoing are not. This option costs the standard 1 credit per 160 characters each time it is sent. So we recommend setting your auto response to once a day. |
 | Step 5: Click on Save to confirm your choices. |
After Hours Reply
| Step 1: Choose After Hours Reply (blue box in image to the left). |
| Step 2: Type in the message which your texters should see. We have typed in "You have texted after office hours."
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Step 3: 3a. If you would like to send this message on weekdays, toggle this button on (blue box and #1 in image to the left). Step 4: Choose the timings (brown box and #2 in image to the left). You can choose all day or specific hours.
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| Step 5: Repeat this procedure (Steps 3 & 4 above) if you wish to send this auto responder message on weekends. |
| Step 6: Set how often you would like to send this auto responder.
REMEMBER: Incoming texts are free; outgoing are not. This option costs the standard 1 credit per 160 characters each time it is sent. So we recommend setting your auto response to once a day. |
 | Step 7: Check the summary to make sure what you set is what you intended.
Step 8: Click on Save to complete your action, scrolling down to find it if necessary. |
Which to choose and when
VACATION AUTO RESPONDER
Besides vacations, this is the perfect choice for people who do not want to receive texts. Perhaps they do not want to receive any communication at all. Maybe they want to receive only calls and/or emails. The message you type will guide your people in what they need to do.
When you choose the End Date, use the double arrows on the right-hand side (blue box in image below) to set your year far into the future. At the moment, the end date would be 2035.
The auto responder settings work per phone number. This enables each phone number to have unique settings if desired.
NOTE: This option costs the standard 1 credit per 160 characters each time it is sent.
REMEMBER: Incoming texts are free; outgoing are not. So we recommend setting your auto response to once a day.
AFTER HOURS AUTO RESPONDER
As its name states, the after hours auto responder helps you receive texts only during ‘office hours’ – whatever these may be for you. Again, the message you type will guide your people as to when you would prefer to receive SMS.
Using with Keywords, Links, etc.
You can add keywords to trigger other autoreplies and campaigns (i.e. autoreply with website info, operating hours, address, sign up for____, etc).) to your autoreply and you can also include links.
Keywords
As we mentioned above, the auto responder does not require a keyword. However, in your message, you could tell people to text a keyword. This will trigger additional automations (which you set up earlier). So, it is as if you are answering them even though you have not seen their message.
For example: If you are new, text WELCOME. If you require prayer, text PRAYER.