You will need the Full SMS permission to perform this action.
Setting Up Keyword Text Messaging
The keyword texting feature allows churches to set up keywords that congregation members can text to the church’s designated number in order to receive specific information or take certain actions. This feature can be a powerful tool for communication and engagement.
Note: Text messaging must first be enabled for the church account. Reference the related article to learn more about allowing text messaging.
Accessing Keyword Text Messaging
To set up keyword text messaging, select "Messaging" at the very top of the screen. Within this area, there are options for "Message history," "Scheduled notifications," "Email templates," and "Email & delivery opt-outs." Click any of these, and go to the "Text Keywords" tab.
Alternatively, this can also be accessed by selecting the "gear" icon in the top-right corner and then choosing "Text Messages."
Once there, select "Text Keywords," and then click "+ Add New" to create a new keyword.
Creating a Keyword
A modal will appear where the keyword and title can be entered—this is the phrase that people will text to the church’s number.
Below that, add the automated reply message that will be sent back to anyone who texts that keyword.
The keyword can be made active or inactive at any time by toggling "Active."
Automations and Advanced Options
Selecting More Fields allows additional setup options, including connecting the keyword to an automation.
While this is an advanced feature, it is generally recommended to send a link to a form in the reply message and then add the automation directly on the form instead.
However, a direct automation can also be created from a workflow. Based on that workflow, a form can be saved so that when people text the keyword and submit the linked form, they will automatically receive a follow-up reply.
Tips
People can be added to an automated workflow directly from a form submission. For example, first-time guests can text the word GUEST to the church’s phone number and automatically enter a follow-up sequence (setup required).
Churches enrolled in One Church Giving with text messaging enabled automatically have access to Text-to-Give. Members can give by texting the word GIVE and the amount to the church’s number.