Creating an SMS link on your company website is a lot like adding a regular hyperlink. In this article, we’ll take you step by step through what an SMS link is and how to add one to your website to increase your communication with customers.
An SMS link is a way for your website visitors to immediately contact you via text message. It uses HTML code to launch the user’s messaging app with your business phone number already filled in.
If you’re familiar with HTML, you’ll notice that an SMS link is nearly identical to a regular link or a click-to-email button. You’ll still insert an “href” attribute. But instead of directing users to another webpage or using “mailto:” to begin an email, you’ll use “sms:” to begin a text message.
How to add an SMS link to your website
Creating an SMS link for your website is as simple as adding any other kind of link. Follow these steps to add an SMS link to your website.
1. Write the link or button text
First, write the text for your link. Don’t overthink it — keep the text short and sweet. Try something like “text us now” or “click here to sign up.”
A click-to-text button works nicely with lots of web page and landing page layouts, but that’s not your only option for an SMS link.
Here are a few other options:
- An image
- Your email signature
- Your business contact page
- Your site’s header or footer navigation
Basically, you can put an SMS link anywhere you can include HTML.
2. Create the default message
On some devices, you can populate your visitors’ text with a default message. Like the link text, this copy should be short and to the point. Don’t forget to make it relevant to the landing page or offer the customer is responding to.
Here are a few sample default messages to get you started:
- Please send me text offers and updates including a $10 off coupon for my first purchase
- I’m interested in learning more about your products
- Keep me up to date with products and offers
- I’d like to set up a free demo of your product
3. Choose the type of SMS link
Decide whether you’ll create a text link or a button link. This will depend on the layout of your landing page and your own preferences. You’ll get the same benefits of an SMS link no matter which format you choose, but keep in mind that button links can require some CSS knowledge.
4. Add the HTML code
With all of your SMS link information in hand, build the HTML link as you would any other hyperlink or button.
Here’s the basic setup for the HTML code:
<a href=”sms:[phone number];&body=[default message]”</a>
5. Test your SMS link
Run a quick test on your SMS link to make sure it texts the right number with the right message. Visit your landing page on your mobile device, click the text button, and send the default text.
Then, check your business text notifications to see if the text went through to the correct number. If everything shows up where you expect it to, you’re ready to start receiving text messages from your SMS link.
Not sure if an SMS link is worth the hassle? Here are a few ways your business can benefit from using an SMS link on your website:
- Give customers a fast, easy way to get in touch
- Manage all your SMS messages in a single location
- Use auto-replies and quick replies to respond quickly
- Communicate with consumers the way they communicate with everyone else
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