Help Center

Workflow: Send Text (SMS)

The Send Text action lets your workflow send SMS messages automatically to contacts. This is useful for lead follow-up, reminders, confirmations, and other time-sensitive communication.

Where to Find It

In the workflow builder, Send Text appears under the Actions section.

How to Add a Send Text Action

1. Go to Workflow templates.
2. Create a new workflow or open an existing one.
3. Click the + button where you want to add a step.
4. Under Actions, select Send Text.
5. Click the node to open its settings.
6. Choose the virtual phone number, text template, and recipient settings.
7. Click Apply.
8. Save the workflow as a draft or publish it.

How the Send Text Action Works

The Send Text action sends a text message when the workflow reaches that node. The message content comes from the text template you select, and the message is sent from the virtual phone number chosen in the node settings.

You can use Send Text for:

• new lead follow-up
• appointment reminders
• event reminders
• post-form-submission communication
• simple nurture or re-engagement workflows

Choose a Text Template

Each Send Text action requires a text template. The selected template controls the message content.

Templates can include shortcodes so messages can be personalized with contact or workflow data.

Tip: Use clear template names and categories so your team can quickly select the right template while building workflows.

Select a Virtual Phone Number

Every Send Text action sends from a virtual phone number. This is the number the contact sees as the sender.

Choose the phone number that best fits the workflow. For example, some firms may use one number for general sales follow-up and another for operational or appointment-related communication.

Important: Your account must have an active text-enabled virtual phone number before you can use Send Text in workflows.

Who Receives the Text

The Send Text action is designed to send to the contact tied to the workflow run. The contact must have a valid mobile number available in the workflow context.

If the contact does not have a usable phone number, the text cannot be delivered.

SMS Verification and Deliverability

For a text message to be sent successfully, your SMS setup must be active and compliant. This includes having the appropriate text-enabled number and any required verification or registration completed for messaging.

Message delivery can also depend on the contact’s phone number quality, opt-out status, and account texting configuration.

Filters Before Send Text

A workflow path must include a filter before a Send Text action. This helps make sure text messages are sent intentionally and only to the right contacts.

Important: If there is no filter somewhere earlier in that workflow path, the workflow will not validate correctly for publishing.

Using Delays Before Text Sends

You can place a Wait node before Send Text if you want the message to send later instead of immediately.

Examples:

• wait 10 minutes after a form submission before sending a follow-up text
• wait 1 day before sending a reminder
• wait until the morning before sending a scheduled message

Common Use Cases

Immediate Lead Follow-Up

Send a text shortly after a lead submits a form so the first response happens quickly.

Appointment Reminder

Send a reminder text before an upcoming appointment or event.

Post-Event Follow-Up

Send a short follow-up message after an event or consultation.

Internal Sales Process Support

Use text messaging as part of a broader workflow that also includes email, tasks, and pipeline updates.

Best Practices

• Use a filter before every Send Text path.
• Keep text messages short and clear.
• Use text templates with shortcodes for personalization.
• Choose the correct virtual phone number for the workflow.
• Use delays strategically so texts arrive at a more appropriate time.
• Make sure contacts have a valid mobile number before relying on text-based automation.
• Be mindful of opt-out and compliance requirements when sending SMS messages.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a text template before I can use Send Text?

Yes. The Send Text action requires a text template.

Do I need a virtual phone number?

Yes. A text-enabled virtual phone number is required to send SMS messages from workflows.

Can I send a text immediately after a trigger?

Yes, as long as the workflow path includes a filter before the Send Text action.

What happens if the contact does not have a valid phone number?

The workflow can reach the Send Text node, but the message will not be deliverable without a valid phone number.

Can I use Send Text for appointment reminders?

Yes. Send Text is commonly used for reminders, especially when combined with delays or appointment-based workflows.

If you need help using the Send Text workflow action, contact support@leadcenter.ai.