A text invites a reply when it asks one clear question and says who is writing. Five habits make that easier. Each one is a small change you can make to the next message you send.
What are the five habits?
- Ask one question.
- Give a short word to answer with.
- Say who you are and why you are writing.
- Choose a good moment.
- Offer a way to stop.
The sections below take each habit in turn.
Why ask only one question?
Two questions in one text leave the reader to decide which to answer first. One question gives them a single thing to do. If you have a second question, send it after the first answer arrives.
How does a short reply word help?
Tell the reader exactly what to type back, such as YES, 2 or a first name. A short answer takes little effort to write on a phone. It is also simple for your team to read later.
Keep the word plain and say it in the message. Avoid asking for a paragraph when one word will do.
What should the text say about who and why?
Start with your name or organization, then give the reason for the message in the same sentence or the next one. A reader who knows who is writing and why can decide quickly whether to answer.
When is a good moment to send?
Pick a time when the message is useful to the reader. A reminder is most useful before the event, and a thank-you fits soon after. Consider the hours your contacts are likely to be free, not only the hours you are at your desk.
For more on this, read our guide to content, timing and volume habits.
Why include a way to stop?
Furcata adds an unsubscribe line to the end of every bulk message, so you do not need to write one. It tells readers they are in control of the messages they receive. STOP and HELP keywords are handled automatically.
What does a before and after look like?
Here are two messages, each shown first as written quickly, then rewritten with the five habits. Both are labelled examples. Replace the placeholders with your own details.
Example 1: a class reminder
Before (a weak example, do not copy): this text has no sender and asks three questions.
Furcata adds your account name at the start and a short unsubscribe line at the end of every bulk message, and both count toward the length. With them, the examples below use 2 segments each. In the US and Canada, one segment uses one credit, and every message also carries one flat messaging fee.
Class is moving. Can you come Tuesday or Wednesday? Do you need a ride? Let us know about snacks too.After: one question, one reply word and a named sender.
Hi {first_name}, this is [organization]. Class moves to Tuesday. Can you make it? Reply YES or NO.Example 2: a thank-you after a visit
Before: this text is a long statement with no clear next step.
Thank you for visiting us. We value your feedback and hope to see you again. Tell us everything about how it went.After: the sender, the reason and a simple question.
Hi {first_name}, [organization] here. Thanks for visiting today. How was your visit? Reply with a number from 1 to 5.Where do replies show up?
Replies arrive in your inbox, where you can read them and answer in context. For a question that comes up often, such as opening hours, set up an auto-reply under Automation: choose the exact message that triggers it, such as HOURS, and the message Furcata sends back. The whole incoming message must match, and a person answers the rest in the inbox. Each teammate can have a role on the account, and adding users is at no cost. Incoming texts are billed at the same rate as outgoing texts, so it helps to keep the exchange short.
How are messages counted?
A short text uses fewer segments than a long one. A longer text uses more segments. In the US and Canada, one segment uses one credit. Each message also carries one flat messaging fee, whatever its length or type. Current prices are on the pricing page, explained in the billing guide.
The header and footer count toward the length of every bulk message. A short English bulk message usually uses 2 segments for this reason. One accented letter moves the whole message to Unicode, which fits fewer characters in each segment. If you want to see how replies are read and answered, the inbound and conversations guide covers it.
