Set up auto-replies for text messages

We’re excited to roll out our new SMS auto-reply feature! Designed to make internal communication even easier, auto-replies help companies set clear expectations with their employees about SMS replies—no extra inbox management needed.

Why auto-reply?

We know managing an inbox isn’t always ideal for every team; many of our customers have shared that inbox monitoring feels like a task they’d prefer to avoid, or that they just don’t want to have that two-way communication option EVERY single time. That’s why we developed a solution that keeps your inbox visible and active while allowing you to set clear expectations for employees. Whether managing inquiries or sending updates, Workshop’s auto-reply provides a consistent way to keep employees informed without adding more work to your plate.

Plus, the auto-reply adds a bit of that human connection to your company text messages. Instead of messages from employees disappearing into the abyss after being sent, auto-replies can create a sense of connection or — at a minimum — an acknowledgment that the reply was received!

How it works

With SMS auto-reply, you can craft customized responses that let employees know exactly what to expect. Here are a few examples of how you can put auto-reply to work:

• Set response expectations: If your team isn’t actively monitoring the inbox, let employees know that (or that they’ll receive a response within a certain timeframe) —“We’ll get back to you within 24-48 hours. For urgent matters, please reach out to your manager.”
• Notify of limited availability: During out-of-office periods, set up an auto-reply to let employees know responses may be delayed or will resume on a specific date.
• Personalized event replies: Reaching out about an event? Set an auto-reply to send a confirmation like “Thank you for your RSVP to ‘[event name]’! We look forward to seeing you there!”

These flexible options make it easy to update and manage responses as your communication needs change.

Setting up auto-replies in Workshop

Available to all Enhanced and Premium SMS plan customers, SMS auto-reply is super simple to set up. Just activate the auto-reply feature at the company level, add your message, and Workshop will handle the rest. Here’s what to expect:

• Customized, company-wide replies: Once you turn on auto-reply, your message will be sent in response to any incoming reply, ensuring employees know when (and if) to expect a follow-up.
• One reply per 24-hour window: To avoid redundancy, each employee will receive the auto-reply just once within a 24-hour period, creating a consistent (but non-intrusive!) experience.

Ready to get started?

Auto-replies are perfect for setting clear boundaries, building trust, and making sure everyone stays informed. We’re here to help you get the most out of this feature (and all the other SMS features available in Workshop), so don’t hesitate to reach out or schedule a quick demo!