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Create a Click-to‑Text SMS Link (and Boost Engagement with HighLevel)

Learn how to create an SMS link that opens a user’s messaging app with a pre‑written message. We show how to integrate it with HighLevel workflows, automate replies, and improve lead conversion with clickable SMS incentives.

TL;DR

Clickable SMS links let users tap a button and launch their native texting app with a number and message already filled in. Paired with GoHighLevel automations, it turns simple taps into leads, bookings, and qualified contacts on autopilot.


A click-to-text link (or SMS URL) is a hyperlink that opens a user’s native texting app with a phone number and message already populated. Great for mobile web CTAs, email templates, or buttons on landing pages.

<a href="sms:+1234567890&body=Hi, I’m interested in your offer">Text Us Now</a>

Tap, open messaging, hit send.


Why Use This with HighLevel?

  • Frictionless contact generation — No forms. Just tap and send.
  • Automated workflows — Trigger SMS responses, lead tags, or qualification based on phrases .
  • Powerful automations — Combine with HighLevel workflows so a response like "Free Trial" creates a new contact, sends a reply, and starts onboarding.

  1. Choose your CTA text:
    “Text to Join,” “Claim my coupon,” etc.
  2. Build the link:
    href="sms:+[CountryCode][Number]&body=[Your%20pre‐written%20message]"
  3. URL‑encode spaces, commas, apostrophes (use %20, %27).
  4. Test it on mobile for both Android and iOS.

💬 Automate an SMS Response in HighLevel

Once someone texts:

  1. Go to Workflows → Trigger: Customer Replied (SMS)
  2. Filter on phrase (e.g. “free teeth whitening”)
  3. Add SMS response: “Thanks for claiming our offer! Here’s your booking link.”
  4. Use follow-ups, tagging, or escalation logic as needed .

✅ Use Cases

  • Website CTAs: “Text 'HELP' to get quick support”
  • Email campaigns: Include SMS links in email signatures or offers
  • Lead magnets: Tap to text your lead promise and get instant replies
  • Onboarding: New clients text a keyword to trigger setup flows

🧰 HighLevel Tools That Power It All

  • Conversations tab to manage incoming SMS
  • Trigger & workflow automation for replies and tagging
  • Smart Lists to segment based on conversation keywords
  • Bulk SMS to follow up via template messages
  • Analytics to monitor link CTA performance