Text Blast Best Practices
We’ve outlined some essential tips to help you optimize your text marketing campaigns, while mitigating risk of spam complaints and deliverability issues. Whether you're new to text marketing or looking to refine your approach, these best practices will help you make the most of your strategy.
Can I include custom links?
You can paste your own link in the body text. We do not yet have our own built in link shortener, nor are we able to track click activity on pasted links (yet).
NOTE: At this time, the “Clicked” metric in campaign reporting only captures clicks on the booking link generated by Blvd (if the business opted to include it) - and does not capture clicks to custom links that were pasted in the text body
For example, if I paste my own link in the text campaign and a client clicks that, I may still show 0 Clicked in campaign metrics. At this time, we can only track clicks on the booking link.
Important: If using a generic link shortener like
URL Shortener - Short URLs & Custom Free Link Shortener | Bitly , ensure that you are using a custom domain to avoid hitting spam filters or encountering de
See Text Blasts FAQ for more commonly asked questions.
Do’s & Dont's of Text Marketing
DO
Create a dedicated phone number to enable text blasts & two-way texting
Collect explicit client consent for text marketing (Marketing Consent FAQ)
Be conscious of send times, choose a send time that you think will optimize engagement with your audience
Write clear and concise messages; keep it short and sweet
Include your booking link
Add images & GIFs with eye-catching visuals
If you’re using PROMO CODES in your text blasts, make sure you set those up first so they’ll be applicable at checkout in the self booking overlay on your website.
Create thoughtfully targeted campaign segments using the Audience Builder
Use the “Appointment status = is not booked” filter to make sure you’re only targeting clients who don’t already have an upcoming appointment.
Maintain a hygienic client list with up-to-date contact info and valid phone numbers
DON’T
Include modified or shortened links without a custom domain (Learn more)
Include more than one call to action, or more than one URL, per campaign
Include content containing restricted topics and words (i.e. hemp, CBD, etc. see Text Messaging Compliance & Regulations for more details)
Use words or phrases that appear as spam (i.e. 100% free, 100% off, etc.)
Spam your clients with the same message multiple times, or send more than one campaign every several days.
Text Blasts: Campaign ideas to boost bookings
Text blasts help you boost bookings and maximize engagement, reaching clients instantly and directly. Build and send a custom text blast in minutes, engaging clients with promotions, announcements, and special offers. Include images & GIFs for extra glam, track results in your dashboard, and continue the conversation with two-way texting in Messages.
One of the most impactful ways to use Text Marketing (Text blasts) is to drive bookings, so we've provided plug-and-play audiences and campaign ideas to get you started.
Audience & campaign examples
Here are examples of audiences you can create in your audience tab, paired with relevant content ideas you can use in text blasts.
See this article for more details on audience creation and client filters.
Audience Example | Campaign Example |
Create an audience of clients who haven’t been in a certain time frame, and give them a reason to come back.
| Hey [client name],
It’s been a while, and we miss you! ✨ Enjoy 15% off your next service! Book now with code SUMMER15.
[Booking link] |
Reach past recipients of a particular service category and encourage them to book. | Hi [client name],
Ready for a fresh look for fall? Book now for 10% off your next color service with code FALL10.
[Booking link] |
Does a particular provider have slow days coming up? Reach out to their regulars and get them in the door.
| Hi [client name],
Rachel has last minute openings this weekend. Let’s get you in!
[Booking link] |
Show your VIP clients they’re appreciated with a discount on their next booking.
| Hi [client name],
Thanks for being a loyal client. Enjoy 15% off any service booked this month with code VIP15.
[Booking link] |
Reach newer clients who recently had their first appointment, and encourage them to book.
| Hi [client name],
Thanks for joining the Abundant Salon family! Let’s get that next appointment on the books.
[Booking link] |
Additional Text Blast ideas
Campaign Theme | Example |
Seasonal Promotion
Delight clients with a seasonal promo, or offer a discount on a seasonal service with a promo code clients can use during online booking. | 
|
Service Promotion
Share the news about a new service, or reach out to clients who’ve recently booked a particular service and entice them to book their next visit. | 
|
Product Promotion
Drive product sales and boost bookings, all in one! Encourage them to book via text, and offer discounted products in-person. | 
|
Welcome Promotion
Reach out to clients who recently came in for their first appointment, and remind them to book their next visit. | 
|
Service Provider Promotion
Announce a new service provider, or entice regulars to book an appointment with their usual go-to. | 
|
VIP Reward
Reward your loyal VIPs with a dedicated promotion to make them feel appreciated and keep them coming back. | 
|