Best WordPress SMS Marketing Plugin – An Ultimate Guide
Are you looking for a way to receive SMS alerts when a user submits a form on your WordPress website? Getting text notifications is an easy way to stay on top of new submissions, orders, or inquiries from your site.
In this guide, we’ll show you how to setup WordPress SMS Marketing Plugin using WPForms, Twilio, and Zapier. This method requires no coding, making it beginner-friendly.
Why Should You Get SMS Text Messages From WordPress Forms?
Receiving SMS notifications from your WordPress forms ensures you get instant updates, making it easier to respond to customers quickly. This is especially useful for small businesses or service providers who rely on form submissions for orders, bookings, or inquiries.
For example, if you manage an online bakery, an instant text alert can notify you of a new cake order, allowing you to start preparing right away. Similarly, if you offer consultation services, you’ll want to know immediately when someone books a session so you can confirm availability.
Real-life example: Suppose you’re running a home-based business for pet grooming services. When a customer fills out your booking form, receiving an SMS right away ensures that you don’t miss their request, allowing you to secure more appointments efficiently.
How to Set Up SMS Alerts for WordPress Forms Without Coding
To learn how to get SMS text messages from your WordPress forms, we’ll use the following tools:
- WPForms – A popular drag-and-drop form builder for WordPress.
- Twilio – A leading service for sending SMS notifications.
- Zapier – A platform that connects different apps and automates tasks without requiring code.
This setup will ensure that every time someone submits a form, you’ll instantly receive a text message.
Step 1: Set Up Your WordPress Form With WPForms
First, install and activate the WPForms plugin on your WordPress website. You can follow our detailed guide on how to install a WordPress plugin if you’re unsure.
You’ll need at least the Pro version of WPForms to access its Zapier integration, which we’ll be using later. After activating WPForms, enter your license key (found in your WPForms account) by going to WPForms » Settings » General in your WordPress dashboard.
[ux_image id=”15638″]Next, create your first form by going to WPForms » Add New. Choose a template and use the drag-and-drop form builder to customize it. Once you’re satisfied with the form, click Save.
To display the form on your website, edit an existing post or page, or create a new one. Add the WPForms block to the page and choose the form you just created from the dropdown menu. Publish the page, and submit a test entry to have some data for the following steps.
[ux_image id=”15638″]Go ahead and use the drag and drop editor to modify your form however you want. Don’t forget to click the Save button after making changes.
[ux_image id=”15639″]Once you’re happy with your form, it’s time to add it to your site. You can edit an existing post or page or add a new one.
We’re going to add a new page by going to Pages » Add New in the WordPress admin.
If you’re using the WordPress block editor, then click the add new block (+) button and then insert the WPForms block to the content area.
[ux_image id=”15640″]Once you’ve added the WPForms block, you need to choose the form you created earlier from a dropdown list.
You can now save your post or page and preview your form.
You need to submit a test entry in order to set up Zapier. Here’s our test entry in our custom form:
[ux_image id=”15641″]Step 2: Connect WPForms and Zapier
Now, we’ll connect WPForms with Zapier to create an automated workflow. Start by installing the Zapier addon from WPForms » Addons.
[ux_image id=”15642″]The Zapier addon will be installed and activated for you.
Once activated, go to WPForms » Settings » Integrations and click the Zapier logo to reveal your API key. You’ll need this key later to connect Zapier to WPForms.
[ux_image id=”15643″]You will need the API key in a later step to connect Zapier to your WPForms. Go ahead and copy it somewhere safe, or just leave the tab open.
Step 3: Sign Up for Twilio and Prepare to Send SMS Texts
To send SMS messages, we’ll use Twilio, a widely-used SMS service. Visit Twilio’s website and sign up for a free account. Twilio will provide you with a phone number to send text messages, along with an Account SID and Auth Token that you’ll need for the next step.
[ux_image id=”15644″]Once you’ve set up an account, you need to choose a phone number. This is the number that will be sending you texts.
[ux_image id=”15645″]You will also see your Twilio Account SID and Auth Token. You will need these when you set up Zapier. You could copy them to a safe place, or leave your tab open.
[ux_image id=”15646″]Creating a Zap to Send an SMS When Your Form is Submitted
To use Zapier, you need to sign in on the Zapier website. If you don’t have an account, simply create a free one.
Next, click the ‘Make a Zap’ button in your Zapier dashboard:
[ux_image id=”15647″]Note: Zapier uses the word ‘Zap’ for a process with a trigger and an action. Our trigger will be someone submitting the form. Our action will be to send an SMS message.
Go ahead and give your Zap a name at the top of the screen. Then, you need to set up the trigger.
First, you need to type ‘WPForms’ into the search bar. The WPForms icon should come up. Simply click on it.
[ux_image id=”15648″]Zapier will automatically fill in ‘New Form Entry’ for the trigger event. You just need to click the ‘Continue’ button here:
[ux_image id=”15650″]Now, Zapier will prompt you to sign into WPForms. Go ahead and click the ‘Sign into WPForms’ button:
[ux_image id=”15650″]You should then see a popup window. Here, you need to enter the API key that you found earlier. You also need to add the URL (domain name) of your website.
[ux_image id=”15651″]After you’ve done that, just click on the ‘Yes, Continue’ button to move on.
Now, you need to select your form from a dropdown list.
[ux_image id=”15652″]Next, Zapier will prompt you to test your trigger. This will use the test data that you submitted through your form. Go ahead and click the ‘Test trigger’ button:
[ux_image id=”15653″]You will then see your test data:
[ux_image id=”15655″]Just click the Continue button to move on. Zapier will now take you to the action part of your Zap.
Here, you need to type in Twilio. Then, go ahead and click the Twilio icon:
[ux_image id=”15656″]You now need to choose the action event. Simply click on the ‘Send SMS’ option here:
[ux_image id=”15657″]Next, Zapier will prompt you to sign into your Twilio account. You need to enter the Account SID and Auth Token that you found earlier.
[ux_image id=”15658″]You now need to customize your SMS message.
Just click on the From Number dropdown and you should see the free phone number from your Twilio account. Simply select this.
For the To Number, type in your own phone number.
[ux_image id=”15659″]For the message, you can type in any text you like. You can also select from your WPForms input fields.
With our message, we’re including the name, email address, and request from the form:
[ux_image id=”15660″]You can also choose to send the message as a large message. This is useful if you want to include lots of detail in the SMS. However, it will use up your Twilio free credit faster.
When you’re ready to move on, just click the Continue button.
Zapier will now show you the data that will be sent through your Zap. Just click the Test & Continue button to send the test.
[ux_image id=”15661″]Real-life example: Let’s say you’re running a personal training service and someone fills out a form to inquire about your classes. Receiving an SMS with the person’s name and contact information allows you to follow up immediately, providing quick and professional customer service.
You should see a message saying that the SMS was successfully sent:
[ux_image id=”15662″]We also recommend checking your phone to make sure you received the SMS:
[ux_image id=”15663″]Hopefully, the SMS message reached you successfully. Just click the ‘Turn On Zap’ button and your Zap will be switched on.
[ux_image id=”15664″]Other Benefits of Getting SMS Notifications From WordPress Forms
- Instant Updates: SMS notifications allow you to stay informed in real time, ensuring you respond quickly to customer inquiries or new leads.
- Improved Customer Service: Fast responses make a positive impression and can help you secure more business.
- More Efficient Workflow: For small businesses or solopreneurs, text alerts can help you manage bookings, orders, or inquiries more efficiently without constantly checking your email.
Conclusion: How to Get SMS Text Messages From Your WordPress Forms
We hope this guide helped you understand how to get SMS text messages from your WordPress forms without needing any technical skills. By using WPForms, Twilio, and Zapier, you can easily set up automated SMS alerts to stay on top of your business needs.
For more related content, you might want to check out our guides on the best WordPress plugins for small businesses and how to create a free business email.
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