Letting subscribers choose how often and what you text them
How a simple preference option reduces opt-outs by letting subscribers pick topics and frequency instead of leaving entirely.
·2 min read
When subscribers feel over-messaged, their only option is often STOP. Offering a lighter alternative can keep them on your list and happy.
Here is how to build preferences into a texting program.
Offer a simple choice
Let subscribers pick topics, such as appointment reminders only, or a lower frequency, such as monthly. Collect the choice by keyword or a short web form.
Honor it consistently
Record each preference on the contact and make campaigns respect it. A preference that is ignored is worse than none.
- ✓Use tags or fields for each topic.
- ✓Exclude contacts who chose a lower frequency from extra sends.
- ✓Review preferences when planning campaigns.
Keep STOP working
Preferences supplement STOP, never replace it. Any message can still be answered with STOP and must be honored immediately.
Putting it into practice
Measure whether preferences are working. Compare opt-out rates before and after you introduce the choice, and watch engagement among people who picked a lighter schedule. If many subscribers choose the lowest frequency, your default may be too high, and that is useful feedback. Make the option easy to find by mentioning it in the welcome message or at the bottom of a campaign now and then, without cluttering every text. Keep the wording friendly: offering to send fewer messages is a service, not an admission of failure. And make sure your team can see each person's preference in the contact record, so nobody overrides a choice a customer deliberately made.
Key takeaways
- →Offer topic and frequency choices.
- →Store and respect each preference.
- →Never replace STOP with preferences.
- →Review preferences before every campaign.
Put this into practice with Text2Sale
Import leads, create follow-up campaigns, organize replies, and connect texting, calling, and appointments in one workspace.
Frequently asked questions
Will offering choices reduce my reach?
It may reduce volume to some people but typically preserves relationships and improves engagement.
How do people change preferences?
By replying with a keyword or using a link to a short form on your website.