Automated client retention SMS

MsgHealth sends AI-written, personalized text messages to at-risk clients at the right moment — so you recover more clients without manual effort.

Updated

How automated SMS retention works

When a client's health score drops below your configured alert threshold (default: 70%), MsgHealth can automatically send them a personalized retention message via SMS. The message is generated by AI using the client's name, their last service, how long it's been since their visit, and any custom context you've added to their profile.

The goal is to reach out at exactly the right moment — not too early, not too late — with a message that feels personal, not automated.

Customizing your message templates

On Pro and Enterprise plans, you can write fully custom SMS templates using our template editor. Templates support dynamic variables like {{client_name}}, {{last_service}}, {{days_since_visit}}, and {{rebooking_link}}. You can create separate templates for different service types, client tiers (new, loyal, at-risk), or time windows.

If you prefer, the AI template engine can generate a fresh, personalized message for each send without a fixed template — useful if you want variety in your outreach. You can also combine both: use a custom template as the base and let the AI refine the copy per client.

Understanding delivery and opt-outs

MsgHealth uses carrier-grade SMS delivery with real-time delivery receipts. You can see the exact delivery status of every message in the SMS Inbox tab of your dashboard. Common delivery failure reasons include invalid phone numbers, landline numbers, or carrier filtering.

Clients can opt out at any time by replying STOP to any message. Opt-outs are processed immediately and the client is marked as opted out in your dashboard. It is illegal to send further marketing SMS to opted-out clients, and MsgHealth enforces this automatically. Clients can re-opt-in by texting START.

SMS compliance (TCPA)

In the United States, sending marketing SMS messages to clients without their prior express written consent is regulated under the Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA). MsgHealth provides built-in consent tracking and compliance tools to help you stay protected.

Best practice is to collect SMS consent at the point of booking or intake — a simple checkbox or signature on your intake form works. MsgHealth lets you mark each client's consent status in their profile. We recommend consulting a lawyer for your specific situation, as compliance requirements vary by state and business type.

Chat widget, AI replies & AI content

Beyond SMS, MsgHealth includes an embeddable chat widget for your website — visitors can message your business directly, and those conversations land in the same inbox as your SMS threads.

The AI Responder can draft suggested replies to inbound texts for your team to review and send, or send fully automated responses to common questions like hours, pricing, or rescheduling. The Content AI tool can also generate SMS campaigns, email subject lines, and social posts from a short prompt whenever you need fresh copy.

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SMS questions

Can I send an SMS to a client manually?

Yes. Open any client's profile, click 'Send Message', choose or write your message, and send. Manual messages are also tracked in the SMS Inbox.

How many SMS messages does MsgHealth send per client?

By default, MsgHealth sends one retention message per trigger event (a health score drop). You can configure a follow-up message if there's no response after 7 days. We never send more than 2 messages per trigger event to avoid overwhelming clients.

Are SMS messages charged separately?

SMS usage is included in your plan up to a monthly limit: Starter includes 300 text messages per month, Pro includes 1,000, and Enterprise includes 2,500. Past your allowance, extra texts on Starter and Pro cost $0.033 each on your monthly bill (capped at 1,000 extra texts a month, and you can switch overage off in Settings → Billing), while Enterprise and Pay-Per-Use draw $0.04 each from your prepaid wallet. You'll get a heads-up as you approach your monthly limit.

Can clients reply to the SMS?

Yes. Replies arrive in your SMS Inbox in the MsgHealth dashboard. You can respond directly from the dashboard. Replies are two-way — it functions like a simple text thread.

What happens if a client's number is a landline?

MsgHealth validates phone numbers before sending. If a number is detected as a landline or invalid, the message is not sent and you're alerted to update the client's contact information.

Can I add a chat widget to my website?

Yes — the Chat Widget panel gives you an embeddable snippet for your website that lets visitors message your business directly. Messages land in the same inbox as your SMS conversations.

Can AI draft or send replies to client texts automatically?

Yes — the AI Responder can draft suggested replies to inbound SMS for you to review and send, or (if enabled) send fully automated responses to common questions like hours, pricing, or rescheduling requests.

What is the best way to text clients to rebook?

Keep it short, personal, and easy to act on: use the client's first name, mention their last service, and include a one-tap rebooking link. MsgHealth does this automatically for at-risk clients, sending the text when their health score drops — the moment a reminder is most likely to turn into a booking.

Can I send bulk text messages or a mass SMS blast to all my clients?

Yes — Broadcasts send a bulk SMS or email campaign to every client or a filtered segment (like lapsed clients or VIPs). Clients who replied STOP are excluded automatically, and broadcasts count toward your plan's monthly SMS allowance.

Is text message marketing legal for my salon or service business?

Yes, as long as clients have given consent and can opt out. Collect SMS consent at booking or intake, honor STOP replies (MsgHealth does this automatically), and avoid texting outside reasonable hours. Rules vary by state, so check with a lawyer for your situation.

Can AI write my marketing content?

Yes — the Content AI panel generates SMS campaigns, email subject lines, and social media posts based on a short prompt, which you can edit before sending or scheduling.

Still having trouble?

Reach out with an in-depth description of your issue and our team will get back to you within a few hours on business days.

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