How to Use Away Messages in Business SMS
Away Messages automatically reply to incoming text messages when you are unavailable. This is helpful for after-hours messages, lunch breaks, holidays, vacations, or temporary closures.
When an Away Message is active, anyone who texts your Business SMS number will receive your predefined response.
Before You Begin
Away Messages use the Canned Responses feature. You must create at least one canned response before you can enable an Away Message.
Creating an Away Message
- Log in to Business SMS.
- Go to Canned Responses.
- Click Add New Response.
- Enter a name for the response.
- Type the message you want contacts to receive.
- Enable the Is Away Message option.
- Save the canned response.
Example Away Message
Thank you for contacting Buehler Wellness. We have received your message and will respond during normal business hours. If this is a medical emergency, please call 911 or seek immediate medical attention.
Activating an Away Message
- Locate the status indicator that says Available.
- Hover over the status indicator.
- Select the Away Message you would like to activate.
Turning Off an Away Message
- Hover over the Away Message status indicator.
- Select Available from the dropdown.
Best Practices
- Keep the message short and clear.
- Set expectations for when someone will respond.
- Avoid including private or sensitive information.
- Turn the Away Message off when normal availability resumes.
If you need help creating or managing Away Messages, please contact Nextgen Solutions support.