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How to add a text message signature and templates to use

Setting up a text message signature

Android and iOS devices don’t have a built-in feature for adding signatures to SMS messages. You’ll need to use the text replacement feature as a workaround to add SMS signatures on an iPhone and a third-party app to add them on Android.

However, with a business phone system, you can set up text signatures and far more. Business text messaging features support frictionless communication and help you scale your business, and provide a great customer experience.

We’ll cover how to add a text message signature in OpenPhone, iPhone, and Android. We’ll also explain why OpenPhone is an excellent solution and how it can help your business as it grows.

How to set up a text message signature in OpenPhone

OpenPhone is the modern business phone system for startups and small businesses. With OpenPhone, you can add signatures to outgoing text messages and build relationships with your customers more easily in dozens of ways over text.  

For non-automated messages, use snippets — or message templates — for adding signatures. Here’s step-by-step how you can add signatures to the end of every text using snippets:

  1. Sign into OpenPhone and select a contact you want to text.
  2. Type “/” in the text box and select Snippets.
Text message signature: Screenshot of setting up snippets in OpenPhone
  1. To create a new signature, select Create snippet, insert the signature text, and name the snippet.
  2. Select the signature you created to add it to the message. Add your message and hit send.
 Screenshot of setting up a text message signature in OpenPhone

You can use snippets on any device — computer, smartphone, or tablet — as long as you have an internet connection, so you can respond to clients from wherever you are. That’s just the tip of the iceberg, though. Here’s a quick walkthrough of OpenPhone’s texting capabilities:

OpenPhone makes business communication a breeze with its texting features. For example, set up auto-replies on OpenPhone to respond automatically to incoming text messages. When using auto-replies, you can add your signature in the automated text response, so all automated texts include your signature.

You can also communicate internally regarding a client’s message using internal threads. With OpenPhone, you get other features to help you build relationships with your contacts like the ability to record calls, schedule text messages, and collaborate via direct team messaging.

Next, we’ll explain how to add a signature on iPhone and Android devices if you’re only looking for this feature. 

How to set up a text message signature on iPhone

iPhones and iPads don’t offer a built-in feature to add a signature to SMS text messages. You can download a third-party application from the App Store or use the text replacement feature.

Here’s how you can set up a text message signature with the native text replacement feature:

  1. Go to Settings > General > Keyboard > Text Replacement.
Text message signature: Screenshot of iPhone Keyboard settings menu
  1. Tap the plus (+) sign in the upper-right corner.
Text message signature: Screenshot of iPhone text replacement menu
  1. Insert the signature text in the Phrase field. The text you enter in the Shortcut field works as a keyboard shortcut for adding the signature, so keep it short.
Screenshot of where to add text message signature for text replacement on iPhone
  1. Tap Save in the upper-right corner.

Once you’ve set up text replacement, go to iMessages (or whatever default messaging app you use). Type the shortcut, and you’ll see a suggestion for your signature. Tap on the suggestion to insert it in the text message.

Text replacement might work if your clients don’t contact you after hours and you don’t send many messages. But if you need a dedicated business number and text messages are one of your busiest communication channels, consider using OpenPhone.

How to set up a text message signature on Android

The default Android text messaging app and Samsung’s messaging app no longer offer the option to add SMS signatures. If you’re on an Android phone, you’ll likely have to use a third-party app like Handcent.

  1. Download Handcent from the Play Store and launch the app.
  2. Click on the dropdown menu at the top-right and select More.
How to set up a text message signature on Android
  1. Select Settings.
Screenshot of Handcent app settings menu on Android
  1. Select the All tab and click on Send message settings.
Screenshot of Handcent send message settings on Android
  1. Enable the Signature option using the button next to it. You’ll see a window pop up when you toggle the button. Insert signature text here and tap Confirm.
Screenshot of Handcent text message signature field on Android

Installing a third-party app and setting up a signature is an added hassle. You still don’t get any additional features with a third-party app like Handcent since it’s a very basic text messaging app.

4 best practices for text message signatures

To make your signature as efficient as possible, follow these tips when adding one to your text messages:

  1. Add relevant information: Include the information your contacts request most often. For example, a potential or existing client might want to know your business hours, website, and/or a link to book a spot on your calendar for a meeting.
  2. Avoid public link shorteners: Many carriers block text messages containing links from public shorteners like Bitly or TinyURL. If you need to include a link, use the complete URL or a branded URL shortener like Cuttly.
  3. Keep it short: Your signature should be concise, so avoid including too much detail. For example, if you’re a support team member, you’re likely interacting with existing customers. Your signature doesn’t need the URL to your team’s website. Include your business hours and contact info, and that’s it.
  4. Stay on brand: Keep your signature on brand. For example, if playfulness aligns with your brand image you can use emojis in the signature.

4 text message signature templates

Crafting a short and clear signature can be difficult. You want to share vital information while staying within the character limit. Remember, you can always edit signatures later. Here are four signature templates if you’re looking for some inspiration.

1. Signature template for sales reps

Sales reps should provide a phone number and email so leads can quickly get in touch with questions.

Example: Amy | Account Executive (Acme) | amy@acme.com
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2. Signature template for a professional

Professionals, like lawyers and tax consultants, should add their business hours and a link to book a spot on their calendars since these are often the questions your callers have.

Example: Wayne | Partner at Acme | M-F 9 AM-5 PM | Book a slot: [Meeting link]
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3. Signature for service businesses

Your callers might have questions about your services and pricing. While you can’t explain your services in the signature, you can add a link to your website for more information. You can also add a link to a form allowing them to request a quote.

Example: Adam | Sales Lead – Acme. | www.acme.com | Get a quote: [Link to form]
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4. Signature for business owners

Business owners might consider using a signature to promote their brand. This can be the company’s bigger vision or the tagline.

Example: Gregory | Founder, Acme – Save time on Tax Day
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OpenPhone: The best way to set up a text message signature

OpenPhone mobile and desktop apps

iPhones require you to use the text replacement feature to add signatures, while Android requires installing a third-party app. Why go through the hassle when you get no other features to streamline business texting?

On the other hand, OpenPhone offers automation features like snippets, auto-replies, and scheduled text messages. Streamlining your communications with these features helps you dedicate more time to client work. With OpenPhone, you also get other business communication features, including unlimited calling in the US and Canada, MMS support, and auto-attendants.

Setting up OpenPhone only takes a few minutes — get a new local number or port your existing number to OpenPhone. Once set up, you can go straight to creating a signature using snippets. You can also integrate OpenPhone with CRMs like HubSpot and Salesforce so you can see all your interactions with your contacts in one place.

Try out OpenPhone for yourself by signing up for a free, seven-day trial of OpenPhone today.

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