Customers already text everyone else — and many would rather text your business than sit on hold. Business texting lets you send and receive SMS (and picture messages) from your business number, so quick back-and-forth happens where people actually are, and stays off your team's personal phones.
What it's great for
- Appointment confirmations and reminders — the single biggest lever for cutting no-shows.
- "It's ready" notices — orders, pickups, or a vehicle that's finished.
- Quick questions — a fast answer instead of phone tag.
- Scheduling — arrival windows and confirmations for field and service teams.
- Following up on leads — a text often gets a reply when a call doesn't.
A call demands attention right now. A text respects the customer's time — and still gets answered.
Why texting from your business number matters
When texts come from your business number instead of an employee's cell, conversations stay professional, consistent, and available to whoever's covering — not trapped on one person's phone. It also keeps your team's personal numbers private.
Best practices
- Get consent first. Only text people who've opted in or asked you to. It's good manners and it keeps you on the right side of messaging rules.
- Identify yourself. Start with your business name so no one wonders who's texting.
- Keep it useful and brief. Confirmations, reminders, and answers — not marketing blasts.
- Make opt-out easy. Honor "STOP" requests immediately.
- Mind the timing. Business hours, not late nights.
- Don't send sensitive info. Keep private details out of text.
A note on rules and consent
Business texting in the US is governed by consent rules and carrier requirements. The short version: text people who want to hear from you, make it clear who you are, and let them opt out. When we set up texting on your account, we'll help you start on the right footing.
Which plans include texting?
Business SMS is available on plans that include SMS capability — for example HomeLine Complete, BusinessLine Growth (SMS-ready), BusinessLine Pro, and the OfficeConnect tiers. See full pricing to compare.
Want texting set up the right way from day one? Tell us how you'd use it and we'll configure it with your plan. Get a quote →