We're so excited that you're ready to set up our proprietary Speed to Lead features. This article outlines how to set up each one. In a matter of minutes, you can be automatically replying to inbounded messages on the top channels.
Let's get started! Login to your Signpost account, and navigate to the "Setting" page. From there, select "Instant Responders." You will see the list of options. You can set up each one, or choose the channels where your business gets the most traffic.
SMS
We know that texting is integral to any modern business, and that's why we have expanded our text solutions to include SMS Instant Response. With this feature, our software will instantly send a text reply to anyone that reaches out to your business via your text marketing number. This allows you to engage with leads quickly, which will provide great customer service and increase your chance of landing the job.
If you have a software subscription with Signpost, you already have a text marketing number ready in your account. This phone number is specifically designed for sending and receiving text messages from your web based inbox, the Messaging Hub. To locate your text marketing number, you'll see a phone number listed on the top of your Messaging Hub, under the Signpost logo. That's the number you'll advertise out to your customer base.
To send an automatic text reply to anyone who texts this number, follow these instructions:
1. From the "Instant Responders" section of your "Settings" page, toggle on "SMS Instant Response."
2. Now, type in your SMS response. We recommend that you include your business name in the message, as well as a question that you would like your prospects to answer. Something like: “Sorry we missed your call. Can you tell me about your project and what timeframe you were considering? -Denver Plumbing Services.”
3. Hit "Save," and you are good to go.
To deactivate this feature, simply toggle it off.
Thumbtack
Signpost will automatically and immediately follow up on every inbound inquiry from Thumbtack. Each time a new project is requested, Signpost sends a custom text reply, kickstarting the conversation with the homeowner and increasing the pro’s chances of booking the job. Pros can include screening questions, promotions, or links to web pages in their response.
From the "Instant Responders" section of your "Settings" page, toggle on “Thumbtack,” and then “Connect.”
The overview page will provide you with details about this feature and what to expect. After reviewing, hit “Get Started.”
You will be brought to Thumbtack on the next screen. Login to your account.
From here, Thumbtack will authorize the connection to allow information to be shared between the platforms. Hit “Confirm connection” to agree to share data.
Setup is complete. Now, customize your instant response message by heading back to “Settings” and “Instant Responders.” We recommend including a screening question in your message, some options are:
What kind of services are you looking for?
Is there a timeline for this project?
Google Business Profiles (formerly Google My Business) are a great lead source to help your business be discovered locally. Not only can you generate reviews to bring more leads in the door, but leads can also chat with your business directly using the chat button on your business's profile. When someone sends your Google Business Profile chat a message, it is critical to respond in a timely manner.
From the "Instant Responders" section of your "Settings" page, toggle on “Google Business Messages,” and then “Connect.”
The overview page will provide you with key details. Google has a few requirements to allow Signpost, as an agent, to respond on your behalf.
The overview page will provide you with key details. Google has a few requirements to allow Signpost, as an agent, to respond on your behalf.
a. You’ll need to have your Google Place ID.
b. Once we initiate set up, it will take 1-3 days for Google to gain your consent. In this time, you will get an email from Google asking you to consent to allowing Signpost, as an agent, to respond to messages on your behalf. You will also receive a separate email from Google with a security key that you will paste into your consent. Once you’ve read over the important details about this feature, select “Get Started.”On this page you will paste or type your Google Place ID. Then, select “Connect.”
From this point, it will take a few days to receive an email from Google to consent to Signpost sending messages on your behalf. In this time, you will get an email from Google asking you to consent to allowing Signpost, as an agent, to respond to messages on your behalf. The subject line of this email will be something like "Please approve brand use for Business Messages." In this email you will be asked to submit a consent statement to Google, with instructions on how to do so. You will also receive a separate email from Google with a security key that you will paste into your consent statement. The subject line of the email containing the security key will be something like "Security key for brand approval." Make sure to keep an eye on your inbox during this time.
Once your account is fully set up, you will receive a confirmation from Google. Remember to customize your Instant Response message from your “Instant Responders” page within “Settings.” In the Google section, type your custom message. We recommend including a screening question to keep your leads engaged. Some good examples are:
- What kind of service are you looking for?
- When are you looking to have this project completed?
Angi Leads
When it comes to Angi's leads, speed matters. By using our Angi Leads Instant Response feature, you can engage every Angi's lead with a text instead of playing phone tag. This feature will kickstart the conversation so they are less likely to move onto the competition, resulting in more booked business.
1. From the "Instant Responders" section of your "Settings" page, toggle on “Angi Leads,” and then “Connect.”
2. Follow the prompts in the integration wizard to connect your Angi account.
3. Once connected, toggle the feature on and customize your message. We recommend including your business name and a screening question, which will give your leads something to respond to. Popular options for screening questions are "What kind of service are you looking for?" or "When are you looking to book this service?"
4. Save your message. Angi Leads Instant Response is now set up! Watch for messages to roll into your Messaging Hub.
Facebook
Facebook is a great lead source for local businesses. Not only can you connect with your community and share insights, but you can also run Facebook ads and post on Facebook marketplace to let people know about your services.When someone sends your business page a message, it is critical to respond in a timely manner. That's where we can help.
1. From the "Instant Responders" section of your "Settings" page, toggle on “Facebook,” and then “Connect.”
2. From there, connect Facebook Messenger if you haven't done so already by selecting the Connect button. If it says Disconnect, your Facebook business page has already been connected. Once you hit connect, you will be prompted to confirm your business account and allow permissions for data to be shared between Facebook and Signpost.
3. Once connected, toggle on Send Instant Response.
4. Customize your message. Anyone that messages your business's page on Facebook will receive this response!
5. All done. Reply to conversations from the Messaging Hub.
Download the mobile app
Manage your messages on the go by downloading the latest version of our mobile app. Click the images below, or search for “Signpost mobile” directly in the Google Play Store or App Store on your smartphone.
To make sure you have the latest version of the app, check if there is an “Update” button next to the Signpost app in the App Store or Google Play Store on your mobile device. If the button says “Update,” go ahead and do that. If it says “Open,” you have the latest version of the app!