How to Send Text Messages and Bulk SMS

Text messaging is one of the most effective and immediate ways to reach your leads and customers. Out Front CRM makes it easy to send 1-on-1 texts directly from a contact record or inbox — and send bulk SMS campaigns to entire contact lists when you need to reach more people at once.

This guide walks you through both.

Part 1: Sending a 1-on-1 Text Message

You can text any contact directly from several places inside Out Front CRM.

Option A: From the Conversation Inbox

1. Go to Conversations > Inbox

2. Click on the contact you want to message

3. At the bottom of the message panel, type your SMS reply

4. Choose “SMS” as the channel if needed

5. Click Send

Option B: From the Contact Record

1. Go to Contacts and search for the person you want to message

2. Open their contact profile

3. Scroll to the Communication section

4. Click + Send SMS

5. Write your message and click Send

You can also:

• Use message templates to save time

• Add emojis or merge fields like {FirstName}

• Trigger automations manually from this screen if needed

Part 2: Sending Bulk SMS to Multiple Contacts

Out Front CRM allows you to send one message to a group of contacts at once using a Bulk Action.

Step 1: Go to Contacts

1. Navigate to Contacts in the left-hand menu

2. Use filters or search to create the list of people you want to text

   • Example: Filter by tag (e.g., “Leads - Free Quote”) or status (e.g., “Appointment No-Show”)

Step 2: Select Contacts

• Check the box next to each contact you want to message

• Or check the box at the top to select all contacts in the filtered list

⚠️ You can only send messages to contacts with a valid phone number and proper SMS opt-in status.

Step 3: Click "Send SMS"

1. Once your contacts are selected, click the “Bulk Actions” dropdown

2. Choose Send SMS

3. Type your message in the box that appears

   • Use dynamic merge fields (like {FirstName}) to personalize the message

   • Keep the message under 160 characters if possible for deliverability

4. Click Send

The system will send a separate, individual message to each recipient — it will not appear as a group text.

Part 3: Tips for SMS Messaging in Out Front CRM

• ✅ Keep messages short and clear: People are more likely to read short texts.

• ? Time your messages: Avoid texting too early or too late. Aim for 9am–6pm local time.

• ? Include a CTA: Whether it’s “Reply YES to confirm” or “Click here to schedule,” tell people what to do next.

• ⚠️ Watch your limits: Carrier rules and regulations may apply. Avoid spammy content and excessive sending to avoid being flagged.

• ? Use tags: Tag people who respond, opt out, or take action so you can filter them later.

• ? Automate your SMS: You can also send texts via workflows (e.g., after someone fills out a form or books an appointment).

Optional: Sending Texts Through a Workflow

To send SMS messages automatically:

1. Go to Automation > Workflows

2. Create or edit a workflow

3. Add an action: Send SMS

4. Customize the message

5. Publish your workflow

This is perfect for:

• Follow-up sequences

• Appointment reminders

• Missed call texts

• Lead nurture campaigns

With Out Front CRM, you can connect with leads quickly, follow up without missing a beat, and scale your messaging without spamming. SMS is powerful — just make sure to use it wisely and respectfully.