How to set up automated text message follow ups in Wiseagent

Automated text follow-ups can save you hours, keep leads warm, and stop you from dropping the ball (again). If you’re a real estate agent using Wiseagent, or thinking about it, you’re probably looking for a no-nonsense way to make sure your prospects don’t get lost in the shuffle. This guide shows you how to set up automated text message follow-ups in Wiseagent, what works well, and what to watch out for.

If you want to spend less time on repetitive texting but still sound like a human, you’re in the right place.

Why bother with automated text follow-ups?

Let’s be real: Most leads never answer the first call or email. But texting gets attention—fast. Automated texts make sure you stay top of mind without living in your inbox or glued to your phone. Wiseagent’s built-in features work, but there are quirks and limits. I’ll flag those as we go.

Step 1: Understand Wiseagent’s SMS Tools

Before you start setting up anything, it helps to know what you’re working with. Wiseagent offers:

  • Text Messaging: You can send individual or bulk SMS messages right from the platform.
  • Drip Campaigns: Automate sequences of texts and emails.
  • Text Message Templates: Pre-save messages, so you’re not rewriting the same thing 50 times.

Heads up: Wiseagent’s SMS is not carrier-agnostic and relies on integration with third-party providers (like Twilio or their built-in SMS credits). You’ll need to set up texting separately from your email campaigns. If you haven’t done this before, expect a little configuration work up front.

Step 2: Set Up Your Wiseagent SMS Account

You can’t send a single automated text until SMS is connected. Here’s how to get rolling:

  1. Log in to Wiseagent.
  2. Head to the “Integrations” or “Add-ons” menu (names change, but look for ‘Text Messaging’ or ‘SMS’).
  3. Choose your SMS provider:
    • Wise Text (Wiseagent’s built-in SMS): This is easiest, but costs extra per message.
    • Twilio Integration: More flexibility, often cheaper at scale, but setup is fussier.
  4. Follow Wiseagent’s prompts to connect your account.
  5. For Wise Text, you buy credits and get a dedicated texting number.
  6. For Twilio, you’ll need API keys from your Twilio dashboard. Copy-paste carefully.
  7. Test sending a text to your own number first. If it doesn’t work, check number formatting and make sure your account is funded.

Pro Tip: Don’t use your personal cell number. Always use a dedicated business number (provided by Wiseagent or Twilio). This keeps your personal and business lives separate and looks more professional.

Step 3: Build Your Text Message Templates

Automated doesn’t mean robotic. Good templates sound human and fit your brand. Here’s how to set them up:

  1. In Wiseagent, go to the “Marketing” or “Templates” section.
  2. Choose “Text Message Templates” and click “Add New.”
  3. Write your message. Keep it:
    • Short (160 characters or less per message is safest).
    • Friendly (“Hi {FirstName}, just wanted to check in about your home search…”)
    • Clear about who you are and why you’re texting.
  4. Use merge fields for personalization:
    • Most common: {FirstName}, {LastName}, {PropertyAddress}
    • Don’t overdo it—too many merge fields = awkward texts.
  5. Save your template with a clear name (e.g., “First Follow-up,” “Appointment Reminder”).

What works:
- Texts that sound like you, not a robot. - Immediate value (“Let me know if you want to see today’s new listings!”) - Simple CTAs—don’t ask for too much in one message.

What to avoid:
- Long-winded intros. People bail after 1-2 lines. - Overuse of emojis or jargon. - Including links in your very first message (can get flagged as spam).

Step 4: Set Up an Automated Drip Campaign

Now for the meat of automation—putting your texts on autopilot.

  1. Navigate to Drip Campaigns: Usually under “Marketing” > “Drip Campaigns.”
  2. Click “Create New Campaign.”
  3. Name your campaign (e.g., “New Buyer Lead Follow-Up”).
  4. Add steps to your campaign:
    • Choose “Send Text Message” as the action.
    • Pick your pre-built template.
    • Set the timing (e.g., send 1 hour after lead is added, 1 day later, etc.).
    • Mix in emails or tasks if you want a multi-channel approach.
  5. Review the sequence. Make sure the timing makes sense—don’t pepper people with texts every day unless they ask for it.
  6. Save and activate your campaign.

Pro Tip:
Test your campaign on yourself or a teammate first. You’d be surprised how many “Hi {FirstName},” mistakes pop up. Better you than your client.

Step 5: Assign Leads to Your Text Drip

Automation only works if you actually put people into the machine. Here’s how to do it:

  1. When a new lead comes in (manually or automatically), open their contact profile.
  2. Find the “Campaigns” or “Drip Campaigns” tab.
  3. Assign them to your new campaign with a click.
  4. Done. Wiseagent will handle the rest.

Automation Triggers:
- Wiseagent can auto-assign leads to campaigns based on source (like web form or portal). Set this up once if you get lots of online leads.

What doesn’t work:
- Forgetting to assign leads. (Yes, this happens more than you think.) - Assigning everyone to the same campaign. Segment buyers, sellers, past clients—don’t blast everyone with the same script.

Step 6: Monitor Replies and Adjust

Automation is not “set it and forget it.” Check your texts and adapt.

  • Replies show up in Wiseagent (or your linked email/phone, depending on setup).
  • Respond personally—once a lead replies, stop the automation. Nothing kills trust like a bot replying to “Yes, I’m interested!”
  • Tweak your timing and templates based on response rates. If you’re getting ghosted, try shorter gaps between texts—or longer.
  • Keep an eye on SMS costs. Those add up fast if your database is big.

Pro Tip:
Record which templates get the best responses. Over time, ditch what’s not working and double down on what is.

Step 7: Stay Compliant (Don’t Be That Agent)

Texting laws are strict—and getting stricter:

  • Get clear consent before texting anyone. Opt-in forms, verbal OK, or written permission.
  • Always include a way to opt out (“Reply STOP to unsubscribe.”)
  • Don’t text leads late at night, on holidays, or repeatedly without a reply. It’s annoying (and in some places, illegal).
  • Wiseagent gives basic opt-out options, but you’re responsible for compliance.

Ignore this at your own risk:
Carriers will shut down your number for spam reports. Fines are real. Don’t be the reason your office gets blacklisted.

What Actually Works (and What Doesn’t)

Works: - Fast, friendly texts within an hour of a new lead. - Personalization: Use their name, reference what they asked about. - Following up a few times, then backing off if they don’t reply.

Doesn’t Work: - Spamming with daily texts. - Using the same script for every lead. - Ignoring replies or letting automation keep going after a lead responds.

Ignore:
People promising “100% response rates” or “AI that closes deals for you.” Text automation is a tool, not a magic trick.

Keep It Simple & Iterate

You don’t need a 12-step funnel or a library of 30 templates. Start with a basic 2-3 message sequence, see how it goes, and tweak from there. Automation should make your life easier, not more complicated.

If you hit a snag in Wiseagent, check their help docs or reach out to support—they’re usually pretty solid. Remember: the goal is more conversations, not more noise.

Set it up, keep it human, and don’t overthink it.