Best Ways to Automate ManyChat SMS Campaigns

ManyChat SMS automation has become one of the most efficient ways to build direct, high-converting customer conversations.

But how do you take your SMS campaigns from simple messages to fully automated, intelligent workflows that drive real engagement? 

In this guide, I’ll show you step-by-step how to automate ManyChat SMS campaigns effectively—so you can save time, boost response rates, and scale communication without losing the human touch.

Set Up Smart Triggers To Launch SMS Campaigns Automatically

Automating your ManyChat SMS campaigns starts with understanding triggers — the specific user actions that instantly start a message flow.

Think of them like digital tripwires: when someone does something (like signing up, clicking a link, or abandoning a cart), your SMS automatically fires off. Done right, this feels effortless and perfectly timed from the user’s perspective.

Identify User Actions That Trigger SMS Campaigns

In ManyChat, you can trigger SMS messages based on flows, conditions, or events. Here’s how to do it:

• From your ManyChat Dashboard, go to Automation > Rules > + New Rule.
• Set a Trigger (for example, “User subscribes to a sequence” or “User clicks button in flow”).
• Add an Action → choose Send SMS.

Real Example: Let’s say you want to send a welcome message right after someone subscribes via a Messenger opt-in. You’d set the trigger to “User subscribes to bot” and attach an SMS flow like, “Hey [First Name], thanks for joining us! Here’s your 10% off code.”

Pro insight: I recommend testing different trigger types (like button clicks vs. keyword replies). You’ll find that engagement rates can vary dramatically based on how a user opted in.

Use Conditional Logic To Personalize SMS Delivery

Conditional logic in ManyChat allows you to add “if/then” rules inside your automation — like tiny decision-makers guiding the flow.

Example:

• If user tag = VIP Customer, send them “Hey [Name], we’ve got a VIP-only offer for you.”
• Else, send a general promotion instead.

To set this up:

1. In the Flow Builder, click the + icon between steps.
2. Select Condition > Custom Field or Tag.
3. Create different message paths for each segment.

This level of personalization not only improves response rates but also prevents irrelevant texts — which can tank your opt-out rate.

Combine Triggers With Tags For Granular Targeting

Tags help ManyChat “remember” who’s who. You can assign tags based on user behavior (like “clicked discount” or “purchased product”).

Example workflow:

• Trigger: User visits your “Free Trial” landing page.
• Action: Add tag “Trial User.”
• Follow-up trigger: Send SMS in 24 hours if “Trial User” tag exists but “Paid Customer” tag doesn’t.

To do this: Go to Automation > Rules > Add Tag > Add Action > Send SMS.

This technique lets you build micro-campaigns that feel one-to-one, even if you’re messaging thousands of people.

Test and Optimize Trigger-Based Automation

Automation is never “set it and forget it.” You’ll want to track metrics like:

• Delivery Rate: Are messages being received?
• Response Rate: Are users engaging?
• Conversion Rate: Are they taking your desired action?

Use ManyChat’s Analytics Dashboard to see where drop-offs happen. For example, you might notice that users triggered by “Link Clicks” convert better than “Keyword Replies.” If so, focus your campaigns there.

Quick tip: Run A/B tests using cloned flows — same trigger, different first message. You’ll quickly see which tone or offer drives the most responses.

Integrate ManyChat SMS With CRM and E-Commerce Tools

Integrations are where ManyChat SMS becomes truly powerful.

When connected to your CRM or e-commerce platform, you can send personalized messages that react to real customer behavior — purchases, sign-ups, or even abandoned carts.

Connect ManyChat With Shopify, HubSpot, or Zapier

To connect ManyChat with tools like Shopify or HubSpot, head to: Settings > Integrations > Choose Platform > Connect.

• Shopify: Automatically send SMS messages after a product purchase or abandoned cart.
• HubSpot: Sync contacts and tags between HubSpot lists and ManyChat subscribers.
• Zapier: Create “Zaps” to connect ManyChat with 5,000+ other tools — like automatically adding a contact to a Google Sheet when they subscribe via SMS.

I’ve found Zapier invaluable for setting up workflows that ManyChat doesn’t natively support. For instance, when someone purchases from Stripe, a Zap can instantly trigger a thank-you SMS in ManyChat.

Sync Customer Data for Dynamic SMS Personalization

Customer data syncing ensures your SMS content reflects live updates from your CRM or store.

For example: If a customer changes their email or phone number in Shopify, that info updates automatically in ManyChat — no manual work needed.

Inside ManyChat, you can personalize messages using Custom Fields: “Hey [First Name], since you loved [Product Name], here’s 15% off your next order.”

It feels personal because it is — the data is fresh and contextual.

Automate Follow-Ups Based on Purchase or Abandoned Cart Events

This one’s a revenue game-changer. With Shopify integration, you can:

• Trigger an SMS 1 hour after cart abandonment: “Hey [Name], your items are still waiting! Complete your order now.”
• Trigger an SMS post-purchase: “Thanks for your order! Track it here: [Link].”

To set up: Automation > Rules > Trigger > Shopify Event (e.g., Abandoned Checkout) > Action > Send SMS.

I’ve seen brands recover 20–30% of lost revenue just by implementing this sequence. Timing is key—1 hour after abandonment tends to perform best.

Track Conversions Across All Integrated Platforms

Tracking is what separates casual senders from pros. Use UTM parameters (e.g., ?utm_source=sms&utm_campaign=cart_recovery) in your message links.

You can then see SMS conversions in Google Analytics, Shopify, or HubSpot dashboards. This helps you know exactly how much revenue your ManyChat SMS campaigns generate—no more guessing.

Build Automated Drip Sequences for Customer Journeys

Drip sequences in ManyChat help you nurture leads over time—sending a series of SMS messages based on user behavior, timing, or engagement.

Map Out the Ideal SMS Journey from Lead to Conversion

Start by defining your journey stages: Lead → Engaged User → Customer → Loyal Advocate

Ask yourself:

• What info does a lead need first?
• What action defines conversion?
• How often should they receive messages?

Map this in Flow Builder, using time delays between each SMS to create a natural rhythm.

Example Sequence:

• Day 1: “Welcome to the community!”
• Day 3: “Check out our top resources.”
• Day 5: “Here’s a special offer just for new members.”

Schedule Drip Campaigns with Time Delays and Triggers

Scheduling in ManyChat is intuitive.

Inside Flow Builder, click the + icon > Action > Wait for X Time > Send SMS.

You can:

• Space messages by hours, days, or weeks.
• Combine with Conditions to skip messages for already-converted users.

This keeps communication relevant and avoids overwhelming your audience.

Use Behavior-Based Branching to Adapt Messaging

Behavior-based branching uses user responses or actions to adjust the journey.

For example:

• If a user clicks your link, tag them as “Interested” → Send more details.
• If they ignore two messages, tag as “Unresponsive” → Pause SMS for a week.

This dynamic structure means your messages evolve naturally with user intent.

Measure Engagement at Each Step of the Drip Sequence

In ManyChat Analytics, monitor metrics like:

• Open Rate (Delivery Rate)
• Click Rate (Engagement)
• Conversion Rate

You’ll start to see patterns—maybe your first message converts well, but drop-off happens at message three. That’s your cue to tweak copy, timing, or offer placement.

Pro tip: Clone your best-performing drip, change one element (like CTA wording), and test again. Over time, your drip sequences will practically optimize themselves.

Combine ManyChat SMS With Email and Messenger Flows

If you’ve ever felt like your marketing channels are speaking different languages, you’re not alone.

Combining ManyChat SMS with email and Messenger helps you deliver consistent, timely messages that actually make sense together.

When done well, these channels reinforce each other and build trust through familiarity and timing.

Create Cross-Channel Sequences That Reinforce Each Message

Here’s the simple truth: people rarely stick to one platform. They might see your Facebook ad, open your email later, and finally respond to your SMS. That’s why creating cross-channel sequences is so powerful.

In ManyChat, you can connect SMS, Messenger, and email directly within a single flow. 

To do this:

• From your ManyChat Dashboard, go to Automation > Flows > + New Flow.
• Add your first Messenger message, then click + Add Another Step > Send SMS.
• Follow with Send Email, adjusting delays between each.

For example, you could start with a Messenger welcome message, follow up with an email containing a discount, and then send a final SMS reminder before the offer expires.

I recommend keeping your brand tone identical across all three messages. Consistency builds familiarity — and familiarity drives action.

Automate Handovers Between Messenger, SMS, and Email

Think of your automation like a relay race — each channel should smoothly pass the baton to the next.

Let’s say someone opts in through Messenger but doesn’t respond. You can automatically move them to SMS after a short delay. Here’s how:

1. In the flow, add a Condition that checks if the user hasn’t interacted after a set time.
2. If “No,” add an Action → Send SMS to re-engage them.

Example sequence:

• Messenger: “Hey [Name], thanks for checking out our free guide!”
• Wait 1 day → If no response → SMS: “Did you get a chance to read it? Here’s the link again.”

This layered approach ensures no lead slips through unnoticed while keeping your communication natural and non-intrusive.

Use Multi-Channel Analytics to Refine Your Message Timing

Each channel has its “prime time.” Messenger works well instantly after interaction, SMS performs best within 1–2 hours, and email thrives when scheduled early mornings or evenings.

In ManyChat’s Analytics tab, you can compare performance by channel. 

Pay attention to:

• Open rate (Email)
• Response rate (SMS/Messenger)
• Conversion rate (Across channels)

I’ve seen brands increase conversions by 25% simply by shifting message timing to match customer activity patterns. If your SMS feels too pushy, delay it slightly and test results over a week.

Prevent Overlapping Campaigns Through Smart Scheduling

One mistake I often see is overlapping campaigns — users get hit by multiple messages across channels at once. It’s confusing and frustrating.

To prevent this:

• Use ManyChat’s “Delay” and “Condition” steps to space messages.
• Add tags like “Active SMS Campaign” or “Email Sent” to control frequency.
• Review your Automation > Active Flows weekly to spot overlaps.

A clean schedule keeps your automation human and respectful — which is what customers remember most.

Leverage Keyword Automations for Instant Responses

Keywords are the unsung heroes of ManyChat SMS automation. They let your audience initiate conversations — instantly connecting them with the right flow, message, or team member.

Set Up Keyword Triggers to Automate Opt-Ins and Replies

Inside ManyChat, go to Automation > Keywords > + New Keyword. Add something simple like “DEALS” or “HELP.”

When users text that keyword, ManyChat can:

• Send an automated response
• Add them to a sequence
• Tag them for segmentation

Example: If a user texts “SALE,” ManyChat instantly replies, “Hey [First Name]! Here’s your 20% off link: [URL].”

I suggest using action-based words like “JOIN,” “STOP,” or “INFO.” They’re intuitive and easy for customers to remember.

Route Keyword Replies to Specific Flows or Team Members

Sometimes automation alone isn’t enough — especially for customer support. You can assign certain keywords to human agents.

To do this:

• Go to Automation > Keywords > Add Action > Notify Admin or Assign Conversation.
• For example, keyword “HELP” → Route to support team.

This hybrid automation keeps your brand responsive while still scaling efficiently.

Segment Audiences Based on Keyword Intent

Keywords reveal a lot about user intent. Someone texting “DEALS” wants offers; “HELP” signals support; “JOIN” signals interest.

Use Tags to segment users accordingly:

• “DEALS” → Add Tag “Promo-Seeker”
• “HELP” → Add Tag “Support”

Once tagged, you can send personalized follow-ups. For example, send exclusive offers to “Promo-Seekers” or tutorial videos to “New Users.”

Track and Adjust Keyword Campaigns Using Analytics

In ManyChat > Analytics, you can see how often each keyword is triggered, which flows users engage with most, and where they drop off.

I recommend reviewing these numbers weekly. If “SALE” gets tons of responses but poor conversions, adjust your offer or follow-up message.

Quick metric goals to watch:

• Keyword response rate: Aim for 30–40%.
• Click-through rate: 15–20% is a healthy benchmark.

Small tweaks here can lead to big improvements in engagement.

Use AI and Custom Fields To Personalize SMS Messages

Personalization is what separates good automation from great automation.

Using AI tools and Custom Fields in ManyChat, you can tailor every SMS to reflect who your user is, what they’ve done, and what they care about.

Capture and Store User Preferences in Custom Fields

Custom Fields in ManyChat act like a personalized notebook for every subscriber.

From your dashboard:

• Go to Settings > Custom Fields > + New Field.
• Add fields like “Favorite Product,” “Location,” or “Preferred Contact Time.”

Then, as users engage (click buttons, fill forms, etc.), ManyChat auto-fills these fields.

Example: “Hey [First Name], we’ve restocked your favorite item — [Favorite Product]!”
It feels natural and builds genuine connection because the message reflects their actual interests.

Generate Dynamic SMS Content Based on AI Recommendations

Here’s where it gets exciting — you can integrate ManyChat with AI tools like OpenAI or Zapier’s AI Actions to generate dynamic, personalized messages.

For instance:

• AI can analyze past messages and predict the best next offer.
• It can rewrite SMS copy to match tone preferences (“friendly,” “urgent,” or “exclusive”).

A simple setup might look like this:

Trigger: User clicks link → Zapier Action: Send data to AI → Response: Personalized SMS via ManyChat.

I’ve tested this approach on eCommerce clients and seen up to 40% higher click-through rates compared to generic blasts.

Personalize Timing, Tone, and Offers Automatically

You can use Conditions + Custom Fields to adjust delivery times and message style automatically.

Example:

• If location = California, send at 8 AM PST.
• If “Last Purchase Date” > 30 days, send a re-engagement offer.

Personalization isn’t only about words — it’s about context. Sending the right message at the right time feels thoughtful, not automated.

Analyze Message-Level Data for Continuous Improvement

Finally, track how personalization affects results. In ManyChat’s Reports, review:

• Open Rate (messages delivered)
• CTR (Click-Through Rate)
• Response Rate

Then filter by audience tags or custom fields.
If personalized messages outperform generic ones (which they almost always do), expand those tactics.

I advise reviewing reports monthly. Over time, you’ll identify which personalization variables (like location or interest) produce the strongest ROI.

Automate Compliance and Opt-Out Management

If you’re using ManyChat SMS, compliance isn’t optional — it’s mandatory. 

The good news is that ManyChat makes it surprisingly simple to automate compliance workflows, ensuring every text you send respects your audience’s privacy and follows regulations like TCPA and GDPR.

Add Automated Opt-In and Opt-Out Workflows

Before sending any SMS, users must explicitly opt in. In ManyChat, you can automate this to happen naturally inside your flows.

Here’s how to set it up:

1. From your ManyChat Dashboard, go to Automation > Flows > Create New Flow.
2. Add a Message Block with a prompt like: “Reply YES to receive exclusive SMS offers.”
3. Create a Trigger → Keyword ‘YES’ → Action → Subscribe to SMS.

Once subscribed, ManyChat automatically tags the user as “SMS Subscriber.”

To handle opt-outs, add a Keyword Trigger → STOP → Action → Unsubscribe from SMS.
This ensures users can leave your list anytime — which keeps you compliant and builds trust.

I suggest testing the opt-in flow on your own phone first. You’ll catch tiny UX friction points that could discourage users from subscribing.

Use Conditional Filters to Prevent Non-Compliant Messages

Conditional filters are your safeguard against sending messages to users who haven’t opted in or have unsubscribed.

In each SMS flow:

• Add a Condition block before sending any message.
• Set the rule: If “SMS Consent” = True, continue. Otherwise, End Flow.

This filter ensures only compliant contacts receive messages. It also protects your sender reputation — a non-compliant campaign can quickly lead to carrier blocks or fines.

I recommend creating a reusable “Compliance Check” condition and cloning it into every flow. It saves time and reduces human error.

Schedule Compliance Reports and Contact Cleanups

Your contact list can get messy over time — duplicates, inactive users, and unsubscribed contacts can sneak in. ManyChat’s reporting and integrations help automate cleanups.

• Go to Audience > Filters > Unsubscribed SMS = True and delete or export these users monthly.
• Use Zapier to connect ManyChat with Google Sheets and automatically log unsubscribes or complaints.

This not only keeps you compliant but also improves deliverability. Fewer invalid numbers = fewer wasted SMS credits.

Integrate Legal Requirements Seamlessly into Flows

Compliance shouldn’t break your automation rhythm. Add transparency right into your messages:

• At the end of your welcome SMS, include: “Msg & data rates may apply. Reply STOP to unsubscribe.”
• Use Custom Fields to store consent timestamps (“Opt-In Date”) for audit tracking.

From my experience, embedding compliance within your conversational flow — not hiding it in fine print — actually builds more user trust. It shows respect and professionalism.

Measure and Optimize SMS Campaign Performance

You can’t improve what you don’t measure. Tracking and optimizing your ManyChat SMS campaigns helps you understand what’s driving conversions and what’s wasting credits.

Set Up Conversion Goals and Track Key Metrics

In ManyChat, you can assign conversion goals to each SMS campaign.

To do this:

1. Go to Automation > Flows > Select Flow.
2. Click Settings > Goals.
3. Add a conversion event like “Link Clicked” or “Purchase Made.”

Here are the key metrics worth monitoring:

• Delivery Rate – Measures carrier success (aim for 98%+).
• Click Rate – Tracks engagement (10–20% is solid).
• Conversion Rate – Reflects ROI directly.

I suggest checking these weekly. A drop in delivery or click rate is often your first warning sign that your list or message timing needs adjusting.

Use A/B Testing to Identify High-Performing Messages

A/B testing in ManyChat lets you compare two versions of the same message.

Steps:

• In the Flow Builder, duplicate your SMS message block.
• Adjust one variable — maybe the CTA, offer wording, or send time.
• Split traffic 50/50 and monitor results.

For instance, “Claim your discount now” vs. “Your 20% off expires tonight.”

You might find urgency works better for re-engagement campaigns but not for first-time buyers.

Testing helps you refine tone and timing until every SMS feels naturally persuasive.

Automate Reporting Through Google Sheets or Analytics Tools

You can automate reporting using Zapier or Make (Integromat).

Example workflow:

• Trigger: SMS sent in ManyChat.
• Action: Log message details in a Google Sheet.

This gives you a live dashboard of campaign data — great for spotting trends or sharing performance with your team.

If you use Shopify, connect ManyChat analytics with Shopify Reports to track sales attributed directly to SMS campaigns. That’s where your real ROI story unfolds.

Refine Campaigns Using Engagement and ROI Insights

Once data starts rolling in, look for patterns:

• Do your evening messages outperform morning ones?
• Which keywords drive the highest conversion rates?
• Is your CTR improving over time?

Use that feedback to tweak automation rules and message timing.

I recommend reviewing one metric at a time rather than overhauling everything at once — small, data-backed tweaks consistently outperform big, reactive changes.

Scale Automation With Templates and Cloning Features

Once your ManyChat SMS campaigns start performing well, the next step is scaling — without doubling your workload. ManyChat makes this easy with templates, cloning, and team collaboration tools.

Save Proven SMS Flows as Reusable Templates

When you’ve built a winning SMS flow, save it as a template for future use.

To do this:

• Open your successful flow.
• Click More Options > Save as Template.

You can then reuse it across other campaigns — just tweak the message and timing.
I like creating templates for recurring campaigns like holiday promos or post-purchase follow-ups. It keeps messaging consistent and speeds up launch time.

Clone Campaigns Across Multiple Brands or Accounts

If you manage multiple businesses, cloning saves hours of repetitive work.

From your dashboard:

• Go to Automation > Flows > Select Flow > Clone.
• Choose the destination account or workspace.

This feature is especially helpful for agencies running SMS for multiple clients. You can maintain brand individuality while reusing proven logic structures.

Standardize Branding and Messaging with Pre-Built Sequences

Use pre-built sequences to maintain tone and message flow consistency across all campaigns.

Examples:

• “Welcome Sequence”
• “Abandoned Cart Sequence”
• “Post-Purchase Thank You Sequence”

Building these once and cloning them keeps your messaging aligned across every channel — SMS, email, or Messenger.

Train Teams to Deploy New Campaigns in Minutes

As your automation scales, more hands will touch it. Document your process with a Campaign Launch Checklist:

• Verify triggers and conditions.
• Test opt-ins and links.
• Review compliance tags.
• Run a test message.

You can store this checklist in your ManyChat Notes or Google Docs so new team members can launch without breaking your automation flow.

Expert Tips To Maximize Automation Efficiency

Automation is powerful — but it’s easy to lose the human touch if you’re not intentional.

The best SMS systems feel like thoughtful, personal conversations, even when running 100% automatically.

Maintain Human Tone in Automated SMS Conversations

Write every SMS as if you’re texting a friend. Avoid robotic phrases like “Dear Customer.” Instead, use conversational openings like “Hey [First Name], quick reminder…”

I suggest adding micro-personalization: small touches like emojis, nicknames, or casual phrasing (“Hey there 👋”). It instantly makes automation feel alive.

Regularly Update Campaign Logic Based on Insights

Customer behavior changes — your automation should, too. Review flows every 60–90 days to check:

• Are conditions still relevant?
• Are your tags up to date?
• Are subscribers getting stuck in loops?

I once found a campaign that was still referencing a “Spring Sale” in October — embarrassing but fixable. Set reminders to audit logic regularly.

Use Shortcodes and Variables for Quick Personalization

Shortcodes (like [First Name] or [City]) instantly personalize your messages without manual work. 

Examples:

• “Hey [First Name], our [City] store just restocked your favorite item.”
• “Your code [DiscountCode] expires tonight!”

These dynamic placeholders make large-scale campaigns feel one-to-one.

Keep Testing—Automation Only Improves With Iteration

Automation isn’t “set it and forget it.” It’s a living system that learns.
Keep testing: timing, tone, triggers, offers.

Start small — one new test per month. Measure results, keep what works, and scrap what doesn’t. Over time, you’ll create a library of battle-tested automations that practically run themselves.