Smart Text Link: One-Click Text Lead Capture
A shareable link that opens a text message to your business, pre-filled and ready to send.
A Smart Text Link is the simplest Alivo Capture tool. It is a special link that opens the person's text messaging app with your business number and the word "START" already filled in. When they hit send, Alivo picks up the conversation with your agent. No website, no form, no app to install. This guide explains how it works and where to use it.
What a Smart Text Link Does
On a phone, tapping a Smart Text Link opens the native SMS app (Messages on iPhone, whatever texting app they use on Android). The message is addressed to your agent's phone number and the body says START. When the prospect sends it:
- Alivo recognizes the inbound text as a new lead from this Smart Text Link source.
- A contact and conversation are created tied to the agent you selected.
- Your agent replies using the start text and follow-up settings you configured.
- The conversation continues by text just like any other SMS lead.
Because the conversation is already on their phone, there is no website abandonment problem. Even if they do not reply right away, your agent can follow up later.
How to Set Up a Smart Text Link
1. Create the Lead Source
Go to Settings → Integrations → Lead Sources and add Smart Text Link (Alivo Capture).
2. Select an Agent (Required)
Choose the agent whose phone number should receive the text. The agent must have a phone number assigned and must be Active. Like Landing Pages, the agent cannot be changed after you save this lead source, so pick carefully.
3. Copy the Link
After saving, Alivo shows your Smart Text Link in the lead source settings. It looks like a standard link but uses the sms: format under the hood. Copy it and use it anywhere you want someone to text you.
Good to know: Smart Text Links work best on mobile. On a desktop computer the link may open a messaging app if one is installed, but the experience is designed for phones.
Where to Use Smart Text Links
- Truck wraps and yard signs with a "Text us" call to action.
- Business cards so prospects can reach you in one tap.
- Email signatures for a low-friction contact option.
- Google Business Profile or social bios where a form is not practical.
- QR codes at job sites or home shows.
What Happens After They Text START
- Alivo creates the lead and tags it to your Smart Text Link source.
- The agent sends the start text right back to them.
- Your agent qualifies, answers questions, and books through the normal text conversation.
- Follow-ups run if they stop responding.
Smart Text Link vs. Chat Widget
Both tools end up as a text conversation, but they start differently. The Chat Widget lives on your website and asks for the visitor's phone number first. The Smart Text Link skips the website entirely and meets the prospect in their texting app. Use the Chat Widget for website traffic and the Smart Text Link for offline and mobile-first situations.
A Smart Text Link is the fastest path from "I saw your sign" to a live conversation. One tap, one word, and your agent takes it from there.
Still have a question this didn't answer? Reach out to our support team support@alivo.ai and we'll be glad to help.