Let Callers Request Your Booking Link by Text

A phone-menu option can send the caller an automatic text containing your booking link, business address or instructions. In Zonitel, you configure a message for the business number and connect an IVR key to the SMS action. The caller requests the text; this is not live voice AI or a response triggered by a missed call.

The everyday problem is simple: someone calls for your booking page, but explaining a long web address aloud is awkward. A requested text gives them something they can open when ready. Your team can keep a separate menu option for callers who need a person or cannot receive SMS.

Offer one clear next step

Fictional example: a salon's greeting says, “Press 4 to receive our booking link by text.” The message identifies the salon and points to its approved booking page. The customer chooses a time there. Sending the link does not create an appointment, confirm availability or guarantee that the person will complete a booking.

Keep the text short and useful. Choose the page a customer actually needs, not a general homepage that makes them search again. Test the page on a phone and make sure it uses the right service, location and time zone. An address or preparation checklist may be more appropriate than a booking link for some businesses.

Connect the message to your menu

• Open Settings → Phone Numbers and the intended number's settings. In Text Messages (SMS), save its Phone Menu (IVR) text.
• Open Call Flow for the same number and create or edit the Phone Menu (IVR) option. Select IVR Menu: Send Automated SMS in the destination picker.
• Update the greeting so callers know which key requests the text. Confirm the incoming route reaches this menu during the intended hours.
• Call from a separate SMS-capable mobile number, press the key and check both message receipt and the linked page. Listen to what happens to the call afterward.

Can every key send a different text?

Not through this setup. The screen has one IVR message body per business number. Menu options using this action send that configured text, not a different message for each key. Plan around that limit before announcing separate options for booking, directions and pricing. Ask support about your specific workflow if one shared message is not enough.

Do not promise that the key also transfers the caller unless that behavior has been configured and tested. A menu announcement should describe what the customer will actually experience. Test after-hours routing separately if it uses a different menu or destination.

What if the caller cannot receive the message?

Landlines, unavailable caller numbers or delivery problems can prevent receipt. Keep a spoken or human alternative. The business number needs active messaging, and availability and automated-SMS charges depend on the account's terms. A requested informational text is not permission to start unrelated promotional campaigns. Review failed or unconfirmed messages before repeatedly trying again.