Boulevard’s auto-response feature ensures clients always get a text back, even if you’re on a lunch break or closed for the night

When you run a self-care business, the key to success is building relationships with your clients. The best way to do that is by keeping in touch with them. But what happens when your schedules don’t sync up? If a client needs help while you’re out to lunch, closed for the day, or on vacation, you have three options. You can ignore the client (not great), give up your free time (also not great) — or you can use self-care management software with an auto-response feature.

Boulevard’s award-winning client experience platform now offers custom automatic responses to client text messages. Using our intuitive Messages interface, you can set up impromptu away messages or daily after-hours replies. Your clients can get instant responses, even if you’re not around to answer them personally. Auto-responses can be a quick and easy way to build trust with your clients and prevent no-shows. You just need to know how to set them up.

How do Boulevard’s auto-responses work?

If you’ve set up an away message in a chat app or an out-of-office reply in your email, you’re already familiar with auto-response messages. You’re not around to respond to messages, so a computer program or mobile app does it for you.

Boulevard’s auto-responses work the same way. If a client texts your business while you’re unavailable, they’ll get an automated reply. Boulevard lets you set up two different kinds of auto-response:

• Away messages are temporary replies for short periods away from your front desk. If you’re on a lunch break, in a staff meeting, or with another client, the Boulevard platform will respond to texts with a customizable “be back soon” message. You can set a duration or end your away status manually.

• After-hours responses send an automated reply to clients when they text in outside of your location’s business hours. These automatically activate at closing time, then deactivate when you open again. You can also set different after-hours messages for different locations.

Boulevard offers templates for both kinds of messages, but you can customize the message to fit your brand. 

Build better client relationships

In the self-care industry, you get clients by providing excellent service, but you keep clients by building strong relationships with them. Auto-responses help your business offer a consistent, personal client communication experience that keeps clients engaged and boosts retention. Imagine that a client texts in with a question or concern while you're away temporarily or closed for the night. If they're unaware you're unavailable, they may feel ignored or neglected. Auto-responses keep clients informed and acknowledged, leading to a more personal and premium communication flow.

Communicate with clients, even when you’re away

Whether you take the time to craft a personal auto-response message or just a brief “I’ll be back later,” your clients will appreciate knowing that they’re not texting into the void. A few quick clicks are all you need to remind them that you care, even while you take some time for yourself.

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the difference between Standard SMS and Secure Messaging in Boulevard?

Standard SMS covers everyday conversations like confirmations and quick questions. Secure Messaging is built for HIPAA-regulated businesses sharing sensitive client information, including photos and files.

When should staff switch a conversation to Secure Messaging?

When a conversation includes sensitive client information, such as treatment details, photos, or files.

Do clients need a separate app for secure conversations?

No. Clients access secure conversations through the Boulevard client portal without another app or login.