Zoho Desk - Twilio SMS Guide

CRM
February 22, 2024

Introduction

According to an article by Adobe, 90% of respondents read SMS messages within three minutes of getting them. That's an incredible statistic highlighting the significance of employing SMS as a communication channel in customer care. SMS is the best option when organizations need to respond quickly and efficiently. It is rapid, direct, and reaches your customers immediately.

This blog will look into how Twilio integration with Zoho CRM improves customer experience by offering SMS as a support channel. You'll learn about its advantages and important features and how to set it up, allowing you to maximize your support operations through seamless communication.

Why Choose SMS for Customer Support?

SMS is a highly effective tool for client communication. It has a 98% open rate, far outperforming emails and other messaging services. Customers choose SMS because it is quick, simple, and does not need an internet connection. SMS ensures businesses stay in touch with their clients no matter where they are.

Here are some significant advantages of integrating SMS with customer support software like Zoho Desk:

  • Instant Communication: SMS enables real-time communication with clients, resulting in speedier response times and improved customer satisfaction. 
  • Broader Reach: SMS doesn't need the internet and can reach clients even in areas with poor connection.
  • Personalization: Businesses may send personalized, relevant messages that connect with their clients, making conversations more meaningful.
  • Higher Engagement: SMS messages attract more attention since they are brief, direct, and typically opened within minutes.

Twilio connects with Zoho CRM to improve SMS by enabling two-way messaging. Here's how it functions:

  • Automated Ticket Creation: When a customer sends an SMS, it creates a ticket in Zoho Desk, ensuring no message goes unnoticed.
  • Threaded Conversations: All customer messages are organized in a thread under the same ticket, improving tracking and resolution.
  • Bulk SMS Capabilities: Businesses can send personalized or bulk messages, making communication with multiple customers more efficient.
  • SMS History: Every SMS sent and received is documented in Zoho Desk, giving agents full context in future interactions.

What is Zoho Desk - Twilio SMS Integration?

The Twilio connection with Zoho CRM is intended to improve SMS communication between companies and consumers. This integration enables customer care workers to keep track of all SMS exchanges straight from Zoho Desk without needing a mobile device. The solution not only aids in message delivery but also guarantees that all SMS conversations are documented, which makes it simpler to track communication history and keep up with clients.

Setting up Twilio connectivity with Zoho Desk allows businesses to streamline ticket creation, monitor threaded conversations, and deliver tailored responses. The seamless connectivity streamlines procedures by minimizing manual labour and increasing efficiency.

Key Features of Zoho Desk — Twilio SMS Integration Extension

The Zoho Desk - Twilio SMS Integration comes with several robust features that improve customer service management. Let's break down the key features:

  • New Number as a New Ticket

When a customer sends an SMS from a new number, a fresh ticket is automatically created in Zoho Desk. The subject line will be "SMS from #clientnumber," making it easy to identify the sender. This eliminates the manual task of creating tickets or sorting through previous tickets, allowing agents to focus on responding to customers.

  • Automatic Conversion as Threads

When the system gets an SMS from a number with an existing ticket, it instantly adds the message to the old thread.  This feature prevents several tickets from being created for the same issue, allowing agents to address issues more efficiently. No more cluttered or redundant tickets in your system.

  • Inbound and Outbound SMS Support

Agents can receive and send SMS directly from Zoho Desk. You don't need a mobile phone or another device - everything happens inside Zoho Desk's interface. This feature improves the communication process by keeping track of all conversations in a single place.

  • Instant Acknowledgment Configuration

Businesses can use the instant acknowledgement option to send automated messages immediately after receiving an SMS. This lets clients know that their request has been read and is being handled. Acknowledging clients quickly is critical for establishing confidence and increasing customer satisfaction.

How to Integrate Twilio with Zoho Desk

Integrating Twilio with Zoho Desk is a simple process. Here's a step-by-step guide to set it up:

A step-by-step to integrate Twilio with Zoho Desk

Step 1: Log in to Zoho Desk

Access your Zoho Desk account, and go to the Marketplace.

Step 2: Install the Twilio Extension 

Search for the Twilio SMS extension and install it on your Zoho Desk.

Step 3: Configure Your Twilio Account

Enter your Twilio account details, such as your SID and authentication token.

Step 4: Connect Your Twilio Number 

Connect your Twilio phone number to Zoho Desk, allowing you to send and receive SMS via the system.

Step 5: Set Up SMS Templates

Create personalized templates for usual responses or automate responses to specific activities (e.g., acknowledgement messages).

Once the link is set up, you can manage your SMS communications through the Zoho Desk.

Benefits of Zoho Desk - Twilio Integration for Businesses

Integrating Zoho Desk with Twilio empowers businesses to streamline customer communication and improve support efficiency.

Here are the benefits of Zoho Desk - Twilio Integration:

Benefits of Zoho Desk - Twilio Integration
  • Boosts Communication Efficiency: Businesses that integrate Twilio with Zoho Desk can send and receive SMS effortlessly, and agents can handle several interactions without quitting the platform.
  • Reduces Manual Ticket Management: The automatic ticket creation and thread conversion features significantly cut down manual work, helping agents focus on resolving customer issues faster.
  • Enhances Customer Satisfaction: Instant acknowledgement and timely responses ensure that customers feel heard and valued, boosting overall satisfaction.
  • Enables Bulk Messaging: Sending bulk SMS messages allows firms to reach a bigger audience, whether for marketing campaigns or important notifications.

Can You Send an SMS with Twilio?

Twilio allows you to send SMS messages. It enables organizations to send individual and mass SMS messages via Zoho Desk. This is particularly useful for customer care teams that need to communicate with several clients at the same time.

If you're wondering, "How do I send a test SMS from Twilio"? Here's a quick walkthrough:

1. Log in to Twilio: Go to your dashboard and ensure your phone number is connected.

2. Compose an SMS: Enter the recipient's number and compose your test message.

3. Send the SMS: Hit send, and your test message will be delivered instantly.

4. Check Zoho Desk: If Twilio is linked with Zoho Desk, your customer's SMS will be reflected in their ticket. This verifies that the system is properly configured to send and receive SMS.

Conclusion

Integrating Twilio with Zoho CRM helps improve your customer support experience by providing SMS as a support channel. This connection improves productivity, eliminates manual work, and organizes all communication by including automatic ticket creation, threaded chats, and inbound/outbound SMS support. The Twilio connection enables organizations to harness the power of SMS, ensuring prompt and dependable contact with clients.

To boost customer happiness and streamline your communication operations, check into Twilio's integration with Zoho CRM. The benefits are clear - better customer relationships, faster responses, and efficient ticket management await. Take advantage of this opportunity to upgrade your customer support with SMS!

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