CallRail’s messaging service, included for free with all CallRail plans, allows you to create click-to-contact links for all your key marketing channels. These links, combined with CallRail’s existing JavaScript snippet, allow you to immediately connect with customers at the source while receiving CallRail’s attribution data. Click-to-contact also pairs with your existing message flows, making it easier than ever to automatically respond to leads at any time.
There are two types of click-to-contact links available in CallRail: dynamic and static.
- Dynamic links turn your existing website tracking numbers into links that allow a customer to place a phone call or send a text message to your business. These links work with your source trackers and website pools and require the JavaScript snippet to be installed and enabled on your website. Clicking a dynamic link will display CallRail's dual call-to-action screen on your website, inviting leads to call or text. Those who select text are directed to their native messaging application with a pre-populated text message that you configure as a default message they can send to the tracker they clicked.
- Static links work with your source tracking numbers and can be used anywhere you can place a link: your website, emails, social media posts, QR codes, short links, etc. When a customer selects your static link, they will be directed to their native messaging app. A text message you configure will be pre-populated, which they can send to your selected source tracking number.
Pro tips
- Dynamic links are intended for your website when you want to turn the number itself into a link that invites your leads to either call or text your business.
- Static links also work on websites but are intended mostly for off-website and/or short shelf life uses cases, like seasonal promotional offers, email templates, short links, QR codes and more. Be aware that disabling any source trackers used in static links will also break those links.
- Message flows work with click-to-contact, so we recommend setting up a Message Flow to send a speedy quality reply to all inbound text leads.
- Don't forget about name, address, and phone number (NAP) consistency! Search engines use NAP consistency to index your business and determine page rank. We recommend attaching click-to-contact links to call-to-action text or an image and using them only in short-term use cases like special promotions and blog links.
Getting started
You must have a tracking number enabled for receiving text messages to use click-to-contact links. Receiving inbound texts does not require registering your phone number with The Campaign Registry for compliance purposes. However, not being registered prevents you from responding to leads. We highly recommend registering because people reaching out via text tend to be high-quality leads who expect a quick reply. Click here for more information on registering your tracking numbers.
Enabling a dynamic click-to-contact link
- From the CallRail home screen, navigate to your settings page, then select Click to contact from the left-hand navigation.
- Select Dynamic contact Link.
- In the default message text box, type what you want to have drafted for a customer when they message you. This will pre-populate in the customer’s messaging app, and can be edited later by the customer. Default messages can be up to 140 characters in length.
- Once you have entered this information, you can use the toggle button at the top of the screen to enable your dynamic link.
Once enabled, phone numbers on your website will be configured to let customers click them, then either call your tracking number or send a text message.
Enabling a static click-to-contact link
- From the CallRail home screen, navigate to your settings page, then select Click to contact from the left-hand navigation.
- Select Static SMS Link.
- Select the tracking number to which you want messages sent in the source tracker drop-down.
- Enter what you want the button to say in the Call to action field. It can be up to 40 characters in length.
- In the default message text box, type what you want to have drafted for a customer when they click your link. This will pre-populate in the customer’s messaging app and can be edited later by the customer. Default messages can be up to 140 characters in length.
- Once you have entered this information, you can copy the click-to-contact button as either a link or HTML code
From here, paste the link/HTML code where desired in your website builder.