Skip to main content

How To Capture Contact Names Automatically via Text Step In Series

A text step in a Series can ask a contact for their name and add the reply to their contact record. Here you'll learn how to set up a name capture text template, add it to a Series, and launch it to a contact with no name.

Written by VipeCloud Support

A Series can include a text step that asks the contact to reply with their first and last name. When they reply, VipeCloud adds the name to their contact record, so you can personalize future messages to contacts who came in without a name.

How to Create a Text Template That Captures Names

For more on text templates, see Texting 101: How to Send & Manage Text Messages.

  1. Click Communication in the sidebar.

  2. Click Text.

  3. Click Templates.

  4. Click Create, or open an existing text template.

  5. In the message, ask the contact to reply with only their first and last name, such as "To help us greet you properly, please reply with your first and last name (just your name, please)."

  6. Turn on Enable Name Capture On Reply.

  7. To send a confirmation after the name is captured, type it in the Name capture success message here... box.

  8. Click Create Template, or Edit Template if you opened an existing one.

How to Add the Name Capture Template to a Series

For full Series setup, see How To Create and Launch Series Templates.

  1. Click Communication in the sidebar.

  2. Click Series.

  3. Create a new Series or open an existing one.

  4. Add a step, and under Step Action, select Send Text.

  5. Choose the text template that has name capture turned on.

  6. Click OK.

  7. Click Save.

How to Launch the Series to a Contact With No Name

  1. Open a contact record that has a phone number but no first or last name.

  2. Click More in the upper right of the contact record.

  3. Click Launch Series.

  4. Select the Series with your name capture step.

  5. Click Preview Series.

  6. Click Start Series Now.

When the contact replies with their name, VipeCloud adds it to their contact record and sends your success message, if you set one. The Series continues with its remaining steps.

Key Notes

  • The user sending the Series needs texting on their user account.

  • A name is captured only when the contact has no first or last name saved.

  • If the reply includes extra words, the name may not be parsed correctly. Ask for only the name in your message.

  • If the contact replies with only a first name, VipeCloud saves the first name and leaves the last name blank.

  • Text templates also have Enable Email Capture On Reply, which captures an email address the same way.

Video Walkthrough

Use the timestamps below to jump to specific sections:

  • 0:11 - What name capture in a Series does

  • 1:08 - Create a text template that captures names

  • 3:17 - Add the name capture template to a Series

  • 4:15 - Launch the Series to a contact with no name

  • 5:17 - See the captured name on the contact record

Related Articles
Did this answer your question?