SMS

If you're looking for a convenient way to quickly communicate important updates, Finpace SMS is for you.

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Overview

This feature is integrated within Finpace’s Mini-CRM and is automatically enabled when a client’s phone number is listed in their profile.

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Key Considerations

• This feature is one-way only for now. A customer cannot reply directly to you.
• The phone number is stagnant: 1 (888) 308 - 9974
  • Please have your customers save this number as your Firm Name for familiarity This is a test link
• This feature does however, provide a streamlined method for sending forms, reminders, meeting notes and other crucial information.

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Enabling SMS in Finpace

The SMS functionality in Finpace is tied to the presence of a phone number in the client’s Mini-CRM profile.

To enable SMS:

1. Ensure a Phone Number is Listed:
   • For SMS to be active, the client’s phone number must be listed in their Mini-CRM profile.
   • Navigate to Finpace > Customers > Select Customer and add or verify their phone number.
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2. Access SMS Features:
   • Once a phone number is present, the SMS feature becomes available in the customer’s profile. If no number is listed, SMS functionality will not be enabled.

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Sending SMS Messages

The SMS feature allows you to send essential links and notes directly to clients, helping you stay organized and keep clients informed.

To send an SMS:

1. Compose a Message:
   • Within the client’s profile in the Mini-CRM, click on the SMS option.
   • You can send links to forms, meeting notes, or other relevant information. For example, if a client completes a Pre-Meeting Questionnaire (PMQ), the key discussion points they listed can be sent via SMS as a summary before the meeting.
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2. SMS as a Stagnant Number:
   • The SMS is sent from a stagnant number that does not receive replies. Advisors should instruct their clients to save this number in their phones under the Firm’s name for easy recognition.
   • This number will be consistent for all communications sent from Finpace, ensuring familiarity and trust.
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3. Automated Non-Response Handling:
   • If a client attempts to reply to an SMS, Finpace automatically sends a response advising them to contact their advisor directly for further assistance. This ensures that communication channels remain clear and that the client knows how to reach out for direct support.

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Auto-Reply Message

Finpace automatically repllies to your customers who text back with this message:

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This number is not two-way compatible, please reach out to your advisor {{advisor.fullName}}, or their team, directly.

Please consider saving this number as the Firm Name associated with {{advisor.fullName}} for your comfort and familiarity.

If you no longer want to receive messages in this way, please reply STOP.

NEVER share personal information in your reply!

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Please note: your customers will NOT see {{advisor.fullName}} in the reply. They will see your name, or the advisors name (if you're a Support Team or Firm Admin working on their behalf), to maintain consistency with your brand. {{advisor.fullName}} is simply code to ensure the connected advisor is listed correctly and automatically.

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Using SMS to Enhance Client Interactions

The SMS feature in Finpace is designed to help advisors maintain a high level of organization and provide clear communication to clients.

• Sending Meeting Notes:
  • After a client completes a Pre-Meeting Questionnaire (PMQ), the topics they wish to discuss are automatically listed in Meeting Notes and recorded in the advisor’s dashboard. These notes can then be sent to the client via SMS, allowing them to review the agenda before the meeting.
  • This functionality helps advisors appear more organized and ensures that both the client and the advisor are aligned on the meeting objectives.
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• Distributing Forms:
  • Advisors can also use SMS to send links to important forms that clients need to complete. The client can access these forms directly from their phone, making it convenient to stay on top of required tasks.
  • These forms are mobile-optimized with a beautifully clean, easy-to-use interface for quick completion.

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Best Practices for Using SMS in Finpace

To get the most out of the SMS feature, consider these best practices:

• Educate Clients:
  • Make sure clients know that the SMS number they receive messages from is associated with your Firm and that it CANNOT receive replies at this time. Encourage them to save the number in their contacts under your Firm’s name.
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• Use SMS for Key Updates:
  • Use SMS for sending critical alerts like pre-meeting notes, form links, and other time-sensitive updates. This ensures that clients receive the most important details directly and promptly. However, it is advised that you DO NOT send sensitive, personally identifiable information to ensure everyone’s safety.
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• Leverage Automation:
  • Take advantage of Finpace’s automation features to automatically generate and send SMS messages based on client actions, such as completing forms or scheduling meetings. This helps maintain consistent communication without additional manual effort.

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Conclusion

Finpace’s SMS functionality provides a simple yet effective way to keep clients informed and engaged.

By enabling SMS through the Mini-CRM and using it to send essential information, advisors can enhance their communication strategy, appear more organized, and ensure that clients are always in the loop.

For a more visual walkthrough, please watch our tutorial video on SMS here.