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Simple Personalization Tactics That Make SMS Messages Feel More Human

Written by Insights by Telerivet | Sep 3, 2024

Most messages fail because they feel like they were written for everyone. People tune out anything that looks generic, automated, or disconnected from their real needs. The fix is simple. A few small personalization tactics can make your messages feel human, intentional, and worth reading.

Here are easy ways to do it.

1. Use their name and one real detail

A name alone is not enough. Pair it with one detail from your contact fields.
Example:
“Hi Sara, your refill from last month is due again. Want me to send the link?”

In Telerivet, this is as simple as adding fields like to your message.

2. Tailor the message to their segment

People respond better when they feel the message was meant for them.
Create simple segments like:

  • New subscribers
  • Repeat buyers
  • Specific city or region
  • People who clicked a link last month

Segments turn one message into multiple, each with the right tone and purpose.

3. Use quick replies to keep the message conversational

Short reply options feel natural and reduce friction. eg:
“Want today’s reminder? Reply 1 for Yes or 2 to skip this week.”

Telerivet’s automated services can save their reply instantly and use it in the next step.

4. Reference what they last did

Behavior based messages always feel personal.
Examples:
“You left this in your cart.”
“We saw you checked the price. It just dropped.”
“You visited our clinic last month. Want your follow-up reminder?”

These work well as automated flows triggered by actions or time intervals.

5. Let people choose what they want to receive

This makes the interaction feel respectful and collaborative.
Example: “Tell us what you prefer. Reply A for updates, B for tips, or C for offers.”
Their choice can update custom fields and shape future messaging.

6. Send at the moment they are most likely to engage

Even the perfect message feels robotic if it arrives at the wrong time. Look at your delivery reports and click patterns. Evening for some. Lunch break for others.
Telerivet lets you schedule or segment by timezone so messages land when people are active.

7. Keep your tone natural

People want clarity, not marketing copy. Write like it is a text you would send a friend.
Short sentences. Clear actions. Warm tone.

When simple personalization works, SMS feels like a conversation, not another broadcast.
Telerivet makes it easy with custom fields, dynamic groups, and automated services that adapt as people interact.