That little device sitting on your desk or in your pocket right now, is truly the most powerful lead generation tool on the planet.
I know. Bold statement and I whole heartly believe it. Not just because I run Broadcast, but because I’ve seen the power of text messaging with capturing leads.
Texting is still the default on every phone. Americans exchanged nearly 2.2 trillion SMS and MMS messages in 2024, according to CTIA's 2025 Annual Survey.
And what’s the default message system on phones?
You guessed it… text messaging.
Now, let me share with you a few simple ways how to turn people’s cell phones into one amazing lead generation machine.
Why Lead Generation From Text Messages?
If you’re hearing a radio ad, are you more likely to go to open up your phone, open up your browser, type in a website address, go to the site, see the web form, fill out the form, submit the form, and wait?
And that’s if you’re able to connect to the internet at that time!
On the flip side, you open up your phone, create a text message, send it, and you’re done.
It’s easy, simple, and as the results show – a fantastic way to capture leads from ANYWHERE.
Text-to-Join: Collect an Email AFTER Opt-in
First, you’ll need a keyword to have people opt-in to join. For example, you can secure a keyword that fits your business, event, reason, or call to action.
Once people text in that word to our sms short code, then an sms autoresponder will be sent out immediately to them requesting their email address. The person would then reply back with their email and BOOM! You just captured their mobile phone and email address!
Speakers use this simple strategy at live events to collect emails from the whole room in a few minutes.
This is the preferred way to have people opt-in and in your sms autoresponders you capture other information. Make the first reply a confirmation: CTIA guidance says it should name the program, say how often you will text, mention message and data rates, and explain how to get help or opt out with HELP and STOP (CTIA Messaging Principles, 5.1.2). For keyword ideas, see our guide to keyword text messaging.
Text-to-Join: Collect an Email ON Initial Opt-in
You can also have people text in the Keyword AND their Email Address on the initial text message, like this:
The benefit to this is that you capture all of this data right up front on the initial text, plus some savings on the per message cost. The negative side of this is that it is somewhat confusing for people to know how to do it.
LESS confusion = Higher Conversion
You can increase your chances, by providing people an actual screenshot on WHAT to do. So if you’re speaking at an event, show an actual picture of what it actually looks like. Not everyone knows how it works, so cut the chances of error in half, with an example.
In fact, we’ve created a simple tool for you to use to create an image that includes your keyword and our short code. Create it and download your image to include in your slides or marketing.
With that said, here’s a few ways to capture emails from your text messages…
Offer a Coupon, Discount, or One-Time Deal
A simple incentive is to give a coupon, discount, promo code, or a one-time deal to people who text in to join your list. Such as Broadcast's SMS coupons which help generate even more leads and drive up your sales. Because these are marketing texts, FCC rules require prior express written consent before you send them (47 CFR 64.1200(a)(2) and (f)(9)); our opt-in text guide shows how to word it.
So after they optin, then respond back with their email address, you can deliver a “success” message which includes the coupon. And you’ve now just built TWO lists: SMS and Email list.
Register for a Webinar / Teleseminar / Event
A great way to drive registrations for a special event or webinar is to have people text in to register. They’ll optin, provide their email address, and boom! They’re registered for your event!
Offline Marketing Lead Generation From Text Messages
When someone gets a piece of mail, opening it up, and looking at it, they’re most likely NOT in front of their computer. However, they probably have their phone in their pocket or purse.
So imagine sending out a postcard or direct mail piece with a call to action to get a coupon, register for a webinar, or get a special report by simply texting in to a phone number.
They text in the keyword, you collect their email, and now you’ve captured a lead!
All through a service like text-to-join.
The possibilities are endless.
And the best part?
We integrate with many of the top email marketing platforms like Keap (formerly Infusionsoft), AWeber, GetResponse, and others. Check out our SMS marketing integrations. Once leads are in, an automated lead follow-up system keeps them moving.
Join By Text - Capture Email Addresses from Text Messages
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What other strategies can you come up with to capture leads? leave a comment below.
Frequently asked questions
Is B2B texting legal?
Texting businesses is legal, but the federal rules do not set a separate standard for business contacts. The Supreme Court has said a text to a cell phone counts as a "call" under the TCPA (Campbell-Ewald v. Gomez), and the FCC rule requiring prior express written consent for autodialed marketing applies to wireless numbers without a carve-out for business-owned phones (47 CFR 64.1200(a)(2)). Our TCPA compliance guide has the details. This is general information, not legal advice.
How do you generate leads automatically with text?
Use a keyword opt-in with an autoresponder: people text your keyword, get an automatic confirmation, and are asked for their email in the same flow. Every step runs without you once the keyword and replies are set up.
How do I send a text message to 1,000 people?
Use a business texting platform rather than a personal phone, send only to people who opted in, and use a number registered for business messaging. Our 10DLC compliance guide explains registration, and the SMS compliance checklist covers consent and opt-outs.
Do I need permission to text leads?
Yes for marketing. FCC rules require prior express written consent, which can be signed electronically, and the request must say that agreeing is not a condition of purchase (47 CFR 64.1200(f)(9)). Leads can opt out with replies like STOP, and you must honor that within 10 business days (47 CFR 64.1200(a)(10)).
