What Is an SMS Widget?
An SMS widget is a small button that sits on your website — usually in the bottom corner. When a visitor taps it, their phone opens a pre-filled text message to your business number.
No app downloads. No account creation. No chatbot. Just a direct line between your customer and your phone.
Why Add One?
If you're a service business, chances are you miss enquiries because:
- Visitors don't want to fill out a contact form
- They're on their phone and calling feels like too much effort
- Your email response takes too long and they've moved on
An SMS widget gives people the path of least resistance. Tap, type, send. You get a text message. They get a reply.
Step 1: Choose Your SMS Widget Provider
There are a few options on the market:
| Feature | TapText | Podium | Live Chat |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price/month | From $39 | From $399 | Free–$50 |
| Messages go to | Your phone | Separate app | Dashboard only |
| Setup time | 2 minutes | Days | 30 min |
| Works offline | Yes (SMS) | Partially | No |
| Requires staffing | No | Partial | Yes |
For most small businesses, you want something that sends messages straight to your phone with zero ongoing maintenance.
Step 2: Sign Up and Configure
Once you've chosen a provider, the setup typically involves:
- Create an account and choose your plan
- Get your dedicated number — a real AU mobile number is provisioned for your account. Your personal number is never shared with customers.
- Set your redirect — choose which phone receives the incoming messages. You can change this anytime in seconds.
- Customise the widget — choose your button colour, label, and position
- Copy your embed code — usually a single