--- title: Guided Open Ended Messaging with Linq Blue description: "Linq Blue guided open-ended texts: 2–3 options to boost replies (30–40%) and keep iMessage deliverability healthy" --- [Skip to content](https://help.linqapp.com/open-ended-messaging-with-linq-blue#main-content) English Show submenu for translations [![Cube-Linq-w](https://help.linqapp.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Cube-Linq-w.png?width=200&height=89&name=Cube-Linq-w.png)](https://linqapp.com/?hsLang=en) Open main navigation Close main navigation - English Show submenu for translations - [Go to linqapp.com](https://linqapp.com/) [Go to linqapp.com](https://linqapp.com/?hsLang=en) How can we help? - There are no suggestions because the search field is empty. 1. [Help Center](https://help.linqapp.com/?hsLang=en) 2. [Linq Blue](https://help.linqapp.com/linq-blue?hsLang=en) 3. [Linq Blue Subscription](https://help.linqapp.com/linq-blue?hsLang=en#linq-blue-subscription) July 14, 2026 # Guided Open Ended Messaging with Linq Blue ### 🧭 Using Guided Open-Ended Messages in Linq Blue **Audience:** Linq Blue customers sending outbound iMessage/SMS campaigns **Goal:** Increase replies, show rates, and keep your line healthy with Apple. --- #### What Is a Guided Open-Ended Message? A *guided open-ended* message is a short question that gives the reader 2–3 simple options to choose from. Instead of: > “What’s happening in your business right now?” You send: > “What’s happening in your business right now, are you looking to grow jobs, boost revenue, or find better people?” You’re still asking an open question, but you’ve made it **easy to answer** by giving a few choices. --- #### Why This Matters for Linq Blue Customers using guided open-ended messages typically see: - **35–40% more replies** - Better **iMessage deliverability** and fewer carrier issues - More conversations that turn into **booked calls and closed deals** Why? - **Apple and carriers watch engagement.** - Low reply rates = your traffic looks spammy. - High reply rates = your line looks healthy and trusted. - **Replies create momentum.** Message → Reply → Conversation → Show → Close. 🎯 **Aim for a 30–40% reply rate** on your first message. If you’re consistently under 15%, it’s a sign the script needs to change. --- #### The Simple Formula You can use this format for almost any campaign: > **Hi {first\_name}! It’s {your\_name} from {company}. > Are you leaning more toward \_\_\_, \_\_\_, or \_\_\_?** **Breakdown:** 1. **Personal greeting** - Use the person’s first name when possible. 2. **Quick identity** - Say who you are and what company you’re with. 3. **Guided question** - Ask what they’re focused on **and** give 2–3 options. 🪄 *The goal is to make replying as easy as tapping one of the options.* --- #### Before & After Examples ### Example 1 – General Business Check-In. **Old style (low engagement):** > “What’s happening in your business right now?” **Guided open-ended version:** > “What’s happening in your business right now—are you looking to grow jobs, boost revenue, or find better people?” --- ### Example 2 – Event Follow-Up. **Old style:** > “Did you get a chance to look at our offer from the event?” **Guided open-ended version:** > “Hey {first\_name}, it’s {your\_name} from {company}. After the event, are you more focused on training your team, onboarding new clients, or updating your tech?” --- ### Example 3 – Product Interest. **Old style:** > “Are you interested in learning more about Linq?” **Guided open-ended version:** > “Hi {first\_name}! It’s {your\_name} from Linq. Are you mostly curious about digital cards, analytics, or integrations with your CRM?” --- #### Best Practices ### 1. Keep It Short and Human - 1–2 sentences max. - Use natural language, like you’d text a real contact—not a marketing blast. ### 2. Give 2–3 Clear Options Good options are: - **Broad enough** to cover most people. - **Specific enough** to tell you what to talk about next. Examples: - “Hiring, revenue, or operations?” - “Training your team, finding leads, or fixing follow-up?” - “Digital cards, integrations, or analytics?” ### 3. End with a Question Always finish with a question mark ❓ - Encourages a reply - Signals to Apple that this is a **conversation**, not a one-way blast --- #### What to Avoid To keep engagement high and your line healthy, avoid: - **Yes/No questions** - “Are you interested?” → easy to ignore or say “No” - **Links or media in the first message** - Start with the conversation; you can share links after they reply. - **Long introductions or pitches** - Avoid multi-paragraph intros. Save details for the follow-up. - **Aggressive or overly salesy language** - This drives down replies and can hurt deliverability over time. --- #### Putting It All Together: A Simple Workflow 1. **Draft your first message** using the guided open-ended formula. 2. **Send to your target list** from your Linq Blue line. 3. **Watch the replies:** - Tag common responses (e.g., “Revenue”, “Hiring”) in your CRM or notes. 4. **Reply 1:1** based on their answer: - Ask a follow-up question or offer a quick next step (call, demo, or resource). 5. **Review performance after a few sends:** - If reply rate is below 20%, try: - Shortening the message - Changing the options - Making the tone more casual --- #### FAQ ### Do I always have to use three options? No. Two options is often perfect. Use three only when it’s natural and not overwhelming. ### Can I use links at all? Yes, but usually **after** they reply. The first message should focus on starting the conversation, not driving a click. Links will not work on the first message. ### Can I still ask follow-up questions? Absolutely. 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