Email & Lifecycle

SMS Keyword

A word customers text to a number, like JOIN or STOP, that triggers opt-in, opt-out, or an automated reply.

By Brandon MinaCEO, BrandPilot AIUpdated November 2026

Short answer

An SMS keyword is a word customers text to a number, such as JOIN or STOP, that triggers opt-in, opt-out or an automated reply. Keywords make it easy to join programs from ads, packaging or signage. Standard keywords like STOP and HELP are expected by carriers and support compliance with messaging rules.