Every business has the same problem: something happens in one tool, and someone has to manually send an SMS about it. A new order lands in a spreadsheet. A form gets submitted. An appointment is booked. Then a person copies the phone number, opens the SMS dashboard, types the message, and hits send.
That is wasted time, and it is where mistakes and delays creep in. The TXTMSG.lk integration for Zapier removes that step. When something happens in one of your apps, the SMS goes out on its own.
Beta notice: The TXTMSG.lk app on Zapier is currently in beta. It supports the Send SMS action today, and we are expanding it based on feedback.
Key Takeaways
- Zapier connects 9,000+ apps; TXTMSG.lk provides the Send SMS action so you can trigger SMS from Airtable, Forms, ActiveCampaign and more — no code required.
- You only need three fields: Recipient, Sender ID Mask, and Message. Map them from your trigger app for personalised automated SMS.
- Popular use cases: Airtable order alerts, Zapier Forms confirmations, ActiveCampaign follow-ups, and scheduled payment reminders.
- High-volume OTPs and custom app logic still work better with the TXTMSG REST API than Zapier.
- Format phone numbers consistently (for example 94771234567), keep messages under 160 characters, and always test before going live.
What Is Zapier?
Zapier is a no-code automation platform that connects more than 9,000 apps. You build a "Zap": when a trigger happens in one app (a new row, a new form entry, a scheduled time), Zapier runs an action in another app. TXTMSG.lk provides the action that sends the SMS.
| Part of a Zap | What it does | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Trigger | The event that starts the workflow | New record in Airtable |
| Action | What Zapier does in response | Send SMS via TXTMSG.lk |
If you are new to SMS automation for Sri Lankan businesses, start with our SMS marketing strategies guide to see where automated SMS fits in a wider campaign plan.
What You Can Do with the TXTMSG.lk Action
The Send SMS action sends a single or transactional message to a phone number through your TXTMSG.lk account. It needs three fields:
| Field | Required | What to enter |
|---|---|---|
| Recipient | Yes | The phone number, usually mapped from the trigger app |
| Sender ID Mask | Yes | Your approved sender name |
| Message | Yes | The SMS text, with dynamic fields such as customer name or order number |
Because the fields are mapped from your trigger app, each message can be personalised automatically.
Need an approved Sender ID first? See SMS solutions and OTP verification for how Sender IDs work with transactional and promotional messaging.
Popular Ways to Use TXTMSG.lk with Zapier
1. Airtable: SMS When a Record Is Created or Updated
Many small businesses run orders, bookings, or deliveries from an Airtable base. Connect it to TXTMSG.lk so that a new record, or a status change such as "Out for delivery", sends the customer an SMS straight away.
2. Zapier Forms: Instant Confirmation After Submission
Run an enquiry, registration, or booking form with Zapier Forms. As soon as someone submits it, they receive an SMS confirming you got their details. This works well for event registrations and service requests.
3. ActiveCampaign: Add SMS to Your Email Automations
If you already use ActiveCampaign, you can send an SMS when a contact joins a list or reaches a tag. Email and SMS together give you two chances to reach the same customer. SMS open rates in Sri Lanka average around 98%, far higher than email (SMS marketing ROI benchmarks).
4. Schedule by Zapier: Reminders on a Timetable
Use a schedule trigger to send SMS at a set time each day, week, or month. Think payment due reminders, class timetable alerts, or a weekly offer to your regular customers.
| Trigger app | Event | SMS sent |
|---|---|---|
| Airtable | New or updated record | Order or delivery update |
| Zapier Forms | New submission | Booking or enquiry confirmation |
| ActiveCampaign | Contact added or tagged | Welcome or follow-up message |
| Schedule by Zapier | Time-based | Recurring reminder |
These are only the most common pairings. Any of the 9,000+ apps on Zapier can be the trigger, including Google Sheets, WooCommerce, Shopify, Typeform, and Google Forms.
For a full comparison of when to use no-code automation versus a developer API, see How to choose an SMS gateway in Sri Lanka.
How to Set Up TXTMSG.lk on Zapier
Step 1: Create Your TXTMSG.lk Account
Sign up at TXTMSG.lk, top up your balance, and get your Sender ID approved. You will need your account credentials to connect to Zapier.
Step 2: Create a Zapier Account
Zapier has a free tier, so you can build and test your first Zap without paying anything upfront.
Step 3: Choose Your Trigger
Pick the app and event that should start the workflow, for example "New Record in Airtable". Connect your account and run a test so Zapier can pull in sample data.
Step 4: Add TXTMSG.lk as the Action
Search for TXTMSG.lk, choose the Send SMS action, and connect your TXTMSG.lk account when prompted.
Step 5: Map the Fields
- Recipient: select the phone number field from your trigger
- Sender ID Mask: enter your approved Sender ID
- Message: write your text and insert dynamic fields such as the customer name
Step 6: Test and Turn It On
Send a test SMS to your own number. If it arrives as expected, publish the Zap. From then on, every trigger event sends an SMS automatically.
Tips for Better Automated SMS
- Format phone numbers consistently — Make sure the number in your source app uses one format (for example 94771234567) so messages are not rejected.
- Keep messages short — Aim for under 160 characters for a single SMS. Dynamic fields can make messages longer than you expect, so test with real data.
- Use the right Sender ID — Keep transactional messages (confirmations, OTPs) separate from promotional ones.
- Only message people who agreed — Automation does not change your obligations. Collect opt-in consent and include opt-out instructions in promotional messages. See transactional vs promotional SMS rules in Sri Lanka.
- Test before going live — Use a test record first so a mistake does not send to your whole customer list.
For Developers: MCP and SDK
If you build with code or AI agents, Zapier also offers an SDK and an MCP server. These let your backend scripts or AI tools call the TXTMSG.lk Send SMS action through Zapier, with Zapier handling authentication. If you only need SMS delivery from your own application, the direct TXTMSG.lk REST API is still the simplest option. Zapier is best when you want to connect SMS to other tools without writing integration code.
For the full developer path, see SMS API integration for Sri Lankan developers and the developers hub.
Zapier or Direct API: Which Should You Use?
| Situation | Best choice |
|---|---|
| No developer on your team | Zapier |
| Connecting existing tools like Airtable or Google Sheets | Zapier |
| Quick prototype or small workflow | Zapier |
| High-volume sending from your own app | Direct REST API |
| Custom logic inside your own software | Direct REST API |
If you are still deciding which SMS gateway to use, compare txtmsg.lk with other Sri Lankan providers before you invest time in a Zap.
Get Started
You can find the TXTMSG.lk app on Zapier at zapier.com/apps/txtmsglk/integrations. Because it is in beta, we would love to hear which triggers and actions you want next. Send us your feedback and it will shape what we build.
Get started with TXTMSG.lk — connect Zapier and automate your first SMS today.
FAQ
Does TXTMSG.lk work with Zapier?
Yes. TXTMSG.lk is available as an app on Zapier, currently in beta, with a Send SMS action.
Do I need to know how to code?
No. Zapier uses a visual builder. You pick a trigger, add TXTMSG.lk as the action, and map the fields.
Is Zapier free?
Zapier offers a free tier. Your SMS charges are billed separately by TXTMSG.lk based on messages sent. See SMS gateway pricing in Sri Lanka for TXTMSG rates.
Which apps can I connect?
Any app on Zapier can act as a trigger. Popular choices include Airtable, ActiveCampaign, Zapier Forms, and Schedule by Zapier, plus thousands more.
Can I send OTPs through Zapier?
The Send SMS action supports transactional messages. For high-volume or latency-sensitive OTPs inside your own app, the direct REST API is the better fit. For OTP implementation patterns, see the OTP and 2FA guide.
What does "beta" mean here?
It means the integration is live and usable but still being improved. Features may be added or changed as we receive feedback.
Related reading:
- SMS API Integration Guide for Sri Lankan Developers
- SMS Marketing ROI Benchmarks for Sri Lankan Businesses 2026
- Best SMS Gateway in Sri Lanka 2026
- SMS Solutions — OTP, Bulk SMS & Two-Way Messaging
Updated October 2026 by the TXTMSG Team — FAST • RELIABLE • EVERYTIME