RCS (Rich Communication Services) is an upgraded communications protocol for messaging that adds richer, more interactive features while still living inside the native messaging app on a customer’s phone. It’s the same channel and same inbox but with a more immersive experience that includes branded sender verification, rich visuals, and interactive replies subscribers can tap instead of type.
One of the most useful ways brands can take advantage of that interactivity is through RCS suggested actions, which let subscribers take action directly from the message with a single tap.
This guide walks you through the three suggested action types available in Postscript, how to configure each one, and ideas for putting them to work.
Note: RCS suggested actions are available in Flow Builder for RCS-enabled shops.
What Are Suggested Actions?
Suggested actions appear as tappable buttons (also called "suggestion chips") at the bottom of an RCS message or within a rich card. When a subscriber taps one, it triggers a specific action on their device like opening a webpage, sending a reply, or adding an event to their calendar.
A few things to keep in mind:
A standalone RCS message can include up to 10 suggested actions in its chip list.
A rich card can include up to 4 suggested actions per card.
Button text is limited to 25 characters, so keep labels short and clear.
Postscript currently supports three suggested action types: Open URL, Quick Reply, and Add Calendar Event.
Open URL Action
The Open URL action is the most straightforward. When a subscriber taps the button, it opens a link in their device's browser.
When to Use It
Drive traffic to a product page, collection, or landing page.
Link to a blog post, lookbook, or content page.
Send subscribers to a sale or promotional page.
Direct subscribers to a tracking page for their order.
How to Configure It
In your RCS message within Flow Builder, add a suggested action and select Open link.
Enter a button label (up to 25 characters). Keep it action-oriented e.g., Shop Now, View Collection, or Track Order.
Enter the destination URL or select a link-based merge tag that you want to open when the subscriber taps the button.
Quick Reply Action
The Quick Reply action displays a button that, when tapped, sends a pre-defined reply back to the conversation on behalf of the subscriber just as if they had typed and sent it themselves.
When to Use It
Give subscribers an easy way to respond to a question (e.g., Yes / No / Maybe Later).
Use replies as and Wait for Event Split Actions in Flow Builder to route subscribers down branches based on their response.
Create simple survey style interactions (e.g., Love it / It's okay / Not for me).
How to Configure It
In your RCS message within Flow Builder, add a suggested action and select Quick Reply.
Enter a button label (up to 25 characters). This is both what the subscriber sees and the text that gets sent back as their reply.
The reply text is sent back into the conversation .
Tip! Quick replies work great as a lightweight way to gather subscriber preferences or gauge interest without requiring them to type anything.
Add Calendar Event Action
The Add Calendar Event action lets subscribers save an event directly to their device's calendar with a single tap. This is a powerful way to make sure subscribers don't miss product launches, sales, live events, or any other time sensitive moment.
When to Use It
Promote an upcoming product drop or limited time sale.
Remind subscribers about a live event, webinar, or in-store experience.
Help subscribers remember a restock date or subscription renewal.
Build anticipation for a launch by getting it on subscribers' calendars early.
How to Configure It
In your RCS message within Flow Builder, add a suggested action and select Calendar Event.
Enter a button label (up to 25 characters) e.g., Add to Calendar, Save the Date, or RSVP Now.
Fill in the event details:
Field | Description | Required? |
Event Title | The name of the event as it will appear on the subscriber's calendar (up to 100 characters). | Yes |
Start Date & Time | When the event begins. | Yes |
End Date & Time | When the event ends. | Yes |
Timezone | The timezone for the event's start and end times. | Yes |
Description | Additional details about the event include things like a short summary, a link to your site, or any instructions the subscriber might need (up to 500 characters). | No |
Note: If a subscriber cannot receive RCS messages, they will receive your fallback SMS message instead.
To help simplify setup, the calendar event details are automatically added to the fallback message, so you don’t need to manually re-enter the event information. You can still edit the fallback message if you'd like.
Best Practices for Calendar Events
Be specific with your event title. Instead of "Sale," try something like "Summer Flash Sale: 40% Off." Subscribers will see this title on their calendar, so make it clear and enticing.
Set the right timezone. Double check that your timezone matches the intended event time. Subscribers' devices will adjust the display based on their own timezone settings.
Use the description field. This is a great place to add context like a short teaser, a link to the event page, or a note like "Set a reminder 30 minutes before!"
Pair it with other actions. Combine an Add Calendar Event button with an Open URL button so subscribers can both save the date and browse the details right away.
Ideas and Use Cases
Looking for inspiration? Here are a few ways to combine suggested actions in your RCS messages:
Product Launch Hype: Send a rich card with a product teaser image, an Add to Calendar button for the drop date, and a Shop the Teaser Open URL button linking to a preview page.
Flash Sale Reminder: Use a Quick Reply (I'm in / Not this time) to gauge interest, then follow up with a calendar event for subscribers who replied positively.
Post Purchase Follow-Up: After a purchase, send a message with a Track My Order Open URL button and a Leave a Review Open URL button.
Event Invitation: Announce a live event with an Add to Calendar button and a Learn More Open URL button linking to the event page.