KUKUI Announces Connect SMS Release & Product Updates

KUKUI Administrator • July 21, 2020

By: Maureen McKane & Kaeli Hall


It’s baaaaaack! Our clients wanted a seamless text message communication service with their customers, and in 2019 we introduced our first generation product, Kukui Connect. After listening to your feedback on the first version, we decided to give Kukui Connect a makeover, add some new features, remove some features that were getting in the way, and with that, we introduce to you the new and improved: Connect SMS.

Let’s talk about texting! Love it or hate it, your customers want you to text them. Some surveys say that regardless of generation, 2/3s of customers prefer a text message over a phone call and over 90% prefer a text message to a voicemail. These are just a few reasons why text messages are a big part of the conversation these days, and with Connect SMS we’re making it easier than ever to keep up with the trends.


What can Connect SMS do? 

Connect SMS is a seamless text message communication tool, with its own designated tab right at the top of your Kukui Control Panel.


A blurry picture of a keyboard with a lot of letters on it.

Less is more! Connect provides a simple, clean user interface to communicate with your customers through an intuitive chat window. 

A screenshot of a text message between two people

On the go? We have a mobile app available for both IoS and Android operating systems!

A cell phone with a screen that says connect sms on it.

Settings, settings, settings!

A screenshot of a website with a tracking number on it.

Mute: Not every user needs every notification every time! Any user can mute their incoming notifications any time.

Snooze: Got a meeting? Have a busy front desk? You can snooze notifications for however long you need until you’re ready to get back at it. 

Auto Reply: No one can monitor messages all the time. You can set an auto reply up whenever you’re not there to moderate your incoming messages. Choose from one or our suggestions or write your own! 


How do I get Connect SMS?

I’ve got good news for you. Connect SMS is just one component of our robust Text Connect Platform. If you’re already signed up for the platform, Connect SMS is already part of that package!

 

Not subscribed yet? The Text Connect Platform comes with:


Text Message Review Requests: Build your online reputation via text!

Text Marketing: Drive customers to your business via text!

Connect SMS: Build your relationships with your customers via text!


Can you handle any more good news? We are still adding features to this platform, so if you sign up now you’ll be the first to get access to all of our texting features as they roll out. If you call soon, you might be able to snag some promotional pricing too. Schedule a demo to learn more!



Graphic about “AI Signals You Can’t Fake or Force” with glowing social icons and a flashlight on dark blue background
By Heather Myers June 18, 2026
AI visibility isn’t just your website or Google profile. Unscripted mentions on Reddit, Yelp, forums, and social groups build the trust AI values most today.
Futuristic storefronts under a rising green arrow, with location pins and analytics icons on a blue background
By Rick Sage June 16, 2026
New KUKUI Data Reveals How Leading MSOs Are Scaling Revenue, Improving Customer Retention, and Driving Measurable Growth
Google review shield with rating card and user icons on a blue background
By Lori Metzler June 11, 2026
Google's 2026 review policy crackdown targets review gating, kiosks, and filtered feedback. Learn how to stay compliant and build trust.
Digital AI customer support interface with chat, rating stars, magnifying glass, and location pin icons
By Summer Lee June 9, 2026
Customer reviews now shape AI search visibility. Detailed, authentic reviews help AI understand your services, build trust, and recommend your shop.
AI-powered flashlight shining on a Google business profile card with review and analytics icons
By Heather Myers June 4, 2026
AI is changing how customers find repair shops. Learn how reviews, Google Business Profiles, photos, and social signals influence AI recommendations.
AI call insights infographic with blue dashboard and “10 best practices” text
By Mary Wirth June 2, 2026
Get more value from AI Call Insights with 10 practical tips to spot coaching opportunities, track performance trends, and convert more callers into customers.
Smartphone and Google review bubbles beside a lit auto repair shop at night
By Heather Myers May 21, 2026
AI search is changing how customers find repair shops. Learn what helps your shop appear in ChatGPT, Google AI, and Gemini recommendations for local search results.
ChatGPT vs. AI powering your software banner with developer at desk and code on dark screen
By Heather Myers May 7, 2026
ChatGPT is powerful, but it’s not built for your shop. Learn how AI in your software uses real data to drive smarter decisions and better business results.
Promotional graphic of a hand holding a phone beside a laptop, with text “Stay active everywhere, automatically.”
By Gabby Oglesby April 28, 2026
Automate your social media with 2 weekly posts published to Facebook, Instagram, and Google—keeping your shop visible online without extra work.
Hand writing on a document with a pen beside eyeglasses on a desk
By Heather Myers April 23, 2026
Understand AI-generated reports for your auto repair shop. Use the Fact, Inference, or Guess framework to improve your insights.