Use language selection when your audience needs more than one language. Configure and review each path, including the entry message, menus, questions, confirmations, and agent handoff. The contact chooses a path before sending the first SMS.
How It Works
The interstitial page presents two CTAs side by side, typically “English” and “Español”, each connected to a different SmartLink. Each SmartLink points to a different collector: one configured for English, one for Spanish. When the contact taps their preferred language, the native SMS app opens with a pre-filled message that routes them into the correct OTTO flow from the very first exchange.
1
Contact scans QR code or taps SmartLink
From any entry point, website, direct mail, signage, social, Google Business.
2
Interstitial page loads with language selection
Two buttons: “English” and “Español”, or three if you serve additional languages. Clean, no other navigation.
3
Contact taps their language → SMS app opens pre-filled
English button → English collector SmartLink → English OTTO flow. Español button → Spanish collector SmartLink → Spanish OTTO flow.
4
Contact taps Send, OTTO responds in their language immediately
Test that the selected button opens the intended message and that the configured workflow responds in the selected language. Include an exception path for unsupported requests.
✓
Team alert includes the selected language and collected answers
Configure notification fields and translation where supported. Include the selected language and collected answers so the team can plan follow-up with suitable language support.
Setting Up the Language Selection Interstitial
Step 1, Build both collectors
You need two separate collectors, one fully configured in English, one fully configured in Spanish. Each has its own SmartLink URL. Build and test both before setting up the interstitial page.
✓ Naming convention
Name them clearly: “Home Services Lead, English” and “Home Services Lead, Spanish.” You’ll select them by name when building the interstitial, and the distinction matters especially in agency accounts with multiple clients.
Step 2, Build the interstitial page
1
Go to Lead Collectors → select your English collector
The interstitial is configured on the collector level in Options & Details.
2
In Options & Details → Interstitial Page → enable and configure
Set your headline, add the English CTA button (linked to this collector’s SmartLink), and add the Español CTA button (linked to the Spanish collector’s SmartLink).
3
Set the interstitial headline in both languages
Example: “How can we help you today? / ¿Cómo podemos ayudarte hoy?”, a bilingual headline signals inclusivity before they even select.
✓
Use the English collector’s SmartLink/QR as your single entry point
Both language paths flow from one QR code or SmartLink. The interstitial handles the routing, no separate QR codes per language.
Language Selection vs Auto-Detection
Auto-Detection (standard Language Funnel)
Interstitial Language Selection
A configured message-based rule uses the incoming text
✓ Contact selects language before SMS begins
The initial prompt depends on the configured entry path
✓ The selected button opens the reviewed language entry message
Review supported rules, languages, and fallback behavior
Configure and test a collector for each language path
Use where message-based routing fits the workflow
Use when contacts should choose their language first
Interstitial Content Tips for Bilingual Pages
📝
Bilingual headline
Write the headline in both languages, stacked or on one line: “Get a Free Quote / Obtenga una cotización gratis.” Makes the page feel inclusive before any selection.
🔘
Clear button labels
“English” and “Español”, no flags or icons needed. Use language names that contacts recognize. Keep both equal in visual weight so neither feels secondary.
🎨
Keep it minimal
Two buttons, one headline, one supporting line. The interstitial’s job is to get the contact to tap, save the detail for the OTTO conversation.
📱
Test on both devices
Test the Spanish path on iPhone and Android. Confirm the pre-filled message opens correctly and OTTO’s first Spanish response fires immediately.
Go Deeper
📖 Related Insight
Multilingual SMS: Reaching Spanish-Speaking Customers
Explore multilingual SMS workflows, language selection, and the team support needed to continue conversations.
Read the Insight →
▶ Next Step
Language Funnels Setup Guide
Build the Spanish collector that powers the Español path, the full setup guide for configuring the bilingual OTTO flow.
Read the KB Article →
🎯 Related KB
Interstitial Pages for Qualifying Intent
The same interstitial routing mechanic, applied to intent: route New vs Existing customers to different OTTO flows from one QR code.
Read the KB Article →