This page is currently under construction. Completion expected on Wed 21 Dec 2016.
Automated Text Messages Explained
This article is to help explain the features seen on automated text message setup.
The image on the right is an example of a Text Blast to All Members.
Here is what each section means:
Content
This is the box where you enter in the message you want to send. Merge field options are listed on the right side of the content box. To use a merge field, highlight it and select the Insert button.
Example: To personalize a text, try adding adding your member's first name. This example, which shows "Hi $!{user.firstName}," will text John as "Hi John," and Jane as "Hi Jane,".
Character Count / Limit
The first number listed is the number of characters in your Content box and the second number is the character limit. A text message typically has a limit of 160 characters. Sending more than that will send multiple texts. See something other than 160? Check out the More Info section below.
Example: The 153 indicates that my content contains* 153 characters. The red font indicates that I am within 10 characters of my 160 limit. I can still go over 160 if desired, but it will split my text into multiple messages.
*Dynamic merge fields, such as a First Name which will vary by message, use an average name length in the character count. Static merge fields, such as Club Name, pull in the exact character count. Club merge field options pull from your Admin > Club page.
More Info: Different technologies speak in different languages. To be more specific, word processors typically speak in a language called ASCII while text uses a language called Unicode and some ASCII characters have different meanings in Unicode.
Copying text in one system (like Word) and pasting into another system (like a text message) is a little like using an automated translator in the background; and it doesn't always translate the way you expect. As one example, if you copy and paste you might see something 'kinda funky', like maybe your character count changes from 160 to 70.
To help with this language barrier, InTouch catches and converts the most common "problem characters" for you when sending a text message, but it can't catch them all. As a best practice, we recommend that you type your message directly into the Content box. Once entered, you can then copy and paste to other automated text messages since you're copying/pasting Unicode to Unicode.