Automated Text Messages
- Caitlin Tupper
AUTOMATED TEXT MESSAGES
This article is to help explain the features seen on automated text message setup (the image on the right). 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 (eg 153/160)
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.
Filter and Matched
Filter allows you narrow down to whom you send your text message. Matched shows how many contacts you have within the selected date range that have Opted In to receive text messages.
Example: I selected my filter for Nov 16 - Dec 16, 2016. Of all my members that joined within that time period, I have 12 new members (or Sold Leads) with a mobile number listed and that have opted in to receive text messages from my club. When I send this text message, it should reach 12 people.
The "2 Leads have not opted in to text messages yet" message means I have an additional 2 members that joined within my filter range that have not been sent a text opt in request yet. I can add these two members to my text blast by selecting the "Text them to opt-in?" checkbox. When your text blast is sent, these two members will then be sent the opt in request first. If they reply START within 24 hours of the opt in request being sent, they will then also be sent your text message.
More Info
Different technologies speak in different languages. Sometimes a word processor (like Word) will do an auto-translation for you (ever notice how a double dash changes to a long dash in Word?), but the original character may still remain in the background. If you then copy that text and paste it into another system (like a text message), you might see something 'kinda funky', like maybe your character count changes from the standard 160 characters down to 70. If you think of a text message segment like a shipping container, most characters that you can type from a standard US keyword fit in a standard box, but funky punctuation marks or non-Latin language characters need bigger boxes. That's why a standard container can take less of them.
To help with this language barrier, InTouch does catch and convert 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, but always start the first one directly from the Content box.