How to Create an SMS Template

Using SMS templates in VanillaSoft is essential for maintaining consistent, professional communication with your contacts. SMS templates save time, ensure message uniformity, and help comply with industry standards. Incorporating contact variables can personalize each message, enhancing engagement and response rates. For more details, refer to our articles on Understanding and Using Contact Variables and SMS Compliance and Best Practices.

Create an SMS Template as an Admin

  1. Open the Project: From the Admin homepage, open the project where you want to create the SMS template.

  2. Access SMS Templates: Open the Email, SMS & Docs menu from the top of the page and choose SMS Templates.

  3. Add Template: Enter the new SMS template name, then click Add Template.

  4. Set Template Status: Use the Status drop-down to decide if the template should be available to callers.

  5. Give a Description (optional): Write a description for the SMS template to help organize your SMS templates list.

  6. Compose Message: Write your message in the template editor, using the Spell Check, Insert Contact Variable, and Insert Opt-Out tools as needed.

  7. Test Template (optional): Enter your mobile number in the Send SMS Test area and click Send to preview how the template will appear to the recipient.
    • Note: Since this is a test, if your SMS template consists of any Contact Variables, these will show as the contact variable used, not contact information.

  8. Save Template: Once you are satisfied with the template, click Save.

Create an SMS Template as a Caller

  1. Access SMS Templates: From the Caller homepage, click on My SMS at the top of the page.

  2. Open SMS Templates Section: Open the SMS Templates section from the top of the page.

  3. Select Project: If you wish to create a template for a different project than the one you are currently logged into, use the SMS Templates for Project drop-down to select the desired project.

  4. Add Template: Enter the new SMS template name, then click Add Template.

  5. Give a Description (optional): Write a description for the SMS template to help organize your SMS templates list.

  6. Compose Message: Write your message in the template editor, using the Spell Check, Insert Contact Variable, and Insert Opt-Out tools as needed.

  7. Test Template (optional): Enter your mobile number in the Send SMS Test area and click Send to preview how the template will appear to the recipient.
    • Note: Since this is a test, if your SMS template consists of any Contact Variables, these will show as the contact variable used, not contact information.

  8. Save Template: Once you are satisfied with the template, click Save.

Creating and using SMS templates in VanillaSoft is an efficient way to maintain consistent and effective communication with your contacts. By following the steps outlined above, both Admins and Callers can create templates that enhance message quality and compliance. Once your SMS template is created, you can follow the steps outlined in the How To Use an SMS Template article to begin using the SMS template.

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