SMS Messgaing Overview

There are many different occasions where you would configure a Text (SMS). They all follow the same basic principles, thus this overview will touch all the parts you need to know.

SMS/MMS Messaging Content

• Make sure if you are including an offer or incentive  that you create a sense of urgency in the message. This includes expiration dates, restrictions, etc. 
• You only get 160 characters, so use them wisely!
• Don't be afraid to abbr. (Proper grammar can be excused when you only have 160 characters).
• The name of your business must show up somewhere in the text. By default, it will show up at the beginning.
  • If you type it somewhere else, then it will disappear from the beginning like magic!

Send from (gateway):

If your account has more than one number, you can select which number the message came from by changing the following drop-down. The gateway selected will determine whether you can include an image with your message, known as sending an MMS.

You can send an SMS/MMS via the Blast section, through an Automation, from Messenger (previously TextChat), or as an Auto-Reply.

If there is not an SMS/MMS Gateway on the account please contact Customer Success.

Customizing your message:

Use the 'INSERT' selector to insert SmartText, SmartLinks, or a Template.

SmartText

Allows you to insert personalized information from the Contact Profile or Account Details to create a more customized and conversational message. 

SmartText is populated based on the data you are collecting from your Contacts as well as Account Level data fields.

Each account comes with default data fields but you also have the ability to create customer Data Fields. To create a custom data field see the Fields section under Account Settings.

Examples of data fields available for SmartText: First Name, Birthdate, Location, Loyalty Points, and much more!

There is also a quick-select list of the most common SmartText used such as First Name, Today's Date, etc. 

Timestamp(s) are also SmartText variables that can be included in any message with Patch. Timestamps allow you to include time-sensitive information based on relative times in the past or future. 

Click here to learn more about SmartText.

SmartLink

Allows you to replace a URL with a short, measurable Patch Retention link. You can use this for anything that would have a link (form, webpage, social media link, etc.)

Click here to learn more about SmartLinks.

Templates

Patch provides every account with pre-written content for SMS/MMS messaging available via Templates. You can also create your own templates for ease of use later. SMS/MMS Templates can be found in the Templates section under Account Settings, within the Blasts module and Automations. 

Click here to learn more about Templates.