Note: Access to the Templates app is exclusively available to DashClicks Pro plan subscribers.
Step-By-Step Guide to Creating an SMS Template
1. Access Applications Menu:
Hover over the navigation bar to the left of the dashboard and select ‘Templates’.
2. Starting a New Template:
Locate the '+ New Template' button in the top right. Click this button and choose 'SMS Template' from the drop-down list.
3. Fill in the Template Form:
A blank form will pop up, prompting you for text entries. Each field is described in detail below.
Title:
This is where you will specify the name or title of your SMS template.
Description:
Provide a short description here to indicate the content of the template or its intended use to your team.
Message:
This is where you will compose the text that you plan to send to your clients. As you input the text, a preview will appear on the right side, showing you a representation of the message as it will appear to the recipient.
Note: Each 160 characters in the message field will utilize 1 credit. Another credit is used every time the character limit is exceeded.
Personalization Options:
The Templates app offers the possibility to add personalization options into your templates. This handy feature can automatically incorporate data unique to each client, saving you time.
For instance, the first category of options you'll see is titled 'Business'. This includes identifiers such as Business Name, Phone Number, Email, and more. In this demonstration, we'll choose 'Business Name'.
The text '{{Business-Business Name}}' will then appear in your message field. The recipient won't see this text but will see their own business name in its place.
As you scroll through the options, you'll see a wide range of personalization options that draw from your Contacts, InstaSites, and InstaReports prospects. You can even add your own personal data. The embedded code will automatically insert the appropriate data based on your contacts list.
Note: If the necessary data is not stored in your contacts or your account, the system will be unable to insert the data. The recipient would then receive a text message that says 'Hello {{Business-Business Name}}' if you haven't linked the recipient with a Business Name in your contacts.
There's also a warning that says 'Credits may vary due to personalizations'. This is because the number of characters can change based on the content you want to include. Be conscious of your credit usage and make sure you don't accidentally exceed the character limit.
4. Testing Your Template:
Before you start using your template with actual clients, it's recommended to test it by sending the message to a phone number of your choice.
At the bottom of the menu, you'll find an option that says 'Test your SMS'. Here, you can input the phone number and select the country where the phone number is based. After entering the number correctly, hit 'Send Test'.
Note: Testing your SMS template will cost credits. Check your credit balance before conducting SMS template tests.
5. Saving Your Template:
When you're happy with your template, make sure to save your work by clicking 'Save' in the top right corner of the menu. If you click 'X' or click outside the menu, any unsaved work will be lost.