If you send the same message often, save it as an SMS template. A template carries the message text, its merge fields and each merge field's fallback value, so a message you have already worded and personalised can be reused on any later campaign.
Templates live in the Template library and are saved and applied from the Compose step of a text campaign.
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Templates apply to text campaigns only. They are not available when you send an individual text message from a profile, or on event RSVP text messages.
Where to find them
- Go to Texts and choose New SMS Campaign, or open an existing draft campaign.
- Work through to step 3 Compose.
- Above the message box you will find Save as template, Templates and Insert merge fields.
Templates opens the Template library. Save as template stores whatever is currently in the message box.
Save a message as a template
- Compose your message as usual — type the text, add merge fields, and set a fallback value for each one.
- Choose Save as template.
- The Save as template dialog opens with the cursor already in Template name. A name is required: Save template stays unavailable until you type one.
- Check the Template message. You can edit the wording here, add further merge fields with Insert merge fields, and adjust values under Merge field fallbacks, which shows a count of the fields needing one.
- Choose Save template.
The template is saved to the library for this account, and your campaign message is left as it was.
Apply a template to a campaign
- On the Compose step, choose Templates.
- The Template library lists your saved templates, each showing its name and a preview of its message. Use the search box at the top to narrow a long list.
- Select the template you want. The footer changes from Select a template to apply to Selected: followed by the template's name, and Apply template becomes available.
- Choose Apply template.
If your message box already has content, SwiftFox asks Replace current message? and explains that applying the template will replace your current message and your merge field fallbacks. Choose Replace message to go ahead, or Cancel to keep what you have.
Applying a template is a replacement, not an addition. It overwrites the whole message, every merge field, and every fallback value with the template's own. If you have fallbacks set up that you want to keep, note them down before you apply a template over the top.
Manage an existing template
Each template in the library has its own menu offering three actions:
- Edit — opens the same dialog you used to save it, so you can change the name, the message, its merge fields and its fallbacks.
- Duplicate — makes a copy, named the same as the original with (copy) added to the end. Useful as a starting point for a variation.
- Delete — asks you to confirm with Delete template?, warning that the template will be permanently deleted and that the action cannot be undone. Deleting a template does not affect campaigns you have already sent or drafted from it.
If a template was created in a different circle, only Duplicate is offered — you can take your own copy of it, but you cannot edit or delete the original.
Frequently asked questions
Does applying a template change my recipients or sender number?
No. A template carries the message, its merge fields and its fallbacks. Your campaign's audience, sender number and schedule are untouched.
Can I keep my current fallbacks and just take the template's wording?
Not in one step — applying a template replaces both. Apply the template first, then set the fallbacks you want.
Are templates shared with my team?
Templates are saved for the account. Where your account uses circles, a template created in another circle appears in the library but can only be duplicated.
Can I send a test from a template?
Apply it to a campaign first, then use Send test message beside the message preview.