Using merge fields in text messages

Merge fields in SMS campaigns let you insert Contact data directly into a text message, so each recipient receives personalised content. This brings SMS campaigns in line with email campaigns — you can go beyond standard fields such as first name and last name and pull in custom field and finance field data.

Merge fields are available in the Compose step of the Bulk SMS Sender when building a campaign.

What you can do

• Insert standard fields such as First Name and Last Name.
• Insert custom fields and finance fields (for example membership card details or a next fee amount) as merge fields.
• Access the full list of available merge fields directly in the message composer.
• Insert multiple merge fields into a single message.
• Set a fallback value for every merge field from a single accordion beside the message.
• See a notice when merge fields content may change the message cost.

Inserting a merge field

1. Open the Texts feature and start a campaign — either select New SMS Campaign or open an existing draft (see Creating a text message campaign).
2. Move to the Compose step.
3. Click into the Draft your message box where you want the field to appear.
4. Use Insert merge fields above the message, or type @ in the message, to open the merge field picker. After inserting a field you can keep typing straight away — you no longer have to click back into the message first.
5. Scroll or search the list and select the field you want — for example First Name, Last Name, or one of your account's custom or finance fields.
6. The field is inserted as a chip (for example "@First Name") and resolves to each recipient's data when the message sends.
7. Repeat to add as many merge fields as you need.

Setting merge field fallbacks

Fallback values are used when a Contact has no data in a merge field, so the message still reads correctly.

1. Add one or more merge fields to the message.
2. Open the Merge field fallbacks accordion beside the message. It appears once the message contains at least one merge field, and its heading carries a count of the fields needing a fallback.
3. Enter a Fallback value for each merge field listed.
4. Each newly added merge field automatically appears in the Merge field fallbacks accordion for a fallback value.

Checking length and preview

• The Message preview card beside the message is where the length estimate now lives. Merged content changes the length, so the estimate moves as merge fields resolve — a long fallback value can push a message into a second SMS unit (for example "Estimated 66 characters = 1 SMS unit").
• The Message preview card beside the message shows the message as it will arrive, the opt-out reply, and the estimated character count and SMS units, with Send test message beneath it. Use Send test message to send yourself a sample and check how the merge fields resolve.

Reviewing cost impact

1. Continue to the Schedule step.
2. In the Cost estimate section, review the notice "Merge fields may affect final cost" — some merge fields may increase message length and change the total cost.
3. Select Recalculate now to refresh the estimate after editing the message.
4. A longer resolved message may use more SMS units and move into a higher cost bracket.

Because text messages are funded from your account's Communications Wallet, longer messages consume more credit. Keep merge fields content concise where possible, and use the message preview and a test message to check the resolved length before sending.

Context and relationships

• Merge fields in SMS campaigns behave the same way as merge fields in email campaigns.
• Standard fields such as First Name and Last Name remain available.
• Custom fields and finance fields used elsewhere against your Contacts can also be used in SMS campaigns.
• The fields available in the picker depend on the fields configured in your account.

FAQs

How do I insert a merge field?

Use Insert merge fields above the message on the Compose step, or type @ in the Draft your message box, then choose a field from the list.

Is there an "Add merge field" button?

Yes. Use Insert merge fields, above the message on the Compose step. Typing @ in the message still works and opens the same picker.

Where can I use merge fields?

In the Compose step of the Bulk SMS Sender when building an SMS campaign.

Do they work like email merge fields?

Yes. They function the same way as email merge fields.

Can I set fallback values?

Yes. Merge field fallbacks are managed from the Merge field fallbacks accordion beside the message. They can also be edited in the Save as template dialog when you save the message as a template, and a template carries its fallbacks with it.

Can merge fields affect cost?

Yes. Longer resolved values can increase the character count and SMS units, drawn from the Communications Wallet. Use Recalculate now on the Schedule step to refresh the estimate.

What types of data can be used?

Standard fields (such as names), custom fields, and finance fields.