Let's head to our message builder and craft a Message
1. Start a New Message
From anywhere in your account, click the New Message button in the top toolbar.
Alternatively, click the Conversations tab on the left-hand side to access the messaging section directly.
2. Choose Your Message Type
Click Create New Message.
Select Text Message (or email if needed).
Give your message a title (for internal use only—this helps you remember why you sent it, such as “Onboarding Workshop Reminder”).
3. Select Recipients
Choose whether to send to Groups or People.
✅ You can select multiple Groups at once—if someone is in more than one of those Groups, they’ll only receive the message once.
4. Write Your Message ✏️
Type your message in the editor.
Add personalization with variables like First Name to greet people by name.
Keep an eye on the character count:
1 segment = up to 160 characters
You can send up to 3 segments (around 460 characters) in one message.
Using emojis or special characters in your texts can reduce your available space 1 segment = 69 characters.
With special characters, 3 segments will have 201 characters (If you're cutting it close, swap out emojis for simple symbols like
:)to save room and keep your message clear!)
For optimal deliverability, keep messages concise and clear.
5. Use Message Tools
✨ Shorten: If your message runs long, click “Shorten” for a suggested condensed version.
😊 Emojis: Add as many as you like!
📝 Variables: Beyond first name, use custom contact fields for even more personalization.
📸 Media: Add an image (500kb or less). Media will be sent as a separate part of the message.
🔗 Links: Insert Connect Cards or landing pages. Use the built-in link shortener (preferred over Bitly or TinyURL to avoid blocking).
📂 Templates: Drop in pre-saved messages you use often. (Pro Tip: Always insert the template first, then add extra details—templates will overwrite any text already in the editor.)
6. Choose a Sending Number
Select the phone number you’d like to send from.
You can label numbers (see our separate guide) to keep things organized across ministries or campuses.
7. Schedule or Send Now
Click Next.
Choose to send immediately 🚀 or schedule your message for later ⏰.
🎯 Pro Tips
Personal + concise = the best deliverability and engagement.
Test your message by sending to yourself first.
Utilize automated workflows for ongoing follow-ups, and reserve one-off texts for reminders, invitations, or encouragements.
By following these steps, you’ll be able to send clear, timely, and personal messages that strengthen relationships in your church community. 🙌