New SMS

The “New SMS” feature in Email Marketing module of Retention CRM allows Associations, Chambers of Commerce and Nonprofit organizations to send mass text messages to their contacts. This is a great way to send quick updates, reminders, or time-sensitive information.

General Functionality of “New SMS” Feature

Here’s a breakdown of the options you’ll typically find in “New SMS”:

• Recipients: Choose who will receive the SMS. You can select from various options like groups, tags, saved searches, or individual contacts.
• From: This displays the sender information. By default, it might be your organization name or a designated sender number.
• Scheduled Date & Time: Schedule your SMS for a specific date and time in the future.
• Message: This is where you craft your SMS content. Character limits typically apply (around 160 characters).
• Track Links: Include trackable links in your message to monitor click-through rates.
• Short Codes: Utilize short codes (e.g., Text “NURSE” to 55555 for updates) for subscribers to opt-in or receive specific information.
• Reply-To Number: Set a dedicated number for recipients to reply to your SMS.

Additional Options (may vary slightly):

• Attachments: Attach multimedia content (depending on your configuration).
• Personalization: Personalize messages with contact details using merge tags (e.g., Dear [Firstname]).
• Delivery Reports: Request delivery reports to track if messages were successfully received.

Using “New SMS” Feature in Association Management

Scenario: The National Nurses Association (NNA) wants to inform members about a free upcoming CPR training session.

Using New SMS:

• Recipients: Select the “Nurses” group within Retention CRM.
• From: NNA (or a designated number for the association).
• Scheduled Date & Time: A day before the training session.
• Message: “Reminder: Free CPR training tomorrow! Learn lifesaving skills. [Time] @ [Location]. RSVP: [Link]” (include a trackable link for RSVPs).
• Short Code: Text “CPR” to 55555 to confirm attendance (optional).

Additional Considerations:

• Ensure you have permission to send SMS messages to your contacts (opt-in is crucial).
• Keep messages concise and informative due to character limitations.
• Consider offering an unsubscribe option for recipients who no longer wish to receive SMS updates.

More Use Cases for Associations

Event Reminders and Updates

Scenario: A hiking association wants to remind members about an upcoming hike with a last-minute weather update.

• Use “New SMS”:
  • Recipients: Select members registered for the hike (saved search).
  • From: Association name.
  • Scheduled Date & Time: Shortly before the hike.
  • Message: “Reminder: Hike today at [Time]! Dress warmly, rain expected in the afternoon. See you there!”
• Benefit: Improves communication and ensures members are prepared for the event.

Membership Renewal Prompts

Scenario: A professional association of photographers in Seattle wants to nudge members nearing membership renewal with a quick reminder and a link to renew online.

• Use “New SMS”:
  • Recipients: Members with expiring memberships (saved search based on expiry date).
  • From: Association name.
  • Scheduled Date & Time: A few weeks before expiry.
  • Message: “Your [Club Name] membership expires soon! Renew easily online: [Link]. Enjoy continued benefits!” (include trackable link for renewals).
• Benefit: Increases membership renewals and retains valuable members.

Volunteer Recruitment and Coordination

Scenario: An animal shelter needs volunteers for a weekend adoption event and wants to quickly fill remaining slots.

• Use “New SMS”:
  • Recipients: Volunteers with animal care tags.
  • From: Shelter name.
  • Scheduled Date & Time: A day before the event (targeted based on urgent need).
  • Message: “We need YOU! Few volunteer spots left for this weekend’s adoption event. Text ‘YES’ to [Number] to confirm.” (include reply-to number for confirmations).
• Benefit: Streamlines volunteer recruitment and ensures adequate staffing for events.

By utilizing Retention CRM’s “New SMS” feature effectively, Associations, Chambers and Not-for-Profits can keep their members informed and engaged through timely and relevant text messages.