The purpose of this article is to help you learn how to:

  • Create a new SMS template
  • Edit, Duplicate, or Delete a template
  • Create a campaign with an SMS template

 

What are templates?

template is a file created with an overall layout and design.  Once a template has been created, it can be applied or used to build one or more campaigns. In BookingKoala, you can create templates for both email and SMS campaigns.  

For this article, we will be discussing how to create an SMS template inside the Campaign Module.  

Click here if you'd like to learn more about creating email templates.  

 

Create an SMS Template

To begin, click on the "Templates" tab at the top of the page and select "SMS".  Next, click the light blue "Create Template" button at the top right corner of this section.  

Next, pick one of the seven pre-built SMS templates or select "Create Your Own" from the left side of the page. 

  • Both options allow a maximum of 1000 characters per template. 
  • Both options allow you to edit the title, message, links, and shortcodes by using the template editor on the right side of the screen.

You can pick a pre-built template if you want to quickly set up and save it for immediate use.  The options are:

  • $10 OFF - Hello there, Save $10 on your next booking when using code (coupon code).
  • Did you know we offer gift cards? - Hello there, Did you know that our company offers gift cards? It makes for a perfect gift. To browse our gift cards visit this link: {{.SiteUrl}}/gift-cards/send
  • Refer a friend and earn credits! - Hello there, If you'd like to earn credits towards your future bookings you can do so by referring friends and family. To learn more about that visit: {{.SiteUrl}}
  • Happy holidays! - Hi there and happy holidays! We hope you have a fantastic day. Cheers, {{.StoreName}}.
  • Sign up for recurring service - Thank you for booking with us recently. Did you hear about our promotion? If you book for recurring service today using code (coupon code), you will save 20% on each visit.
  • Thank you for being a customer - We'd like to thank you for being a valued customer. If you ever need anything just let us know.
  • Time is ticking to save 25% - For the next 24 hours, we are offering 25% off your next appointment. Time is ticking so book your spot now: {{.SiteUrl}}/booknow

If you select "Create Your Own", you will customize the entire template with your content.  

On the right side of the screen, begin by entering a title for the template.  Only the admin and staff members will see this.  

Next, construct your message in the box below. 

  • Click on the link icon to add a link to the message.

  • Click the "Insert Short Codes" button to add a shortcode to the template.  


    Click "Insert" or "Copy" to use the shortcode in your message.  


    The shortcodes available for use in the SMS templates are:

    • {{.StoreName}} - Displays your store name.
    • {{.SupportEmail}} - Displays your support email.
    • {{.SupportPhone}} - Displays your support phone number (as set under the General Store Options).
    • {{.SiteUrl}} -  Displays your site's url.
    • {{.CurrentDate}} - Displays the current date (the format and timezone will be set according to your General Store Options).  
    • {{.CurrentYear}} - Displays the current year (the timezone will be set according to your General Store Options).  
    • {{.ContactFirstName}} - Displays the contact's first name.
    • {{.ContactLastName}} - Displays the contact's last name.
    • {{.ContactFullName}} - Displays the contact's full name.
    • {{.ContactEmailId}} - Displays the contact's email address.
    • {{.ContactPhone}} - Displays the contact's phone number.

Once you are finished constructing the template, click the light blue "Save" button at the bottom right corner of the screen. 

 

Template Uses and Options

Once you've saved your template, you can always go back to it by clicking on "Templates" at the top of the Campaign Module and selecting "SMS".

Your templates will be listed in the section below.  Click "Options" under the "Actions" column to view different actions to take with a template.

You can:

  • Edit the template
  • Create a manual campaign using the template
  • Send a test SMS using the template
  • Duplicate the template
  • Delete the template

In addition to these options, you can also select any of your saved templates when creating an automated SMS campaign. 

 

Edit a Template

Click "Edit" to open the template editor and make changes. 

Remember to click the blue "Update" button once you are finished.  

 

Create a New Campaign with a Template

Click "Create Campaign" to launch a new manual campaign using this template.

Click here to learn how to set up a manual SMS campaign.  

 

Send a Test SMS Using a Template

Click "Send Test SMS" and enter a phone number to send a test version of the template. Enter a phone number into the box in the pop-up.  

Click the blue "Send" button to send out the SMS. A green system notification will appear in the top right corner of the page, letting you know the SMS has been sent successfully.

Any shortcodes used in the template will be populated with "dummy" data to show you what the message will look like when a lead or client receives it.

 

Duplicate a Template

Click "Duplicate" to make an exact copy of a template.  A pop-up window will appear, asking if you are sure you want to duplicate this template. 

If you are sure, enter a new name for the template and click the blue "Yes" button. An identical template with a new name will be added to your list.

 

Delete a Template

Click "Delete" to delete a template from your account.  A pop-up window will appear asking if you are sure you want to delete this template.  The template cannot be restored after this step.  

If you are sure, click the blue "Yes" button to proceed and the template will be removed from your list.  

 

Use a Template for an Automated SMS Campaign

If you would like to use a template to start creating an automated campaign, click on the "Campaigns" drop-down menu at the top of the page and select "SMS", then "Automated". 

Click the blue "Create Automation" button in the top-right corner of the screen to begin making the campaign. 

Enter the Campaign Name into the first box, and then select which Audience you will connect to this campaign. Click here to learn how to create and edit audience lists. Click the blue "Add" button to generate the new campaign.  

You will be brought to the "Update Automation" page.  To select an email template, click the blue "Edit & Preview" just below where it says "Send Test".  

Enter a name and description for the sequence and then scroll down to the "Message" section of the page.

Click the grey "Choose Template" button to the right of the link icon and the "Insert Short Codes" button.  

A menu will appear on the right side of the screen.  Under the "Saved" section, click on the template you would like to use and select the light blue "Save & Close" button at the bottom of the menu.  

From here, you can finish editing and building your campaign.  Click here to view a detailed guide on how to create automated SMS campaigns.