SMS (text message) follow-up provides a quick, personal way to connect with visitors. Text messages have significantly higher open rates than email and are ideal for time-sensitive communication.

Setting Up SMS

Before sending text messages, configure your SMS provider:

  1. Navigate to Settings > SMS Settings.
  2. Choose your SMS provider (Twilio is recommended).
  3. Enter your account credentials (Account SID, Auth Token, and phone number).
  4. Click Test Connection to verify the setup.
  5. Click Save Settings.
Note: SMS messaging may incur additional costs based on your provider's pricing. Check with your SMS provider for rate details.

Default SMS Templates

VisiConnect includes pre-written SMS templates for common scenarios:

First Visit Thank You

Sent within hours of a first-time visit:

"Hi {{visitor.first_name}}! Thanks for visiting {{church.name}} today. We're so glad you joined us! If you have any questions, reply to this text. - {{staff.name}}"

Second Visit Welcome Back

Sent after a second visit:

"Hey {{visitor.first_name}}! Great to see you again at {{church.name}}! We'd love to invite you to our newcomer lunch next Sunday. Interested? Reply YES for details!"

Event Reminder

Sent the day before a church event:

"Hi {{visitor.first_name}}! Just a reminder about {{event.name}} tomorrow at {{event.time}}. Looking forward to seeing you there!"

Creating Custom SMS Templates

Navigate to Settings > SMS Templates to create or edit templates:

  1. Click + New Template.
  2. Give the template a descriptive name.
  3. Compose your message (max 160 characters for standard SMS).
  4. Use merge tags to personalize content.
  5. Select the trigger event (first visit, second visit, etc.).
  6. Set the send delay (immediately, 1 hour later, etc.).
  7. Click Save.

SMS Best Practices

Follow these guidelines for effective and compliant text messaging:

  • Keep it brief: SMS messages should be concise and to the point.
  • Include an opt-out: Add "Reply STOP to unsubscribe" to comply with regulations.
  • Send during appropriate hours: Avoid early morning or late evening messages.
  • Get consent: Only send texts to visitors who have provided their phone number and agreed to receive messages.
  • Use a recognizable sender: Include your name or church name so recipients know who's texting.

Two-Way Messaging

VisiConnect supports two-way SMS, allowing visitors to reply to your messages. Replies appear in the visitor's profile under the Communications tab. This is great for:

  • Answering questions about service times or location
  • Confirming event attendance
  • Prayer request follow-up
  • Quick personal check-ins

Manual SMS

Beyond automated templates, you can send manual text messages to individual visitors:

  1. Open the visitor's profile.
  2. Click Send Message and select SMS.
  3. Type your message.
  4. Click Send.

Manual messages are logged in the visitor's communication history.

SMS Analytics

Track the performance of your SMS campaigns from Settings > SMS > Analytics:

  • Messages Sent: Total number of SMS messages sent.
  • Delivery Rate: Percentage successfully delivered.
  • Reply Rate: Percentage of recipients who replied.
  • Opt-out Rate: Number of STOP requests.

Compliance and Opt-Out

VisiConnect automatically handles opt-out requests. When a visitor replies "STOP", they are added to your do-not-text list and will no longer receive automated SMS messages. You can view and manage this list in Settings > SMS > Opt-outs.