Editing SMS Automation Action Improvements (section)

== SMS Automation Action Improvements ==

=== Introduction ===
The '''SMS Automation Action Improvements''' is a feature in ActiveCampaign designed to enhance the process of sending SMS messages through automation. As SMS marketing becomes increasingly vital in engaging customers, these improvements offer users a more intuitive and user-friendly interface for creating SMS campaigns. This feature is especially important as it allows businesses to communicate rapidly and effectively with their audience, thereby boosting customer engagement and retention. 

=== How to Access This Feature ===
To access the SMS automation action improvements, you must have an eligible ActiveCampaign plan that includes the SMS feature. Once you are logged into your ActiveCampaign account, follow these steps:

1. Navigate to the '''Automations''' section of your dashboard.
2. Select the automation where you want to add the SMS action.
3. Click on the option to add a new action and choose '''Send SMS'''.

=== Step-by-Step Instructions ===
To utilize the improved SMS automation action, follow these detailed steps:

1. **Navigate to Automations**:
   - Log into your ActiveCampaign account and select '''Automations''' from the main menu.

2. **Select or Create an Automation**:
   - Open an existing automation or create a new one that you wish to modify.

3. **Add the SMS Action**:
   - Within the automation, click on '''Add Action''' and then select '''Send SMS''' from the available options.

4. **Configure SMS Settings**:
   - You will enter the SMS configuration interface. Here you can personalize your message using chip-based tags for easy editing. This modern personalization experience allows for quick access and support for all Contact, Deal, Account, and Custom Object tags.

5. **Preview Your Message**:
   - Before finalizing, make sure to utilize the '''SMS message preview''' feature, which shows how your message will appear to recipients.

6. **Save Your Changes**:
   - After configuring your SMS message and review, click on the '''Save''' button to apply the changes to your automation.

=== Configuration Options and Settings ===
The enhanced SMS automation action includes the following key configuration settings:

* **Chip-Based Tags**: This feature allows you to quickly add and edit personalization tags, improving the overall efficiency in crafting messages.
* **Type-Ahead Functionality**: Offers quick access to existing tags, making it easier to personalize messages on-the-fly.
* **Message Preview**: A modernized interface that allows you to see how your SMS will be displayed to contacts.

These options greatly streamline the process of creating effective SMS marketing campaigns.

=== Best Practices and Tips ===
To effectively use the SMS automation action improvements, consider the following best practices:

* **Personalization**: Utilize the personalization features, like chip-based tags, to make your SMS messages more engaging.
* **Testing**: Always preview your SMS before sending, as this ensures that it displays correctly to your contacts.
* **Clear Call-to-Action**: Your SMS messages should have a clear and concise call-to-action to encourage engagement.
* **Frequency of Messages**: Be mindful of how often you send SMS messages to avoid overwhelming your contacts.

=== Common Use Cases with Examples ===
The following are some popular use cases for the SMS automation action improvements:

* **Abandoned Cart Reminders**: Send an SMS reminder to customers who abandon their carts, prompting them to complete their purchase. You can find a recipe example for this [here](https://www.activecampaign.com/marketplace/recipe/send-sms-when-a-contact-when-a-contact-abandons-a-cart).
* **Customer Feedback Collection**: Use SMS to gather feedback and reviews after a purchase. More on this can be found in another example [here](https://www.activecampaign.com/marketplace/recipe/collect-customer-feedback-and-online-reviews-by-sending-sms-text-message).
* **Event Reminders**: Send SMS reminders for upcoming webinars, virtual conferences, and events. Check out an example [here](https://www.activecampaign.com/marketplace/recipe/send-sms-reminders-for-your-webinars-virtual-conferences-and-other-events).

=== Troubleshooting ===
In case you encounter issues while using SMS automation actions, consider the following steps:

* **Check Plan Eligibility**: Ensure that your ActiveCampaign plan supports SMS functionalities.
* **Review Configuration**: Double-check the configuration options, ensuring that all personalization tags are correct.
* **Message Delivery**: If messages are not delivering, verify that the phone numbers in your contact lists are formatted correctly and that you have enough SMS credits.

=== FAQ ===
'''Q1: Which ActiveCampaign plans support SMS Automation Action?'''
A1: The SMS feature is available on Marketing Plus, Professional, and Enterprise plans, as well as Sales Plus, Professional, and Enterprise plans.

'''Q2: How do I preview my SMS messages?'''
A2: Utilize the SMS message preview feature available in the configuration interface before saving your changes.

'''Q3: Can I personalize my SMS messages?'''
A3: Yes, you can use chip-based tags for personalization, allowing for dynamic content based on your contacts.

'''Q4: What happens if my SMS messages don’t deliver?'''
A4: Check the formatting of phone numbers and ensure you have adequate SMS credits in your account.

'''Q5: Where can I learn more about purchasing the SMS add-on?'''
A5: You can find more information on purchasing the SMS add-on and SMS credits [here](https://help.activecampaign.com/hc/en-us/articles/115000105844-Purchasing-the-SMS-add-on-and-SMS-credits).

'''Q6: How do I access the complete guide on sending SMS messages?'''
A6: You can access the detailed guide on sending SMS messages [here](https://help.activecampaign.com/hc/en-us/articles/115000103510-How-to-send-SMS-messages-to-your-contacts#how-to-send-sms-messages-to-your-contacts-0-0).

'''Q7: Where can I see the new standards for marketing automation?'''
A7: For insights on new standards in marketing automation, check out the article [here](https://www.activecampaign.com/blog/2024-automation-enhancements).

With these improvements, the SMS automation action feature enhances user experience and effectiveness in reaching out to customers through text messaging. By following the above instructions, tips, and best practices, users can leverage this powerful tool to its fullest potential.