Editing Send SMS (section)

== How do I send SMS directly to a single contact? ==

Sending SMS messages directly to a single contact through ActiveCampaign is a vital feature that enhances the ability to communicate efficiently with customers. This feature allows you to instantly relay information via text message, making it an effective tool for prompt notifications or certain marketing efforts. Understanding how to utilize this functionality can be significant for enhancing engagement and improving customer relationships.

=== Introduction ===
The ability to send SMS messages directly to contacts can transform your marketing strategy by enabling immediate communication. With this feature, ActiveCampaign users can send crucial updates, confirmations, and promotional offers directly to a single contact's mobile device. This capability is essential for businesses looking to streamline their messaging efforts and ensure that their communications are timely and effective.

=== How to access this feature ===
To send an SMS to a contact, you need to create an automation that includes an SMS action. Note that the SMS sending feature is only available with specific ActiveCampaign plans that include the SMS add-on. This means you will need at least a Plus, Professional, or Enterprise plan to utilize this feature effectively.

=== Step-by-step instructions ===
Follow these steps to send an SMS directly to a single contact:

1. **Navigate to Automations**:
   - Log in to your ActiveCampaign account and click on the **Automations** tab in the main menu.

2. **Create a New Automation**:
   - Click on the **Create an Automation** button.
   - Choose a trigger for your automation (e.g., "Subscribes to a list" or "Tag is added").

3. **Add SMS Action to Automation**:
   - Once the trigger is set, click on the **+** icon to add a new action.
   - From the list of actions, select **Send SMS**.

4. **Compose Your SMS**:
   - In the SMS action dialog box, enter the text of your message. This message should be concise and to the point, as SMS is typically limited in character count.

5. **Configure the Automation**:
   - After composing your SMS, continue building your automation as needed by adding any additional actions or conditions.

6. **Test and Activate**:
   - Before going live, test your automation to ensure that the SMS is sent correctly. Once you are satisfied with the setup, activate the automation.

7. **Add Contacts to Automation**:
   - To send an SMS to a specific contact, manually add that contact to the automation you created.

Following these steps will enable you to send SMS messages effectively to individual contacts as part of your overall communication strategy.

=== Configuration options and settings ===
When utilizing the SMS sending feature, keep in mind the following configuration options:

- '''SMS action''': This action allows you to send a text message as part of your automation.
- '''Message content''': Make sure that your SMS message adheres to character limitations and is formatted correctly for mobile viewing.
  
Since SMS sending is integrated within the automation framework, the versatility in setting triggers and additional actions can enhance the effectiveness of your communications.

=== Best practices and tips ===
- **Be Concise**: SMS messages are typically read quickly, so ensuring your message is clear and direct is critical.
- **Timing Matters**: Consider the timing of your SMS sends; avoid sending messages late at night or during odd hours to respect your contacts' time.
- **Personalization**: Personalizing your messages can significantly increase engagement rates. Utilize contact attributes where possible.
- **Compliance**: Before sending SMS messages, make sure to comply with regulations such as obtaining consent from your contacts to receive text messages.

=== Common use cases with examples ===
- **Appointment Reminders**: Automatically send reminders to clients about upcoming appointments through SMS notifications.
- **Promotional Offers**: Notify customers about special promotions or discounts via text messages to encourage immediate action.
- **Confirmations**: Use SMS for sending order confirmations or shipping updates to enhance customer service.

These examples illustrate how the SMS feature can be utilized in various real-world scenarios to improve communication with contacts.

=== Troubleshooting ===
If you encounter issues when attempting to send SMS messages, consider the following troubleshooting tips:
- Verify that your ActiveCampaign plan includes the SMS add-on.
- Ensure that the contact's phone number is saved correctly in your account, formatted to accept SMS.
- Confirm that the automation is activated and that the SMS action is properly configured within it.

If problems persist, check the ActiveCampaign support documentation or contact their support team for assistance.

=== FAQ ===
'''1. What plans include the ability to send SMS?'''
Only the Plus, Professional, or Enterprise plans include access to the SMS add-on feature.

'''2. Can I send SMS messages to multiple contacts at once?'''
No, SMS messages must be sent individually via an automation setup.

'''3. What limitations exist for SMS messages?'''
SMS messages may have character limits and may need to adhere to certain formatting standards.

'''4. Are there additional fees for sending SMS messages?'''
Yes, there may be additional charges associated with the quantity of SMS messages sent, depending on your plan.

'''5. How do I ensure compliance when sending SMS?'''
Make sure you have the contact's consent to send SMS messages and that you comply with relevant regulations, including opt-out options.

'''6. Can I customize the SMS messages sent from my automations?'''
Yes, you can customize the content of your SMS messages according to your needs.

'''7. Is there a limit to the number of SMS messages I can send?'''
Limits will vary based on your ActiveCampaign plan and any SMS credits purchased.

This comprehensive overview on how to send SMS directly to a single contact aims to guide users through the necessary steps and provide valuable insights for maximizing the use of SMS within ActiveCampaign.
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