Follow these steps to create an SMS template in Stratus:

1. Go to the Stratus Tools menu and click SMS Builder.

2. You will see a list of SMS templates you have created. Your SMS templates are sorted into groups based on the Data Type selected for the text message. You can see the various SMS templates by choosing the data type from the drop-down list.

   

   What is a Data Type? The merge fields that will be available for an SMS template are based on the data type you choose. For example, if you want to create a session reminder that will include the session date and time, you would choose the "Session" data type. To include a balance due, use the "Invoice" data type. The following data types are available: Appointments - Includes appointment fields and client fields (if linked to a client). Clients - Includes all basic client information. Clients with Family Members - Includes basic client information plus family member information. Clients with Groups - Includes basic client information, along with any groups they are part of. Clients with Loyalty Rewards - Includes basic client information and loyalty reward information. Note: Not available in Stratus Express. Clients with Marketing Plans - Includes basic client information, along with any marketing plans they are part of. Note: Not available in Stratus Express. Invoices - Includes invoice fields and client fields. Payments - Includes payment fields, invoice fields, and client fields. Sessions - Includes session fields and client fields. Tasks - Includes tasks fields and client fields (if linked to a client).

3. Click New on the ribbon to create a new template. Or, double-click an existing SMS template to make changes.

   

4. Complete the following information in the upper portion of the text message:

   • Description - This is how the SMS template will be listed in any drop-down lists.

   • Subject Line - The default subject line that will be inserted into the text message. This information can be changed on individual texts before they are sent.

   • Data Type - Choose the data type for this SMS template. See the descriptions above for details. If you're not sure what data type to select, choose the one you think might be correct. You can come back and change the data type later if you don't find the merge fields you need.

   • Show On - Choose where you want the SMS template to be available throughout Stratus. For example, if you do not check Client, the SMS template will not be available when sending an text message from a client record.

   • Inactive - Make the SMS template inactive if it is no longer being used but you don't want to delete it. Especially helpful for businesses with many SMS templates, this option can help shorten the SMS lists to just the ones being used.

5. Fill in the body of the text message in the editor window. Type directly into the editor or copy and paste from another program.

6. Insert merge fields.

   • Place the cursor where the merge information should go.

   • Click Insert Data on the ribbon.

   • Choose the field from those available in the list.

   • The field will be inserted at the point of the cursor. Fields will look something like "[[tblClients,fldWarning]]."

   • The specific information will be merged when an text message is created from the template.

7. Click Save & Close when finished.