If you type the same text over and over, save it as a template. Templates let you send a polished, consistent message in seconds, and help every teammate sound the same.
What a template is
A saved message you can reuse. It can include fill-in fields written with double curly braces, for example {{firstName}} or {{appointmentTime}}. When you apply the template to a conversation, those fields are replaced with real values before the message goes out, and you can preview the finished message first.
When you save a template, the fill-in fields are detected automatically and the segment count and encoding are worked out for you — so you know immediately whether it will send as one text or three.
Where templates live
Templates are applied from the message composer in Messages: open a conversation and pick a saved template rather than typing.
There is no separate template management screen in the portal today. If you need templates created, changed, or cleared out, your administrator or our support team can do it for you.
Why teams use them
- Speed. Send a complete, correct message with a click.
- Consistency. Everyone uses the same wording.
- Fewer mistakes. No typos or missing details in your most important messages.
- Faster onboarding. New staff are effective on day one.
Field ideas
| Field | Fills in with |
|---|---|
| {{firstName}} | The contact's first name |
| {{lastName}} | The contact's last name |
| {{appointmentDate}} | An appointment date |
| {{appointmentTime}} | An appointment time |
| {{company}} | Your business name |
Example templates
Appointment reminder
Hi {{firstName}}, this is {{company}}. Reminder: your appointment is {{appointmentDate}} at {{appointmentTime}}. Reply C to confirm or R to reschedule.
Order received
Thanks for your order, {{firstName}}! We have it and will text you when it ships.
Quick acknowledgement
Got it, thanks. We will get back to you shortly.
Writing effective templates
- Keep it short. Aim to fit a single 160-character text.
- Include a clear next step, such as "Reply YES to confirm."
- Avoid emoji and unusual punctuation in long templates — they cut the limit from 160 characters to 70.
- For any marketing message, include an opt-out line such as "Reply STOP to unsubscribe."
- Proofread once; you will send it many times.
A note on compliance
Transactional messages people expect — appointment reminders, order updates, verification codes — generally do not require an opt-out line. Marketing messages do, and should only go to people who opted in. See SMS Consent, STOP, and Opt-Outs.
Read next
- Business Text Messaging: Getting Started
- Shared Team Inboxes for SMS