Templates Overview
Templates (found under Text Messages > Templates) is a tool that allows you to draft a text message (a template) and save the message to use at a later time. Harness provides you with several pre-made templates which you are free to customize, and you can also create an unlimited number of custom templates. Once a template has been created, you may use it at any time in any automated, mass, or one-on-one text message that you are sending to contacts.
How to Create & Edit Templates
Templates can be created and editied from the Templates section. There is a variety of customization options available when working on your templates. The sections below will cover creating and editing templates, as well as the options available to you when crafting your templated messages.
Creating Templates
To create a new template, select the + Create a Template button in the upper-righthand corner.
The 'Create a Template' window will open. From there, you will need to give the template a name. The name is for internal use only, so choose a name that is easily identifiable by you and your team (recipients will not see the template name). You may also optionally assign the template to a folder to keep your templates organized.
Next, add the template's message in the Type a message... text box. This will be the message recipients receive when you send the message to them.
You can even create your new template starting with an existing template by selecting the Start with a Template link above the text box. When crafting your message template, feel free to add emojis and/or use merge tags in the message body and even add attachments that are sent along with the text message.
There is also a toggle that adds your organization's name at the top of the text message body (not recommended if you are also adding the [organization_name] merge tag), and a toggle to show the recipient how they can unsubscribe from receiving text messages.
On the right side of the page you will also see a preview of the message recipients will receive when you send the templated message to them.
Editing Templates
To edit an existing template, start by locating the template you wish to edit. This can be done using the Search templates search box or by clicking on the folder that the template is stored in.
Once you've located the template, select it, then click the 'Edit Template' button.
The template editor will then open allowing you to make any changes you need to make. The same customization options that are available when creating a new template are available when editing existing templates.
Using Emojis
Emojis can also be added to your text messages to add a personal touch. To add emojis to a new text message conversation, use the smiley face icon in the bottom-righthand corner of the text box. From there, simply select the emoji that you would like to add to the message.
Using Merge Tags
Merge tags are a great way to personalize your text message by addressing the donor directly without typing their name. Merge tags are always in the [tag_name] format where the name of the merge tag is surrounded by square brackets. Available merge tags for new text messages are:
[first_name]: Uses the donor's first name[last_name]: Uses the donor's last name[organization_name]: Uses your organization's name
To add merge tags to a new text message, select the business card icon in the bottom-righthand corner of the text box. From there, simply select the merge tag that you would like to add to the message.
Adding Attachments
You also have a variety of attachment options that you can add to each of your text message templates. Only one attachment can be added to a template. Attachment options include:
Ask for a Donation: Adds a link to your default giving form
Attach an Impact Post: Allows you to feature one of your Impact Posts
Design in Canva: Create a new graphic in Canva and attach the image (Not recommended. We instead suggest that you create the design in your own Canva account first, download the image from Canva, then use the Attach a photo option.)
Attach a Photo: Select a file from your computer to add as an attachment (see our photo dimension guidelines for supported file types and sizes)
Add a Video: Select a video file from your computer or provide a link to a video hosted online (such as on YouTube)
Choose a GIF: Select an available GIF through Giphy
Link to a Campaign: Share a link to one of your fundraising Campaigns in Harness
When creating or editing a template, attachments can be added by selecting the black + button or the + Add an Attachment link.
Deleting Templates
You can also delete existing templates that are no longer needed. To delete an existing template, locate the template using the Search templates search box or by clicking on the folder that the template is stored in.
Once you've located the template, select the template, then use the Delete button at the bottom of the page.
*Warning* There is no confirmation screen when deleting a template. If you use the Delete button, the template will be deleted immediately. Deleted templates are unable to be recovered/restored.
How to Create Template Folders
Template folders give you a way to organize your templates by grouping them together such as by category (for example, grouping together auto message templates).
To create a template folder, select the + Add Folder option found at the bottom of the page in the Templates section.
A pop-up window will then open where you can create the new folder. Give the folder an easily recognizable name, then use the Create Folder button to create and save the folder. Once created, the folder will appear in the Template Folders column, and when creating or editing templates you will be able to assign the template to the new folder.
Template folders are unable to be deleted or renamed, so be sure to use an easily recognizable name when creating a new folder.
How to Use Templates in Text Messages
Once you've created your templates and are ready to use them in your text messages, you will be able to use them in your mass text messages, one-on-one text messages, and your automated text messages. Templates can be used when starting a new text message conversation and when responding to an existing text message conversation with a contact. Each of these is covered in greater detail in each feature's respective guide. To learn how to use templates in your text messages, please see:
FAQs
Q: Is there a character limit for text messages?
A: Our text messaging platform supports text messages up to 1,600 characters, but it is recommended to keep text messages to 320 characters or fewer to avoid the text message being flagged as spam.
Best practice is to keep message short and concise as text messages over 160 characters may be flagged as spam by Harness' text messaging provider and/or mobile phone carriers, which can prevent the recipient from receiving the message.