#citrussms

[dynamicvisioninc]

How to Create Custom Formatted Messages in Citrus

Written by Aaron Gill | 11.15.2016

Welcome to the latest installment of the Citrus SMS walk-through on the DV blog. If you’re just getting started with Citrus SMS, make sure to check out our Intro to Citrus blog. Previously, we covered scheduled messaging. In this post, we’re going to show you how to create time-saving custom formatted messages.

Formatted messages in Citrus are custom message templates that you can create and use based on your company’s particular needs. Using formatted messages can save you a considerable amount of time if you plan on having to send the same types of messages to frequently. Here’s a few examples of formatted message templates that Citrus users might find quite useful: - Appointment reminders - Deals and special offers - Class or session openings - Reminders for payments that are due So now you that you know what formatted messages are, let’s get started creating one in just a few simple steps. In this example, let’s say I manage the service department of an auto dealership. Throughout the day, my technicians and I will need need to inform customers that work has been completed on their vehicles and that they’re ready for pickup. Creating a template for this type of message will save me the trouble of typing up the same message over and over again. 1.) To begin, I’m going select the “Formatted Message” in the Citrus Admin panel on the left and then select “New Formatted Message” in the top-right corner. 

2.) In the new message pop-up window, I’ll simply enter a title for my formatted message. I’m going to call this one, “Vehicle Ready for Pickup.”

3.) Next, I’ll enter message body text. This is where I’ll inform my customer that their vehicle is ready for pickup -- plus, I’ll add a little reminder on our closing time.

There’s even a handy url shortener allowing you to add a text-friendly url in your message -- perfect for directing customers to special offers or sign-ups on your website.

Tip: Click the “Formatting” button in the bottom-left of the message window to access snippets of code to add to your message. Copy and paste %FIRSTNAME% or %LASTNAME% into message where you’d like their name to appear. The code will automatically pull the first or last name of the customer your messaging from your contact list.

When your recipient views the message on their phone, the code snippets will have been replaced with their name. This is a great way to personalize your formatted message!

Once you’re finished creating your message, click “Save” and you’ll automatically directed back the “Formatted Messages” tab. From this screen, you can sort, edit, or delete messages as needed.

Now, the next time I need to send a message for a vehicle pickup, all I have to do is go to the “Customers” tab select my new “Vehicle Ready for Pickup” template in the “Send Message” drop-down menu.

And that’s all there is to it. Create and store multiple templates for whatever categories fit your needs and start saving some serious time in the process!

Happy messaging and be sure to stay tuned to the DV blog for more Citrus tips! Have any questions on formatted messages or any other Citrus feature? Tweet your questions to @citrussms -- we’d love to hear from you!

[dynamicvisioninc]

How to Schedule a Message in CitrusSMS

Written by Aaron Gill

CitrusSMS is a cloud-based messaging platform that allows you to text-enable your existing landline or toll-free number, while helping your business save time and increase efficiency in the process.

With CitrusSMS, you’ll have access to a suite of features that will allow you to quickly and easily send and receive messages with your customers from any internet connected device. One of these features, Scheduled Messaging, can be particularly helpful with customer interaction and engagement efforts.

Scheduled Messaging allows you to set-up messages to be automatically sent out to your customers at your desired time and date, making it ideal for sending reminders, appointments, follow-ups, and more. Scheduling messages in Citrus is quick and easy. In only a matter of minutes, you’ll have your first message queued up and ready to be sent out at the appointed date and time.

Creating a Scheduled Message

1.) To begin composing a new scheduled message, go to your Customers tab the sidebar on the left of your Citrus Admin panel. Simply click on the “Send Message” button to the right of the person you’d like to message and select “New Message” in the drop-down menu.

2.) In the new message pop-up window, click on the “When To Send” drop-down at the top and select “Later.” Click on the small green calendar icon to in the row below and select the date and time you’d like your message to be sent.

3.) Enter your message in the message text window, then click the “Send” button. (If you have “When To Send” set to “Later”, clicking the send button will save your message until the designated time and date).

Once you click send, you’ll be taken directly to the Scheduled Messages tab where you’ll find your brand new scheduled message. From here, edit or cancel messages as needed. If you have multiple scheduled messages stored, you can sort them alphabetically by customer name, or chronologically by date and time.

One more thing to note, you can also create scheduled message from your Messages tab. Simply click “New SMS Message”, enter the phone number of the person you want to message, and then continue to steps 2 and 3. So there you have it. Scheduling messages in Citrus is as easy as 1-2-3. Be sure to stay tuned to the DV blog for more tips on CitrusSMS tools and features! Have a question on Scheduled Messaging or any other feature in Citrus? Tweet us your questions at @citrussms!

[dynamicvisioninc]

An Introduction to CitrusSMS: Landline Texting for Business

Written by Aaron Gill | 10.05.2016

Here at Dynamic Vision, our mission is to design innovative software products to improve complex workflows. One of the areas we specialize in is business operation and customer interaction.

Our goal is to help businesses improve communication and interactions with their customers and save time in the process. It was with that focus in mind that we created CitrusSMS texting for business.

CitrusSMS is a cloud-based messaging platform that gives businesses a suite of tools designed to enhance customer engagement and increase conversions.

With Citrus, you can text-enable your existing landline or toll-free number, allowing customers to send you a text message at the same number you receive your calls. There’s no new number to learn or short codes for your customers to remember.

Not only will you increase efficiency and save time with Citrus -- send text messages in a fraction of the time it takes to make a call -- you’ll be interacting with your audience using an increasingly preferred method of communication. Citrus SMS comes with a host of standard features including: Unlimited Texting, Formatted Messages, Scheduled Messaging, and Contact Management.

Citrus also features integrations with Google, Zendesk, Salesforce, Front Desk, Stripe, and many more! Ready to see firsthand how business texting with Citrus can help your company operate more efficiently? Start your 30-day free trial of Citrus today!