Sending SMS and/or email messages

Activity Messenger is designed for sending SMS and emails. You can choose either one or both.

The Messages page contains the list of messages you have sent. Check the help page on Tracking Sent Messages to learn more.

Press the (+) button to create a new message. Choose the method of sending: SMS, email, or both.

# Send a message to yourself 

The best way to get started is to send yourself a message by selecting "Me." Write your message and press Send. You will receive a message on your cell phone and in your email.

Adjust your options in the Reply To and your organization's branding as needed. Check the help page on Organization Information and Branding to learn more.

# Send a message to a list of participants 

Check the "List" option in the "To:" field and choose your mailing list. Activity Messenger will provide an estimate of the sending cost.

Note that the cost is an estimate based on the number of valid email addresses and valid cell phone numbers. The actual cost will be determined during the sending of each message.

# Send the message to both parents 

If your recipients are children, you can send the message to both parents. Activity Messenger will select the second parent from the account. This feature is available for lists uploaded in Excel/CSV format and Amilia lists.

If your recipients are adults and your list is of the Excel/CSV type, you can also send your message to the second contact you imported. Check the same option to do this.

# BCC (blind carbon copy) 

You can send a copy of the message to a list of users. Click on the BCC option to select the user list.

Note: The following merge fields will be available: account manager, participant, and children. Those related to the activity and the Zoom meeting will also be available.

# The SMS options 

SMS messages are always sent from the number 438-792-8666, provided by Activity Manager. You can forward messages by changing the "Reply To" option.

Other "Reply To" options are also available, such as no reply or automated response. Check the help page on Organization Information and Branding to learn more.

# Email options 

If you have not configured the "From" address, emails will always be sent from info@activitymessenger.com. However, participants will see the name of your organization.

You can also set the "Reply To" email address to your own or to that of the organization.

# Type of communication

Activity Messenger manages two levels of subscription: marketing and non-marketing. Choose non-marketing to ensure that everyone, including those who have unsubscribed from marketing communications, will receive your message.

# Message format and length

Sending an SMS is limited to 290 characters. The message will be automatically shortened if it exceeds this limit. There are no length restrictions for emails. Emojis are accepted in both cases.

# Attach a hyperlink to a message

You can include a hyperlink to your website or any webpage of your choice. Activity Messenger will add a shortcut, "https://am.lol/xxxxxxx," in the text message and the email. When the participant clicks on this shortcut, they will be redirected to your hyperlink.

Note: The domain am.lol is Activity Messenger's hyperlink shortening tool. Hyperlinks sent via SMS are shortened using this tool. This is necessary because the SMS limit is 160 characters. Activity Messenger reserves 25 characters for attaching a hyperlink, leaving you with 290 characters for composing your message.

# Send a Youtube and Vimeo video via SMS and email

Activity Messenger allows you to send a YouTube or Vimeo video. Simply paste the video hyperlink, and Activity Messenger will attach a thumbnail of the video along with the hyperlink for the recipient to watch it. On a mobile device, the hyperlink will open the YouTube or Vimeo app.

If you have linked your YouTube or Vimeo accounts, a Media button will be displayed. Click this button to open a dropdown menu of the videos you have published on these platforms.

# Using a template and customizing 

You can choose a template and customize it for sending a message. The original template will remain unchanged.