SMS Templates

Overview

The Templates page allows you to create and manage SMS text message templates that canvassers can use when reaching out to voters. Templates provide consistent messaging and save time for your canvassing team.

Accessing Templates

Click Templates in the sidebar to view the templates management page.

Template Statistics

The top of the page displays:

Stat	Description
Total Templates	Number of templates in the system
Candidates	Number of candidates configured
Districts	Districts with templates assigned
Categories	Template categories in use

Template List

The template table shows:

• Name - Template name for easy identification
• Category - Introduction, Follow-up, or other type
• Candidate - Which candidate this template is for
• Message Preview - Truncated template content
• Assignments - User/turf assignment count
• Status - Active or Inactive

Creating a Template

1. Click Add Template
2. Fill in the template details:

Field	Description
Name	Short descriptive name
Category	Message type (Introduction, Follow-up)
Candidate	Associate with a specific candidate (optional)
Message	The template text with optional placeholders
Is Active	Whether template is available to use

3. Click Save

Template Categories

Introduction

First contact messages for voters you haven’t reached before. These typically introduce the candidate and campaign.

Follow-up

Messages for subsequent contacts. Used after initial outreach or for voters who requested more information.

Dynamic Placeholders

Use placeholders that auto-fill with voter information:

Placeholder	Replaced With
{firstName}	Voter’s first name
{lastName}	Voter’s last name
{fullName}	Full name
{city}	Voter’s city
{candidate}	Candidate name (based on voter’s district)

Example Template

Hi {firstName}! This is a volunteer with Energy Freedom Team.
I wanted to tell you about {candidate}, who's running for SRP
Board in your district. Can I share some information?

Candidate Management

Viewing Candidates

Click the Candidates section (collapsible) to view and manage candidates:

• Candidate name
• District assignment
• Active status
• Associated templates count

Adding Candidates

1. Click Add Candidate in the Candidates section
2. Enter candidate details:
   • Name
   • District (1-10)
   • Is Active toggle
3. Click Save

Candidate Placeholders

When a template uses {candidate}, the system automatically inserts the correct candidate name based on which district the voter is in.

Template Assignments

Templates can be assigned to:

Specific Users

Assign templates to individual canvassers for their exclusive use.

Turfs

Assign templates to turfs so all canvassers with that turf see them.

All Users

Don’t assign to anyone specific - template is available to everyone.

Managing Templates

Editing Templates

1. Click the menu icon on the template row
2. Select Edit
3. Modify the template
4. Click Save

Activating/Deactivating

Toggle templates without deleting:

1. Click the menu icon
2. Select Activate or Deactivate

Deleting Templates

1. Click the menu icon
2. Select Delete
3. Confirm deletion

Import/Export

Exporting Templates

1. Click Import / Export
2. Select Export
3. Choose format (CSV)
4. Download file

Importing Templates

1. Click Import / Export
2. Select Import
3. Upload your CSV file
4. Map columns to fields
5. Review and confirm

Filtering Templates

Use the filter controls:

• Search - Find by name or content
• Category - Filter by message type
• Candidate - Filter by associated candidate

Best Practices

Writing Effective Messages

• Keep messages concise (SMS length limits apply)
• Use conversational, friendly tone
• Include a clear call to action
• Personalize with placeholders

Template Organization

• Use clear, descriptive names
• Create distinct templates for different purposes
• Keep introduction and follow-up messages separate
• Deactivate outdated templates

Candidate-Specific Templates

• Create templates mentioning each candidate
• Use the {candidate} placeholder for automatic selection
• Update when candidates change

Character Limits

SMS messages have length limits:

• Standard SMS: 160 characters
• Extended SMS: Up to 1600 characters (sent as multiple segments)

The template editor shows character count to help you stay within limits.

Mobile App Usage

Canvassers see templates in the mobile app when:

1. Opening a voter’s detail page
2. Tapping the text/SMS button
3. Selecting from available templates
4. Placeholders auto-fill with voter data
5. Sending via their phone’s messaging app

Differences from CEF Templates

Feature	SMS Templates	CEF Templates
App	SRP Canvass	Clean Energy Friends
Users	Trained canvassers	Casual volunteers
Assignments	User/Turf based	District based
Candidates	Full candidate management	Simple placeholder