❖ Heads up! This article is only intended for Site Managers.
By the end of this article, you will be able to:
Understand what SMS texting is and when to use it
Ensure your site is ready to send texts (credits + validated users)
Send text messages using the User Filter
Review and export text message history
What is SMS Text Messaging?
You can use text messaging (SMS) to reach volunteers on their mobile phones quickly about:
Upcoming events
Emergency needs
Final updates and reminders
Time-sensitive announcements
SMS = Short Message Service, the formal name for text messaging.
Sending a text message from your site works similarly to sending an Email Blast—your message is just delivered straight to a user’s phone.
Getting Started (Required Before You Send Texts)
Before you can begin text-messaging your site's users:
You must purchase credits
Users' mobile numbers must be validated
How to Purchase Credits
Your site must have text credits before you can send text messages. Please email us at accounting@galaxydigital.com to purchase credits.
Credits are available for purchase at $100 per 10,000 units (messages), with a minimum purchase of $100.
Purchases must be made with a credit card.
We accept all major credit cards, including Visa, MasterCard, American Express, JCB, Discover, and Diners Club.
How Users Opt In to Text Messages
New Users
When registering, users can opt in below the Mobile phone number field by checking: Send me texts from this site.
Existing Users
They go to their profile and click Edit Profile.
Under Basic Info, they check Send me texts from this site.
How Users Opt Out of Text Messages
Users can opt out at any time:
Go to Edit Profile.
Under the Mobile number field, select Stop Receiving Texts From This Site.
Validating Mobile Numbers (Required)
When a user opts in to texts:
The system sends them a confirmation message.
They must reply YES to validate their number.
Only validated numbers can receive site text messages.
Sending Text Messages (Step-by-Step)
Go to Communications > Text Messaging.
Review your recipient list:
The filter User Data > SMS > is > A Validated SMS User is applied by default.
Click Add New Filter to narrow your audience further.
Enter your message in the Message field.
Click Send Message.
Text Messaging Limitations (Important)
Keep these in mind when drafting messages:
Maximum length: 160 characters.
If you include a URL, it automatically becomes a clickable link.
Messages appear from a five-digit system-generated number that cannot be changed.
Replies to this number are not processed.
If you want responses, include an alternate phone number in your message.
Viewing Text Message Stats
To review messages sent from your site:
Go to Communications > Text Messaging.
Click the History tab.
Column | What it shows | Helpful tip |
ID | Unique ID for each message | Useful for troubleshooting |
Message | The text sent | Type keywords at the top to filter |
Sender | Who triggered the message (often the validator for codes) | Filter by name |
Recipient | Number of recipients (click to see names) | Filter by recipient name |
Date Sent | Date and time sent | — |
Group | 5-character batch group name | Filter by group name |
Use the Table Filter as needed to show or hide columns.
Exporting Text Message Data
Click the Export icon above the data table.
A CSV file will download, which you can open in Microsoft Excel.
Results are exported into a CSV that can be opened with Microsoft Excel.