# SMS Guide


Create complex, highly personalized SMS campaigns with our new SMS builder.

## Create a New SMS

From your [Dyspatch dashboard](https://app.dyspatch.io/workspaces), or from inside a Workspace, select **SMS** from the **Create** dropdown menu. 

![Create new SMS menu option](https://docs.dyspatch.io/img/sms/create-sms.png)

### Add SMS Message Content

Add text, links, images, and dynamic variables in the SMS builder. 

![Text being built in the SMS builder](https://docs.dyspatch.io/img/sms/sms-adding-content.png)

<div class="highlight tip">Learn more about using <a href="/sms/dynamic_content_sms/">Dynamic Content in SMS</a></div>

#### SMS Character Count

The SMS character counter helps you keep your messages within strict SMS character limits.

![Character count in SMS builder](https://docs.dyspatch.io/img/sms/sms-character-count.png)

Check with your messaging service to verify their message character limits.

<div class="highlight tip"><a href="/sms/dynamic_content_sms" target="_blank">Dynamic Variable</a> lengths cannot be calculated. Be sure to test a variety of possible data sets</div>

### Preview Message as Notification

SMS messages are often displayed first as notifications, so previewing your first impression is a big deal. Select **Notification** from the "Preview as" menu in the SMS builder to get a glimpse of how your SMS might be seen in the wild. 

![SMS notification preview mode](https://docs.dyspatch.io/img/sms/sms-notification-preview.png)

### Images in SMS

To include images in your SMS, select the **Add Media** button in the SMS builder. Pick from any image in your Dyspatch Image Library, or choose **Upload Images** to drag and drop a file from your computer. 

<img class="center-block img-border" src="https://docs.dyspatch.io/img/sms/sms-add-image.gif" alt="User adding an image from their image library to an SMS">

### SMS Sender Profile

Add your **Sender Name** and **Phone Number** under the **Sender Profile** tab. This information will be included in your export to be used by your SMS service. 

![Example SMS sender profile information filled out](https://docs.dyspatch.io/img/sms/sms-sender-profile.png)

### Links in SMS

Insert any URL or short link directly into the message content. It is common to create short links for any long urls, since SMS has limited characters. 

![A link url in the SMS message content](https://docs.dyspatch.io/img/sms/sms-links.png)

<div class="highlight note">Note: Hyperlinks are not supported in SMS.</div>

Learn how to set [Link Parameters](/sms/localization_in_sms/) for all links in a message and entire Workspaces.

## Creating SMS Conditionals

Create message variations and apply conditions to ensure the right customer receives the right content.

### Create a SMS Variant

To use conditional logic to display specific message variants, create a variant for each possible message a user could receive.

Select **Create variant** below the last variant in the list and modify the content.

![Arrow pointing to the create variant button in the sms builder](https://docs.dyspatch.io/img/sms/sms-create-variant.png)

### Add a Conditional Display Rule for Each SMS Variant

Once your variants are created, select the **Edit Conditional** button next to a variant to bring up the conditional builder.

Select **Add Logic** and include the condition to display that variant when equated to true. In the following example, if `order_number != ""` in the customer's data, they will be shown *Variant 1*. *Variant 2* has a condition of `else` and will be shown if all conditionals equate to false.

![Conditional example displaying variant 1 if order_number is not equal to an empty string](https://docs.dyspatch.io/img/sms/sms-variant-conditional-builder.png)

<div class="highlight tip">To ensure a fallback is provided, your final variant will be included with an<code>else</code> condition</div>

## Project Links

Include any external files, such as style or copy guides. This ensures everyone involved is using the same reference material. 

![Project Link modal](https://docs.dyspatch.io/img/sms/sms-project-link.png)

## Collaborate with Comments

Working in teams is what it's all about! Get input from stakeholders to produce the most engaging and informative SMS content possible! 

Anyone on your team can add comments at any time during the building process. Mention team members with the `@` symbol, resolve comments, and view comment history to maximize your efforts. 

<img class="center-block img-border" src="https://docs.dyspatch.io/img/sms/sms-leave-a-comment.gif" alt="Add a comment to an SMS" />

## Approval Process

Submit your SMS for feedback and approval from team members and stakeholders before publishing. 

![Submitting an SMS message modal](https://docs.dyspatch.io/img/emails/submitting-submit.png)

Once submitted, your draft will be locked in the **Submitted** state. Someone will either **reject** the draft, making it editable again, or **approve** the draft. Approved drafts are in the locked **Approved** state.

<div class="highlight note">Org admins and workspace owners are able to <a href="/emails/submitting_an_email/#skip-approval-and-publish/">skip approval and publish</a></div>

For more on the approval process:
- [Submitting an email for approval](/emails/submitting_an_email/)
- [Draft statuses](/emails/email_statuses/)

## Export SMS

Congratulations! Your SMS has been approved and is ready to be added to your SMS service. 

Click **Export** in the top right of the SMS builder. 

Pick from a selection of templating languages and SMS services and either **Download** or **Copy** your SMS in the format you need. Upload the code to your SMS service and voila! Your SMS is ready to go!

<img class="center-block img-border" src="https://docs.dyspatch.io/img/sms/sms-export.gif" alt="Exporting a published SMS message from Dyspatch" />

## Additional SMS Resources

- [Localize SMS content](/sms/localization_in_sms/)
- [Dynamic content in SMS](/sms/dynamic_content_sms/)
- [SMS Link parameters](/sms/sms_link_parameters/)