Build SMS, Email, and Web Notification Templates

DriveMetaData (DMD) provides dedicated editors for creating SMS, Email, and Web Notification templates.

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SMS Templates

SMS templates allow you to send high-priority text messages directly to mobile subscribers.

Creating an SMS Template

1. Navigate to /templates and ensure the SMS tab is selected.
2. Click Create Template (or launch /templates modal).
3. Enter template details:
   • Template Name: Descriptive identifier for workspace users.
   • Category: Promotional, Transactional, or Lifecycle.
   • Message Body: Enter message text.
4. Insert dynamic variables by choosing from the variable dropdown or typing {{attribute_name}} (e.g., {{first_name}}, {{points_balance}}).
5. Observe character counters:
   • Standard GSM 7-bit encoding allows 160 characters per SMS segment.
   • Unicode encoding (emojis, special characters) limits segment size to 70 characters.
6. Use Send Test SMS to dispatch a test payload to your verified phone number.
7. Click Save Template.

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Email Templates

Email templates support rich formatting, HTML code, Base64 encoding, subject line personalization, and responsive layout previews.

Creating an Email Template

1. Navigate to /templates and select the Email tab.
2. Click Create Template to open the full-screen email editor at /templates/email/create.
3. Configure core email headers:
   • Template Name: Internal reference name.
   • Subject Line: The email subject visible in inbox clients. Supports dynamic variables (e.g., Special offer for {{first_name}}!).
   • Preheader / Preview Text: Short text summary shown next to the subject line in email clients.
   • Sender Name & Reply-To Email: Configure verified domain sending headers.

HTML Content Editor

• Switch between Visual Editor and HTML / Code Editor.
• Base64 encoding is applied automatically upon saving to ensure special characters and markup remain intact during storage and transit.
• Include custom CSS styles and responsive layout wrappers.

Preview and Test Dispatch

• Use the Desktop / Mobile Toggle in the preview panel to inspect layout responsiveness.
• Send a test email to admin recipients before approving the template for campaign use.

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QA Checklist

• SMS message length is checked for segment count limits (160 GSM / 70 Unicode).
• Email subject line contains no empty placeholder tags.
• Email HTML code uses absolute https:// image source URLs.
• Web notification click destination URL begins with valid https:// protocol.
• Test messages deliver cleanly without missing text or broken links.

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Common Issues

Issue	Cause	Resolution
SMS sent as multiple message segments	Included an emoji or special character causing Unicode switch	Remove non-GSM characters to keep message within single 160-char segment
Email images do not display	Image hosted on local file path or non-HTTPS URL	Upload images to DMD Media Library or secure HTTPS CDN
Web notification click does nothing	Invalid or relative destination URL	Ensure URL contains full https:// web address