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# How to use SMS as reminders

Collect allows you to send SMS messages to your clients as part of your follow-up and reminder workflows. SMS reminders can be automated based on specific triggers—like document uploads or form completions—or sent manually when needed.

This guide covers how to schedule SMS reminders, purchase SMS credits, and draft effective SMS content.

## When can SMS messages be sent?
You can send SMS messages:
* **Automatically**, by setting up messages in the **Follow-up** stage during campaign creation or editing    
* **Manually**, from: 
- A **specific request** page
- The **requests list**, using bulk selection

## How to schedule SMS reminders

### In a campaign (automated messages):
1. While creating or editing a campaign, go to the **Follow-up** stage.    
2. Choose to send an **SMS** message. 
3. Draft your message and save your changes.

### Manually from a specific request:
1. Open the **request** from your campaign dashboard.    
2. Click the **Actions** button (top right).    
3. Select **Send a message**.    
4. Choose **SMS** as the message type, draft your content, and send.

### Manually to multiple requests:
1. Go to the **requests list**.    
2. Use the checkboxes to select the desired requests.    
3. Click the **Send a message** button (paper airplane icon).    
4. Choose **SMS**, draft your message, and send to all selected clients.

## Buying SMS credits
Before sending SMS messages, you need to **purchase SMS credits** (admin access required).

### Steps:
1. Click your **profile icon** (top right) and go to **Settings**.    
2. In the left sidebar, click **Plan and billing**.    
3. Find the **Add-ons** section and click **Buy credits**.    

![](https://storage.crisp.chat/users/helpdesk/website/-/b/7/9/2/b792c5fa3ea2e00/buy-sms-credits_n9zzg9.jpg)

5. On the **Buy Credits** page:    
* Select the credit package from the dropdown menu.            
* Click **Purchase credits** to complete the process.

## Drafting SMS content

### Character limits and costs:
* SMS messages are limited to **160 characters** per message.    
* Longer messages are allowed but may use **multiple credits** depending on length.    
* The estimated number of credits used will be shown **below the message field**.

### Important considerations:
* A **short link to the portal (approx. 10–12 characters)** is automatically appended to the end of each SMS. Factor this into your message length.    
* You can use **variables** (e.g., contact name, due date) to personalize the message.    
* Keep your messaging clear, concise, and actionable.

## Tracking SMS performance

While SMS **read receipts are not available** due to protocol limitations, you can track whether a client has **clicked the link** included in the SMS.

To do this:
1. Open the relevant **request**.    
2. Go to the **Activity** tab.    
3. You’ll see if the client has accessed the portal via the SMS link.

## Summary
Using SMS in Collect helps you reach clients quickly and effectively—especially for time-sensitive follow-ups. Be mindful of message length and cost, personalize your content with variables, and monitor link activity to ensure engagement.