Texting feature tutorial
Last updated August 5, 2026
Objective
This guide outlines how to use Recur’s comprehensive texting tools, covering both one-on-one Chats and large-scale Text Campaigns. These features facilitate real-time engagement and streamlined mass communication with members who have opted in for SMS.
Key Steps
Step 1: Manage One-on-One Chats
Navigate: Go to Engage > Texting > Chats.
Recipient List: The left-hand panel displays contacts available for texting.
Note: Only members who are opted-in will appear here. If a contact is missing, they must be manually opted in or receive an invitation to do so.
Composing Messages: Click a contact to open the thread. Type your message in the bottom box.
Interactive Tools:
Stop Text: Click this to automatically append "Reply STOP to unsubscribe" instructions, allowing members to opt-out via all-caps "STOP."
Personalization & Media: Use the AI help button, emojis, and file/image attachments.
Direct Links: Use the quick-links to insert URLs for Events, Association Sign-ups, or Blog Posts.
Search: Use the top-right keyword search to find specific past messages within a thread.
Step 2: Initiate a Text Campaign
For mass communication, use the campaign builder to reach multiple members simultaneously.
Navigate: Go to Engage > Texting > Text Campaigns.
Review Dashboard: Monitor existing campaigns by name, date, and status.
Single Black Check: Campaign created/drafted.
Double Light Blue Checks: Campaign successfully sent.
Start New: Click New Campaign in the top right and enter a descriptive name (e.g., "Annual Christmas Party").
Step 3: Select Recipients (Recipients Step)
Choose your audience using one of three methods:
Single Contacts: Manually move individual names using the arrows.
Groups: Select pre-defined groups (e.g., "Board Members").
Dynamic (Recommended): Use filters to pin specific audiences.
Example: Select Object: Contacts > Field: Contact Type > Operator: Is > Value: Active Members. This automatically includes every active member in your database.
Step 4: Compose and Personalize (Message Step)
Dynamic Tags: Click Contact First Name or Contact Last Name to automatically insert the recipient's specific name into the text (e.g., "Good morning, [First Name]").
Content: Add your message details and utilize the same media/link tools available in one-on-one chats.
Preview: View the live preview on the right side of the screen to see exactly how the text will appear on a mobile device.
Step 5: Review and Schedule (Final Step)
Final Audit: Review the selected contacts, total campaign size, and the estimated cost.
Delivery Options:
Send Test: Send the message to yourself first to verify formatting.
Send Now: Deploy the campaign immediately.
Send Later: Select a specific date and time from the dropdown.
Save as Draft: Keep the campaign for further editing.
Cautionary Notes
Opt-In Logic: The system strictly enforces opt-in rules. Campaigns will automatically skip any contacts who have not consented to SMS, even if they are part of a selected "Group" or "Dynamic" filter.
Stop Commands: If a user replies with "STOP," the thread will automatically be disabled to comply with communication regulations.
Cost Awareness: Always check the "Campaign Cost" on the final review page, as large-scale campaigns may impact your SMS credits or billing depending on your plan.
Tips for Efficiency
Dynamic Filtering for Retention: Use the Dynamic recipient tool to target "Past Members" specifically to send win-back offers or renewal reminders.
Personalization is Key: Always use the "Contact First Name" tag; personalized texts have significantly higher engagement rates than generic announcements.
Scheduling Ahead: Use the "Send Later" feature to draft your holiday or event reminders weeks in advance, ensuring you don't forget to send them during busy association periods.