> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://help.fanaura.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Send SMS Action

> Everything you need to know about sending text messages to fans from the Fanaura Flow Builder, including compliance, throughput, and best practices.

Text messages have something email and social media do not — a 98% open rate. When you send an SMS, fans actually read it. That makes it one of the most powerful (and personal) channels at your disposal. Use it wisely.

***

## Adding a Send SMS Action

<Steps>
  <Step title="Open the Add Menu">
    In the Flow Builder canvas, click the **add button** ("+") below any node.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Select Send SMS">
    Select **"Send SMS"** from the action menu.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Compose Your Message">
    The SMS composer modal opens with message body, merge tag support, and character counter.
  </Step>
</Steps>

***

## The SMS Composer

### Message Body

Write your text message in the message body field. SMS is a concise medium — every character counts.

The composer gives you a simple text input with:

* **Full text editing**: Type your message as plain text
* **Merge tag support**: Click the merge tag icon to insert dynamic fan data
* **Character counter**: Displays in real time at the bottom of the composer
* **Segment counter**: Shows how many SMS segments your message will use

### Character Count and Segments

SMS messages are split into **segments** based on character count:

| Characters | Segments   | Cost |
| ---------- | ---------- | ---- |
| 1-160      | 1 segment  | 1x   |
| 161-320    | 2 segments | 2x   |
| 321-480    | 3 segments | 3x   |

Each segment is charged separately, so shorter messages are more cost-effective. The character counter in the composer updates in real time so you always know where you stand.

<Tip>Aim for under 160 characters (1 segment) for quick alerts and under 320 characters (2 segments) for messages with a link. Going beyond 2 segments is rarely worth it — the message starts to feel too long for SMS.</Tip>

### Merge Tags

Personalize your text messages with dynamic fan data:

* `{fan_first_name}` — "Hey Sarah, the album just dropped!"
* `{artist_name}` — "New music from `{artist_name}` is live"
* `{latest_title}` — "Go stream `{latest_title}` now"
* `{ai_dsp_link}` — Smart link to their preferred streaming platform

<Warning>Merge tags count toward your character limit. `{fan_first_name}` will be replaced by the actual name, which varies in length. A name like "Sarah" adds 5 characters, but "Christopher" adds 11. Keep a buffer.</Warning>

Click the merge tag icon in the composer to browse all available tags organized by category. See [Merge Tags](/flow-builder/merge-tags) for the complete reference.

### Phone Number

Your SMS messages send from the phone number provisioned in your account. You will see the number displayed in the composer as a reminder.

<Info>If you have not provisioned a phone number yet, the composer will show a prompt directing you to **Settings, then Integrations** to set one up.</Info>

***

## Prerequisites

Before you can use the Send SMS action, you need:

<Steps>
  <Step title="A Provisioned Phone Number">
    You need a **local 10DLC** number provisioned in your account (**Integrations → SMS**). Fanaura registers it to our A2P campaign for carrier compliance.

    Flow sends share the same batched path as blasts; **throughput** depends on your line's configured **messages per minute** and carrier 10DLC limits (see [SMS Integration](/integrations/sms)).
  </Step>

  <Step title="Fans with SMS Opt-In">
    SMS is a permission-based channel. Fanaura only sends text messages to fans who have opted in to SMS. This compliance check happens automatically — you do not need to build it into your flow logic.

    If a fan in your flow does not have SMS opt-in, the Send SMS action will silently skip that fan. No error, no workaround — the message simply is not sent to non-opted-in fans.
  </Step>
</Steps>

***

## Delivery and Throughput

### How messages are sent

When a Send SMS action runs, Fanaura sends from your provisioned **10DLC local** number.

### Throughput

Per-message timing follows carrier rules for registered A2P traffic. Large simultaneous sends may be **queued or batched** to stay within your number's limits. Large simultaneous sends may be **queued or batched** so you stay within the limits for your number and campaign. If many fans hit the same step at once, expect staggered delivery; contact support if you need a higher approved send rate.

### High fan volume

For very large audiences, prefer **email** or **Instagram DM** for the broad cast and **SMS** for smaller high-intent segments — or split SMS into phased sends so you stay within throughput guidance.

***

## SMS Compliance

Fanaura handles SMS compliance automatically, but here is what you should know:

<Tabs>
  <Tab title="Opt-In Required">
    Fans must explicitly opt in to receive SMS from you. Fanaura checks opt-in status before every send. There is no way to bypass this — even manual enrollment will not send SMS to non-opted-in fans.
  </Tab>

  <Tab title="Opt-Out Handling">
    Fans can text **STOP** to your number at any time to opt out. Fanaura processes opt-outs automatically at the carrier level and removes the fan from future SMS sends.
  </Tab>

  <Tab title="Content Guidelines">
    * Do not send SMS before 8 AM or after 9 PM in the fan's timezone (use Time Windows in [Flow Settings](/flow-builder/settings))
    * Always identify yourself — include your artist name in the message
    * Include opt-out instructions periodically (e.g., "Reply STOP to unsubscribe")
    * Do not use URL shorteners that mask the destination (carriers flag these as spam)
  </Tab>
</Tabs>

***

## Writing Great SMS Messages

SMS is not email. It is personal, immediate, and brief. Here is how to make your texts hit:

<Tabs>
  <Tab title="Be Concise">
    ```
    Good: "Hey {fan_first_name}! {latest_title} is out now. Listen: {ai_dsp_link}"
    Bad:  "Hi there! We are so excited to announce that our brand new single
          has just been released on all major streaming platforms..."
    ```
  </Tab>

  <Tab title="Sound Like a Friend">
    ```
    Good: "The tour is coming to Nashville! Presale code: VIPFAN. Tickets go fast."
    Bad:  "Dear valued fan, we are pleased to inform you that our touring schedule
          now includes Nashville, TN."
    ```
  </Tab>

  <Tab title="One Clear CTA">
    ```
    Good: "New merch just dropped. Shop: {merch_item_link}"
    Bad:  "Check out our new merch, listen to our new single, follow us on TikTok,
          and enter our giveaway!"
    ```
  </Tab>

  <Tab title="Create Urgency (When Real)">
    ```
    Good: "Only 50 signed vinyls left. Grab yours: {merch_item_link}"
    Bad:  "BUY NOW BEFORE IT'S TOO LATE!!!!" (this feels spammy)
    ```
  </Tab>
</Tabs>

***

## Troubleshooting

<AccordionGroup>
  <Accordion title="Message Not Delivered">
    * **Check opt-in status**: Has the fan opted in to SMS on their profile?
    * **Check phone number format**: Fanaura stores numbers in E.164 format (+16157296291). Invalid formats will fail.
    * **Check provisioned number**: Is your SMS number active on the Integrations page?
    * **Check execution logs**: Open the [Execution Logs](/flow-builder/execution-logs) tab to see the error message.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Slow Delivery">
    * **Throughput**: Your line has a configured **messages-per-minute** cap; huge spikes queue. Check execution logs and contact support if you need a higher tier.
    * **Large batch**: Thousands of fans on one step may deliver over a long window; consider segmenting or using another channel for the first wave.
  </Accordion>
</AccordionGroup>

***

## Tips and Best Practices

<AccordionGroup>
  <Accordion title="10DLC local numbers">
    Fanaura provisions **local 10DLC** numbers for artists. Legacy toll-free senders should migrate via **Switch to Local Number** on Integrations.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Keep messages under 160 characters">
    One segment means lower cost and faster delivery. Use this for quick alerts.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Include your artist name">
    Fans need to know who is texting them. Always identify yourself.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Set Time Windows">
    Avoid texting fans at 3 AM. Configure time windows in [Flow Settings](/flow-builder/settings).
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Test with your own number">
    Before activating a flow, send a test SMS to yourself.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Do not over-text">
    Two to three SMS per week maximum. More than that and fans will opt out.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Pair with email">
    Use SMS for urgent, time-sensitive messages and email for longer content.
  </Accordion>
</AccordionGroup>

***

## What Happens Next

With email and SMS covered, learn how to reach fans on Instagram. Head to [Send Instagram DM](/flow-builder/send-instagram-dm).