Creating & Managing SMS Content in VZ
Use this article when you are setting up SMS messages in VisualZen (VZ), training new admins on SMS functionality, or troubleshooting why an SMS did not send. This article explains how to create and manage SMS Message records, the rules and limitations of SMS in VZ, and how to confirm opt-in status for delivery.
🛠 Step-by-Step Guidance
1. Navigate to SMS Messages
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Go to Contents > SMS Messages in the Control Panel
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Click New SMS Message to begin
2. Add SMS Details
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Title: Internal label for admin reference only (not visible to recipients)
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Description: The text message content sent to recipients
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Keep concise — ≤100 characters recommended
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SMS is plain text only (no formatting, links, or images)
3. Save & Title Clearly
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Use clear, descriptive titles to make selection easier in configurations
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Example: Reminder: Orientation Session Tomorrow
4. Apply SMS Records in Configurations
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SMS messages cannot be sent directly
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They must be linked to a Communication Configuration
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During setup, select your SMS Message record as the content
5. Confirm SMS Opt-In
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Students must opt in to receive SMS messages
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Opt-in status cannot be confirmed from the reservation record
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To verify, run a report using the Opt-In SMS data field
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⚠️ If a student has not opted in, the SMS will not send
🛑 Troubleshooting Tips
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SMS not sending? Run a report with the Opt-In SMS data field to confirm the student has opted in
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Message too long? Keep under 100 characters; longer texts may be cut off
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Message not appearing in setup? Ensure you created and titled the SMS Message in Contents > SMS Messages
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Trying to add images or formatting? SMS only supports plain text