How to create SMS message templates with placeholders

TL;DR: In SMSFlow you can save reusable SMS message templates and personalise each send with placeholders such as {first_name}, {last_name}, and {stop_message}. Build the template once, then pick it when you send bulk SMS so wording stays consistent.

Create and use a template in 5 steps

1. Open templates
   Sign in to SMSFlow (web only) and go to Maintenance → templates. This is where you create and store reusable message text.

2. Write the message body
   Enter the text you want to reuse. Keep it clear and short enough for SMS. Include any fixed wording your business always uses (offer, booking reminder, store name).

3. Add placeholders where personalisation helps
   Insert supported placeholders in the body, for example:

   • {first_name}
   • {last_name}
   • {stop_message}
     Example: Hi {first_name}, your booking is tomorrow at 10am. {stop_message}

4. Save the template
   Give it a clear name you will recognise later (for example “Appointment reminder” or “Weekend sale”). Save so it appears in the template list when you send.

5. Select the template when you send
   Go to Send SMS, choose recipients (contacts, groups, pasted numbers, or CSV import), then select your saved template instead of typing from scratch. Check the message preview and credit counter, then send now or schedule for later with a timezone.

That is enough to run consistent bulk SMS without rewriting the same copy every time. More detail is below if you need it.

Try SMSFlow free — new Australian business accounts get 50 free credits after signup and verification.

More detail on templates and placeholders

What templates are for

Templates sit under Maintenance → templates. They store message text so you do not retype common campaigns. When you send, you can type or paste a message or select a predefined template. Placeholders in the template are filled from contact data where those fields exist.

Supported placeholders

SMSFlow supports placeholders including:

• {first_name} — uses the contact’s first name
• {last_name} — uses the contact’s last name
• {stop_message} — inserts your opt-out / stop wording so compliance text stays consistent

Fill contact first and last names (via contact edit, maintenance, or CSV import matched on phone number) so personalisation works. If a field is empty, the placeholder may not resolve the way you expect, so keep contact records tidy.

How this fits a bulk send

On Send SMS you can:

• Select contacts and/or one or more groups
• Paste or type numbers
• Import recipients from CSV
• Use message preview
• See the credit counter per message and in total
• Schedule for a later date with a specific timezone

Billing is per credit, not strictly one credit per message — longer messages can use more than one credit. See pricing for how credits work. Invoices are viewable and downloadable from Billing; they are not emailed automatically.

Opt-outs and stop text

Using {stop_message} in templates helps you keep unsubscribe wording consistent across campaigns. Pair that with account unsubscribe keywords and the unsubscribes report so list hygiene stays practical for Australian bulk SMS. For Sender IDs: recipients cannot reply when a Sender ID is used, so plan two-way messaging only when you send in a way that allows replies.

Honest limits

SMSFlow is for Australian businesses. You need a valid ABN (validated), an Australian mobile, email verification, and 2FA before you can finish setup and send. It is not a full CRM, has no custom contact fields, and is web only (no desktop or mobile app). Templates do not create custom workflows or external integrations.

Related guides in this hub: send bulk SMS for small business, create contact groups, and manage SMS opt-outs. Overview: bulk SMS Australia.

FAQ

What placeholders can I use in SMS message templates?

Supported placeholders include {first_name}, {last_name}, and {stop_message}. Use them in Maintenance → templates or when composing a send so each contact gets the right personalised values where data exists.

Do I have to use a template every time I send?

No. On Send SMS you can type or paste a message, or select a predefined template. Templates are optional; they help when you repeat the same wording.

Will personalisation work if contacts have no first name?

Placeholders pull from contact fields. If first or last name is missing, that part of the message will not personalise cleanly. Keep names filled via contacts maintenance or CSV import (matched on phone number).

Do templates change how many credits a message uses?

Credits depend on the final message content (some messages use more than one credit), not on whether you started from a template. Check the credit counter on the send screen before you confirm. Details are on pricing.

Can recipients reply to a templated message that uses a Sender ID?

No. When you use a Sender ID, recipients cannot reply. View inbound messages in Inbox only for numbers you messaged in a reply-capable way, and send any reply via Send SMS (not from Inbox).

Who can use SMSFlow templates?

SMSFlow is built for Australian businesses with a valid ABN and the usual verification steps (email, ABN, 2FA). New signups receive 50 free credits to try features including templates after checks complete.

SMSFlow and reusable SMS copy

SMSFlow is an Australian SMS platform for sending to Australian numbers, managing contacts and groups, and storing message templates with placeholders. You get a simple web send flow, optional scheduling, reports, and API keys under Account → Developers if you need them. Campaigns exist in beta for group marketing sends. It is not a full CRM and does not offer white-label or custom workflow builders.

Next step

Save one template with {first_name} and {stop_message}, attach a small group, and preview credits before you send.

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