How to Create an SMS Blast in HealthdeskAI

Overview

SMS Blasts let you send one-time text campaigns to a targeted group of contacts. Use this feature to share quick promotions, reminders, or urgent updates with your clients.

When to Use SMS Blasts

• Sending limited-time offers or promotions.
• Reminding clients about upcoming events or deadlines.
• Re-engaging lapsed leads with a special message.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. From the left sidebar, click Blasts > New SMS Blast.
2. Read the usage note in the modal, which shows the SMS segments included on your plan and what any overage costs, then click I accept. Overages are charged retroactively on your next bill date.
3. Select the phone number you want to send from in the Location dropdown.
4. Enter a Campaign Name and your Message Content.
   • Keep messages concise (160 characters per segment).
   • Use personalization fields like {{first_name}} or {{last_name}}.
   • (Optional) Upload an image to personalize your text further.
5. Review your blast using the Send Test SMS button. Enter your US 10-digit phone number without spaces, dashes, or special characters (e.g. 9499895380).
6. Choose to Send Now, Schedule, or save it as a Draft.

Pro Tip

You can target multiple lists in one blast. Healthdesk automatically removes duplicates, landline numbers, and unsubscribed contacts before sending.

FAQs

Q: How many SMS messages can I send each month?A: Your allowance and overage rate depend on your plan, and both are shown in the usage note when you start a blast. To estimate what you'll use: a text counts as one segment per 160 characters, or per 70 characters if it uses emoji or other characters outside the standard set, and a blast with an image or video is sent as MMS, which costs more than a plain text. Email support@healthdesk.ai if you want your exact numbers.

Q: Can I personalize SMS messages with client details?A: Yes. Use merge fields by typing {{first_name}} or {{last_name}}. See Merge Fields in HealthdeskAI for the full list.

Q: Can I schedule SMS in advance?A: Yes. Select Schedule during setup and choose your date/time.

Q: Where do I see results?A: After sending, view delivery reports, response rates, and campaign stats by clicking the campaign name from the Blasts page.

Q: What happens if a number unsubscribes?A: Healthdesk automatically respects opt-outs. Unsubscribed contacts are excluded from all future blasts.