How to Create Effective SMS Content

Now that you have a solid structure for your program, we can begin to plan the SMS content. This doesn't just mean written content. The Authoritive platform allows you to engage with your users via written messages as well as audio messages.

Audio Messages

Audio is a perfect medium for engaging with users on a personal level and sharing new ideas and concepts. As you begin to craft the content for each one of your topics, ask yourself:

“What do my users need to know about this topic at this point in the program?” 

The answer to that question should guide the content of your audio message. 

These audio messages should be no longer than 60 to 90 seconds. They can be uploaded as .mp4 files to specific messages, and they'll be sent to users either as direct files or links, depending on the audio file size. 

Click here to read more about what makes an audio message effective.

Written Messages

Text is a great medium for reinforcing the ideas and concepts you've introduced in your audio message and encouraging your users to apply those ideas via tasks or activities. In an SMS-based program, this type of content is best delivered via text messages and replies. This is your opportunity to provide users with challenges and activities that allow them to bring this course into their real lives. As you begin to plan your written content, ask yourself:

 “What should users be able to do with the information I gave them in my audio message?”

The most important thing to keep in mind is that the tasks and activities that users will be expected to apply should be directly related to the concepts and ideas they were introduced to via audio that same day. Try to keep these messages short, between 140-500 characters. If you notice a particular message getting too long, consider breaking it up into multiple messages using a reply.