Summary: Discover how to enhance your church's communication using the text messaging capabilities in Tithely People. This article covers sending one-way messages, managing limits, and ensuring compliance.
Before You Begin
Permissions: You must have the People > Action > Text permission to send messages. To enable unlimited texting or change subdomains, you need access to Manage Account > General Settings.
One-Way Communication: Texting uses a dedicated short code (874-47). It is designed for one-way communication, meaning users cannot reply to these texts.
Text Identifier: The first 11 characters of your Tithely subdomain are automatically included at the start of every message to identify your church. This does not count against your character limit.
Limits: Each organization receives 250 complimentary text messages per month. Messages are limited to 140 characters.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Sending a Text Message
Navigate to the People section.
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Select the individuals or groups you wish to contact.
You can select specific people from a list or use tags/searches to find a group.
Click the Action bar and select Text People.
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Compose your message.
Remember the 140-character limit.
Note: Your "Text Identifier" (the first 11 characters of your subdomain) will appear at the start of the text automatically.
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Send immediately or Schedule for later.
To schedule, look for the scheduling options within the compose window to pick a future date and time.
Enabling Unlimited Texting
If you need to send more than the 250 complimentary messages:
Navigate to Account Settings (:gear:) in the top right.
Select Manage Account from the menu.
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Check the box labeled Enable Unlimited Texts.
Cost: Additional texts are billed at 1.9 cents per text.
Click Save Changes.
Viewing Text History
Navigate to the text compose window (as if sending a message).
Look for the history or log tab/link within the texting tool interface to view past messages and scheduled items.
Troubleshooting & FAQs
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How are texts counted? Tithely People counts every individual recipient as one text message.
Example: Sending the same message to 30 people counts as 30 texts against your limit.
Duplicates: The system automatically filters duplicate numbers, so you only send (and are charged for) one text per unique phone number.
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How do I send photos or links? There is no native attachment feature.
Workaround: Upload your photo to a cloud site (like Google Photos), use a URL shortener (like TinyURL), and paste the link into your text message.
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A member isn't receiving texts (Shared Short Code Issue). If a member belongs to multiple organizations using Tithely People (which share the 874-47 short code), they may need to reset their connection.
Member: Reply STOP to 874-47.
Admin: Go to the member's profile in Tithely People and manually ensure their mobile number is opted-in.
Admin: Send a new text from Tithely to re-establish the link.
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How do I change my Text Identifier? Your identifier is the first 11 characters of your Subdomain. To change it, you must change your subdomain in Account Settings > Manage Account.
Warning: Changing your subdomain changes your login URL and breaks existing links to forms, giving pages, and integrations. Proceed with caution.
What is the "Confirmation Lead Message"? To comply with regulations, the first time you text a number, Tithely automatically sends a free opt-in confirmation message explaining message rates and how to opt-out. This does not count against your 250 monthly limit.
Compliance & Best Practices
Opt-In Requirements You must inform people why they are receiving texts.
Written: Add this to registration forms: "We occasionally send text message reminders and alerts. Message and data rates may apply. Reply STOP to opt-out. Visit tithely.com/terms-of-service for info."
Verbal: Inform members verbally if no form is used.
Opting Out
User Action: Reply STOP to any message.
Admin Action: Go to the person's profile and check the "Do Not Text" option under the Mobile Phone field.