How to Send a Bulk Text (Playbook App)

This guide provides step-by-step instructions on how to send out mass texts to your group using the SBC Playbook App.

Second

**REMINDER:** The Playbook App and the Group Portal use the contact information each church attendee has provided the church and honor the communication preferences they have shared with us. If a participant is not getting your group's communications, please have them create an account, log in to <https://my.second.org>, and confirm their contact information and communication preferences.

How to Send Bulk Text (Playbook)

Open the SBC Playbook App and Select **Groups.**

Select the Group that you are wanting to communicate with via Mass Text.

Select **Roster** at the top of the page.

Set your filters so that the group you want to communicate to is visible. Select **Send Communication** in the bottom left-hand corner of the screen.

Highlight the **Text** Option to indicate that you are wanting to send out a text. Fill out the Message Field and once you are ready to deliver, select **Send.**

Tip! This version of Playbook does not automatically sign your texts. We recommend putting your name and / or class name in the text so that recipients will know which class the communication is coming from.

How to Remove Recipients from Mass Text

If there are certain Group Members that you are wanting to remove from the Mass Text, you can remove them from the recipients list. Navigate to **Send Communication** under the Group Roster of your choosing and select **Recipients**

If you do not want a recipient to receive the SMS, simply swipe left on their name and click on the trash can icon. Once you have finished removing your desired recipients, select **done** and it will take you back to the Send Communication Tab

How to Send Photos via Text

Be mindful of cost management when sending texts with images or gifs (MMS). Choose concise messages and limit media attachments to essential content, considering that ***texts with images* cost the church three times more than standard text messages.**

Open the SBC Playbook App, navigate to your desired group, and select Send Communication.

Select the **Text** Tab and click on **Upload Photo**. From here, select either Photo Library or Camera.

**ALERT!**\ \ The Playbook app only supports images or photos with the following file extensions, .jpeg or .png. Your picture can be up to 8MB.

Select your desired photo and click on **Done.** The photo will now upload under Image Attachment and once you have composed your message, click on **Send**

How to Send Mass Text to Parents of Kids

The **Send to Parents** feature will send the communication you create to the Parents/Guardians of the children or students in your group.

Select your desired SecondKids Roster on the SBC Playbook App.

Navigate to **Send Communication.**

Toggle the **Send to Parents** option ON.

Compose the Text and once you are done, select **Send**.

Policies & Best Practices

Sending bulk texts to church attendees can be a powerful tool for instant communication, engagement, and fostering a sense of community. However, ***it's essential to be mindful of potential risks such as message fatigue, privacy concerns, and compliance with regulations***. Balancing the value of timely communication with the need to respect recipients' preferences and maintain their trust is critical to successful and responsible bulk texting.

For Second to preserve its use of bulk text messaging, you must adhere to the following best practices: 1. **Segment or Filter Your List:** Exclude those with no recent involvement or attendance to your group. Only include them when you have a significant event or particular emphasis within your group. 2. **Timing Matters**: Send texts during peak engagement times. On average, texts sent on weekdays between 10 AM and 3 PM yield better results. Avoid texts during rush hours, and DO NOT send texts after 8 or 9 PM. Bulk texts are subject to delivery delays and can result in unwanted late-night disruptions. 3. **Prioritize Value**: Ensure your texts offer value to your recipients. Don't send text messages because you procrastinated with your planning. 4. **Be Consistent & Stay Within Expectations:** Strike a balance between sending enough texts to stay connected without overwhelming your audience. Consistency in your messaging schedule helps build expectations. You should never send more than one text each week. 5. **Give a Clear Call to Action (CTA)**: Make your desired action clear. Whether it's attending an event, signing up, or inviting a friend, include a straightforward CTA to prompt a response. 6. **Practice Stewardship:** When sending texts (SMS) or texts with images (MMS), be mindful of cost management. Choose concise messages and limit media attachments to essential content, considering that MMS messages cost three times more than standard text messages (SMS). 7. **Do Not Engage in Commercial Activities, Product Advertisement, Political Lobbying or Private Advertising, or Promoting Political Candidates or Parties.** - This includes but is not limited to sending or forwarding via email any chain letters, personal, commercial, or political solicitations and endorsements.