Nobody likes generic bulk SMS. Variables let you personalise each message so "Dear Customer" becomes "Dear Sarah" — automatically, for every single recipient.
Your message
Hi {first_name}, your {membership} membership expires on {expiry_date}. Renew today!
Hi Sarah, your GOLD membership expires on 2026-04-15. Renew today!
Hi James, your SILVER membership expires on 2026-03-30. Renew today!
Hi Grace, your BRONZE membership expires on 2026-05-01. Renew today!
Built-in Variables
These variables are available for every contact automatically:
| Variable | What it shows | Example |
|---|---|---|
{name} | Full name | Sarah Moyo |
{first_name} | First name only | Sarah |
{last_name} | Last name only | Moyo |
{phone} | Phone number | 263771234567 |
{email} | Email address | sarah@email.com |
Custom Variables
Any custom field on a contact becomes a variable. When you import a CSV with columns like membership or due_date, those values are stored as custom fields. Use them in your messages as {membership} or {due_date}.
Where Variables Work
Variables are replaced in:
- Send Message — when sending to a contact group
- Campaigns — for each recipient in the target group
- Recurring Campaigns — for each recipient every time it runs
How it works: When sending, the platform looks up each recipient's contact record and replaces the variables with their actual data. If a variable has no value for a contact, the placeholder stays as-is — so you can spot missing data.
Tips for Effective Personalisation
- Always use
{first_name}for a personal touch - Include account-specific details like
{account_number}or{balance} - Test your message with the live preview on the form before sending
- Keep variable names lowercase with underscores:
{due_date}not{Due Date}