Writing initial scripts is the most important part of setting up your texting actions! An initial script is the first message that contacts receive, from a Peer-to-Peer Texting, Broadcast Texting, or Automated Texting action.
Note that, unlike some other texting platforms, scripts exist in the context of the action for which they are created. There is no separate script tab or object; scripts are found within actions themselves. (But note that actions can easily be duplicated to re-use scripts from prior actions.)
Writing Initial Scripts
Impactive's script editor is straightforward:
Scripts require a name. Contacts will not receive the script name; it's purely an internal designation, useful if you'll be A/B testing or performing later data analysis on message performance.
You can use dynamic variables to customize response scripts; read our full guide here for the many ways that dynamic variables can help to personalize scripts.
The script writer shows script type (SMS/MMS), script length in segments (for SMS) and character count. This information is important for determining how much your texting action will cost; read our full guide to determining texting costs here.
You can add an image to your script with the + Image button; this will convert the script to an MMS message (rather than SMS), with billing implications as covered here.
Ensure that opt-out language (ex. "Reply STOP to unsubscribe") is included in each and every one of your initial scripts, for ALL types of texting - Peer-to-Peer, Broadcast, and Automated. Learn more about this and other mandatory scripting compliance requirements here.
A/B Testing Initial Scripts
For Peer-to-Peer Texting and Broadcast Texting, you can run an A/B test of initial scripts by creating multiple initial scripts within a single action. If multiple initial scripts are added, Impactive will automatically randomize the send of those scripts across the contact list.
To add additional initial scripts, simply click + Add another initial script:
To track A/B testing results, use the Initial Scripts tab within the detailed results of the action's results page; key script metrics (deliveries, errors, opt-out rate, response rate, etc.) will be listed on a per-script basis.
Note that easy viewing of A/B testing results is currently only available for Peer-to-Peer Texting, not Broadcast Texting; this will be improved in the near future.
In the meantime, Broadcast Texting A/B testing results can be manually assessed by manipulating the Messages export.