Communication Suite
The Church Organiser makes it easy for us to contact different groups of people from our database using the Communication Suite.
In the Communication Suite, we can choose to contact people by email, SMS, or by Letter. We can also create a CSV Export which creates a spreadsheet file. On the right of the Communication Suite, simply click the option we wish to use.
Simple Email
Selecting Simple Email will allow us to create an email and add attachments, which can be sent out to our contact group.
We are able to personalise our Emails by using the Tags button, at the top of the Communication Suite. We can choose any of the tags in the list, and the system will then replace the tag with the relevant information. So, if we want to address each person by name, we can add the {firstName} tag. When people receive the email the tag will be replaced with their first name. If we include the {setPasswordLink} tag, recipients will receive a unique link that will allow them to create a new password which they can use to log in to The Church Organiser. Tags are also available for Letters.
Simple SMS
Selecting Simple SMS will allow us to send a text message to the group. There is a charge for sending SMS, but we will see a notification of how much we are going to be charged just below the message area.
Letter
Selecting Letter will allow us to generate a printer friendly PDF file, which can be printed and sent by post.
Letters can be used in conjunction with the Branding feature in iKnow, which will allow us to add Letterhead graphics and footers to our letters. We’re also able to use Branding with our emails.
CSV Export
To create a spreadsheet file, we will need to use the CSV Export option. This will create a spreadsheet containing the contact details of the people in the group, which can then be used as we wish.
Schedule Messages
We are able to schedule Emails and Text Messages, if we want to prepare them in advance and send them at a later date.
To schedule messages, we will need to switch on the Schedule the Email/SMS to be sent at a future time, toggle. We will then be able to select the date and time we want the message to be sent, then click the Save and Schedule button.
To see, edit or cancel any of our scheduled messages, we will need to go to the dropdown, at the top right of the page, and select Messages. We’ll then need to click the Scheduled Messages tab where we will see any messages we have scheduled. We can view, edit or delete messages using the buttons to the right of the message.
Adjust Contact List
In all of the communication options, we can remove people from the contact list by clicking the red ‘x’ next to their name.
If people have opted out of being contacted by any of the contact methods in the Communication Suite, they will not appear in the list of contacts for that form of contact.