> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.fanhaven.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Messaging

> Communicate with fans via SMS and direct messages.

Beyond email campaigns, Fanhaven supports **direct messaging** to fans via SMS. This is ideal for time-sensitive communications where you need fans to see your message immediately.

## SMS messaging

SMS has significantly higher open rates than email (90%+ vs. \~20%), making it perfect for:

* **Show-day announcements** — "Merch booth opens at 5 PM!"
* **Flash sales** — "20% off all merch for the next 2 hours"
* **Mobile order reminders** — "Your order is ready for pickup at Booth A"
* **Exclusive drops** — "New limited-edition tee available now"

### Sending an SMS

<Steps>
  ### Navigate to Marketing → Messages

  Open the messaging page from the dashboard.

  ### Compose your message

  Write your SMS text. Keep it concise — SMS messages should be short and actionable.

  ### Select your audience

  Choose who receives the message:

  * All fans with SMS consent
  * A specific segment
  * Individual fans (for 1:1 messages)

  ### Send

  Review and send. Messages are delivered immediately.
</Steps>

### SMS consent

<Warning>Only send SMS messages to fans who have explicitly opted in. Sending unsolicited texts violates telecom regulations and can result in your number being blocked or fined.</Warning>

Fans opt in to SMS through:

* Fanpass sign-up (if SMS consent is included in the flow)
* Explicit opt-in during POS fan capture
* A dedicated opt-in form or link

### Character limits

Standard SMS messages are limited to **160 characters**. Longer messages are split into multiple segments, which may affect delivery and cost.

<Tip>Keep SMS messages under 160 characters for best results. Include one clear call-to-action and a link if needed.</Tip>

## 1:1 messaging

For individual fan communication, you can send direct messages to specific fans:

1. Go to the fan's profile in the Fan Database
2. Click the messaging option
3. Type and send your message

This is useful for:

* Responding to fan inquiries
* Following up on order issues
* Personal outreach to VIP fans

## Inbound messages

When fans reply to your SMS messages, their responses appear in the messaging dashboard. You can view and respond to inbound messages to maintain a two-way conversation.

## Best practices

* **Be timely** — SMS is for urgent, time-sensitive information
* **Be brief** — Respect the medium; keep messages short
* **Include value** — Every message should offer something useful to the fan
* **Don't over-send** — 1-2 SMS messages per week maximum. More than that and fans will opt out.
* **Always include an opt-out** — "Reply STOP to unsubscribe" should be included periodically