Before clicking "send," take a few minutes to verify everything is correct using this checklist. This prevents errors and ensures your messages deliver properly.
Before you start
This article is part of our message delivery troubleshooting series. Looking for something else? Check out the full set:
- Message delivery troubleshooting: Common Errors
- SMS vs. email delivery: What you need to know
- Before you send: Pre-delivery checklist (this article)
Have questions about your district's specific message setup or delivery options? Every organization is unique! Look in these two places first for your site's custom configurations and directions:
- Your Messages XR Enterprise Organization Config > Delivery options
- Still not sure? Contact site administrator or Finalsite support
Quick checklist table
| Check | SMS | Always | |
|---|---|---|---|
| No typos or errors | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Clear call to action | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| No sensitive information | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Under 60 characters | ✓ | - | - |
| No emoji or special characters | ✓ | - | - |
| No accents (é, ñ, ü) | ✓ | - | - |
| Links work properly | - | ✓ | - |
| Formatting looks good | - | ✓ | - |
| Correct recipient group | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Recipient count makes sense | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Outside blackout hours | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Proofread | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Test send to 2-3 people first | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
💡 Quick reference
- Test with a small group first: send to 2-3 people before your full list
- Check character count for SMS: keep under 60 characters
- Verify recipient count: make sure you're sending to the right number of people
- Review for typos: check spelling, dates, links
- Check delivery timing: avoid blackout hours
- Avoid special characters in SMS: no emoji or accents
Before you send: Detailed checklist
- Content: No typos, clear tone, obvious call to action, no sensitive information
- SMS: Under 60 characters, no emoji or accents, standard punctuation only
- Email: Formatting looks good, links work, no huge attachments
- Recipients: Correct group selected, count makes sense
- Timing: Outside blackout hours, scheduled time verified
- Languages: Manually select only needed languages (don't use auto-translate all)
- Final: Proofread and ready to send
Always test before sending
- Compose and review your message
- Send to 2-3 test recipients (yourself, a colleague, a family member)
- Verify it arrived and looks correct
- Check Message Tracking for delivery status (should show "delivered" or "completed")
- Send to your full recipient group
Related articles
- Message delivery troubleshooting: common errors
- SMS vs. email delivery: what you need to know
- Manage and view Message Tracking reports
- Best practices for SMS delivery