Understanding EMBODIconnect SMS Credit Usage

When using EMBODIconnect, it's important to understand how SMS credits are used, as both inbound and outbound messages contribute to credit consumption. Whether you're sending an initial message, broadcast announcement, or an automated text, every interaction can impact your credit usage. Let’s break down how it works so you can manage your credits effectively.

Outbound Messaging and Credit Usage

Outbound messaging typically represents the majority of credit usage. These messages are initiated by you and include several types:

• Initial HIPAA Messaging: These are the messages sent before any requested communication, often including a secure link to ensure compliance with privacy regulations. Even these preliminary messages count toward your credits.

• Broadcast Messages: One of the most common and likely to incur significant credit usage, broadcast messages are sent to larger audiences. Depending on the size of the group, sending these messages can consume many credits in one go.

• Automation Messages: If you have automated text messages set up, such as reminders or follow-ups, each automated message will use credits, similar to manual text messages.

• Secure Messages: These messages are slightly more involved as they typically contain a link directing the recipient to open the message in a secure app. The text that goes out as part of this process uses credits.

• Non-Secure Messages: If you're sending direct messages without encryption, these are considered non-secure messages. Even though they may seem simpler, they still count toward credit usage.

How Credit Usage Is Calculated

It's important to note that there can be more than one credit used for each individual text message depending on the content.

1. Basic Text (160 Characters)
   The standard message with just letters and numbers will use up one credit for every 160 characters. This is the most efficient format, especially for everyday communication.

2. Messages with Special Characters (70 Characters)
   Special characters—such as emojis or non-standard punctuation marks—These add some pizzazz to your messages but require a different format behind the scenes. Even if you include just one special character, your entire message switches to a special mode where only 70 characters fit within a single credit. These characters may add fun or clarity to your message but be mindful that they reduce the efficiency of your text in terms of credit usage.

Why Special Characters Matter

Special characters are not just for decoration—they alter how the message is processed. Emojis, for instance, require additional encoding. While they might make your message more engaging, they also take up more of your credit allocation since you can only fit 70 characters per credit in these instances.

How to Manage Your Credit Usage

To keep credit usage under control, it’s important to consider the format of your messages. Here are a few tips to optimize your credits:

• Use Plain Text: If you don’t need emojis or other special characters, stick to simple letters and numbers. This way, you can fit up to 160 characters per credit.

• Be Mindful of Length: Messages that exceed 160 characters will be broken into multiple parts, each consuming credits. Keep your messages concise whenever possible.

• Check Your Message Mode: EMBODIconnect has been updated to make it easier to see whether your message is using special characters or standard text. The system will show you which mode you're in when composing a message, so you can adjust accordingly.

Understanding how EMBODIconnect SMS credits are consumed helps you manage your messaging costs more efficiently. Whether it’s sending a HIPAA-compliant message, reaching out to large groups via broadcasts, or using automated text flows, it’s crucial to factor in how message content—like special characters—affects credit usage. By being mindful of how credits are consumed, you can make the most of your messaging efforts without unexpected surprises.

Now that you're equipped with the knowledge of how SMS credits work, you’ll be able to plan your communications more effectively and avoid running out of credits unexpectedly!