Summary: All SMS reminders now include a clickable link to the parent's statement, allowing them to view their debt directly from the text message without requiring email access.

SMS Communications > Auto-linked statements

What is a Statement Link in SMS?

When parents receive a Fease SMS reminder, the message now includes a clickable link that opens their statement directly:

• Short URL: A shortened link to keep SMS character count low
• One-click access: Parents tap to view their balance instantly
• Mobile-optimized: Statement displays properly on phone screens
• Secure: Link requires login or verification (no account details exposed)

Example SMS: "Hi John, your fees are overdue. View your balance: [link]. Pay now to avoid escalation."

How SMS Statement Links Work

1. School sends an SMS reminder (Day 30, 60, etc.) via Fease workflow.
2. Fease automatically generates a personalized short link to the parent's statement.
3. Parent receives SMS with the link included.
4. Parent clicks the link on their phone.
5. Parent is taken to their statement (may need to log in first).
6. Parent sees their balance and can:
   • View payment history
   • See due dates
   • Click to pay online (if enabled)

Example SMS With Statement Link

Benefits of SMS Statement Links

• Removes friction: Parent doesn't need to search email or log in separately—one tap and they see their balance.
• Increases engagement: Studies show SMS with links have higher click-through rates than email.
• Drives faster payment: When payment is just 2 taps away, more parents pay immediately.
• Reduces support inquiries: Parents can self-serve to see their balance instead of calling the school.
• Works on all phones: Links work on basic phones and smartphones alike.

Character Count Optimization

SMS is limited to ~160 characters. Fease uses shortened links to save space:

How to Use in Workflows

1. Navigate to Configuration > Workflows > Standard.
2. On the specific action, click on the number above To Do.
   
3. A list of accounts will open. Select the account(s) you wish to send the SMS to by checking the box to the left of their name.
   
4. Click on Follow Up at the top.
   
5. A preview of the message will appear. Here you can click on View Statement should you wish to open and view it.
   
6. Click on Create & Send at the bottom to send out the SMS communication to the selected accounts.

Security & Privacy

• Unique per parent: Each link is unique to that parent; siblings don't share links.
• Expires: Links may expire after 30 days for security.
• Login required: Parents must log in or verify to view their actual balance (prevents unauthorized access).
• POPIA compliant: Links don't expose personal data in the URL.

Best Practices

• Keep SMS text short: Use the space saved by shortened links to add a call-to-action ("Pay now" or "Questions? Call us").
• Test on your phone: Click the link yourself before going live to ensure it works.
• Include payment option: If your school offers online payment, mention it in the SMS or have it as the next step after viewing the statement.
• Don't overuse: One statement link per SMS is enough.

Troubleshooting

Q: The link doesn't work for some parents

A: Check: (1) Is the parent's phone a basic phone that doesn't support web links? (2) Are they on WiFi or cellular data? (3) Provide an alternative phone number or email to call for their balance.

Q: Can parents without an online account use the link?

A: If they don't have an online account, they'll be directed to create one. This is actually a good thing—it gets them set up for future self-service.

Q: Do SMS statement links count against my SMS quota?

A: Yes, each SMS sent counts as one SMS, regardless of whether it includes a link. Links are auto-generated, so there's no additional cost.