How Live Templates Work

How to Test Templates

How to use the Test Draft feature in Reach to preview SMS, Email, and Voice templates and send real test messages before approval.

Overview

Before approving any template, you should test it. Reach has a built-in Test Draft feature that lets you preview exactly how a message will look and, for SMS, Email, and Voice, send a real test to a device. This article covers how to use it and what to check before you approve.

How to Access Test Draft

1. Open any template in draft status in the template editor (SMS-Draft, Email-Draft, or Voice-Draft).
2. Scroll to the bottom of the editor.
3. Click the Test Draft button. A preview pop-up opens.

What the Preview Shows

Channel	What the preview shows
SMS	A phone screen mock-up with the message displayed as it would appear in a text conversation. The Name field shows the template name.
Email	The Subject line, From name, and a rendered preview of the email body including any formatting.
Voice	The full text script that will be spoken. A phone number field lets you trigger a real test call.

Sending a Real Test

SMS test

1. In the Test Draft pop-up, enter a mobile number in the Mobile Number field.
2. Click Send. A real SMS is sent to that number.
3. Check the device to confirm the message reads as expected and wildcards display correctly.

Email test

1. In the Test Draft pop-up, enter an email address in the Test Email field.
2. Click Send. A real email is sent to that address.
3. Check the inbox (and spam folder) to confirm layout, subject, and wildcards all look right.

Voice test

1. In the Test Draft pop-up, enter a phone number in the field.
2. Click Send. An automated call is placed to that number.
3. Listen to the full recording. Pay attention to how wildcards are read and whether the pacing sounds natural.

What to Check Before Approving

• Message content: Is the wording clear and correct? Does it say what you intended?
• Wildcards: Do they resolve to realistic values? Use a real subscriber to test if possible.
• Spelling and grammar: Read the message as a recipient would.
• Character count (SMS): Is the message within the recommended limit?
• Formatting (Email): Does the layout look right on both desktop and mobile?
• Voice pacing: Does the script sound natural when spoken aloud?

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Do test messages count against my sending limits?

A: Yes. Test sends are real messages. Use a small number of test sends and confirm before sending to many devices.

Q: Can I test with actual subscriber wildcard values?

A: The preview uses sample values for wildcards. For a real-data test, you would need to send to a number or email that matches a subscriber record.

Q: Can I test after the template is approved?

A: Approved templates cannot be edited. To test changes, save a new draft and test that version before submitting for approval.

Q: What if the test SMS or email does not arrive?

A: Check the number or email address for typos. For SMS, confirm the number is active and can receive texts. For email, check spam folders.

Q: Can Department Staff use Test Draft?

A: No. Only Reach Administrators and Department Administrators can create and test templates.

Need More Help?

If you have followed the steps above and still require assistance, please refer to the relevant articles listed below for additional guidance.

• How Approval Workflow WorksWhat happens after testing when you submit for approval.
• How to Use WildcardsHow wildcards work in templates.