Personalization Tips: Using Names, Dates, and Fields in Messages.
October 16, 2025
written by Maingi
Introduction
In a crowded digital world, customers crave authenticity and relevance. Bulk SMS is one of the most effective ways to reach people in Kenya, but its true power comes when messages feel personal, not generic.
With SMSLeopard, you can personalize SMS campaigns using names, dates, and custom fields, ensuring every recipient feels like the message was written just for them. This guide shows you how to create human connections that drive loyalty and results.
Why Personalization Matters in Kenya
Kenyan consumers receive dozens of promotional messages daily. Generic broadcasts like “Dear Customer, buy today” often get ignored. But personalized messages like “Hi Mary, your loan repayment of KSh 5,000 is due tomorrow” immediately grab attention.
Benefits of personalization with SMSLeopard:
Higher open rates → People respond to messages that include their names.
Better engagement → Tailored offers feel relevant, boosting click-throughs.
Stronger trust → Customers see your brand as attentive and customer-first.
Improved ROI → Personalized campaigns convert better, maximizing your SMS spend.
Types of Personalization You Can Use
1. Names
Greet your customers by their first name.
Example: “Hi James, thank you for shopping with us at MyStoreKE. Your next purchase comes with 10% off!”
With SMSLeopard, you can insert [First Name] tokens automatically from your contact list.
2. Dates
Add important dates like birthdays, anniversaries, appointment reminders, or payment due dates.
Example: “Happy Birthday, Aisha! Celebrate with a free dessert at Java KE today.”
Scheduling with SMSLeopard ensures date-based messages go out automatically.
3. Custom Fields
Go beyond names and dates—add fields like location, account balance, loyalty points, or product interests.
Example: “Hi Brian, your balance of KSh 1,200 is due by Sept 20. Pay via M-Pesa Paybill 123456.”
These fields transform SMS into context-rich communications, not just reminders.
Step-by-Step: How to Add Personalization in SMSLeopard
Upload Your Contact List
Use CSV or Excel files.
Include columns like Name, Phone Number, Location, Birthday, Balance.
Map Fields in the Dashboard
SMSLeopard automatically recognizes fields.
Assign tokens (e.g., [First Name], [Birthday], [Balance]).
Draft Your SMS with Tokens
Insert personalization tokens into your message.
Example: “Hi [First Name], you’ve earned [Points] loyalty points this month!”
Test Before Sending
Preview messages to ensure tokens appear correctly.
Avoid empty fields by setting defaults (e.g., “Customer” if name is missing).
Send or Schedule
Deliver instantly or schedule based on behavior, time, or date triggers.
Best Practices for Personalized SMS Campaigns
Keep it short & clear → Personalization works best in concise messages.
Add a strong CTA → Example: “Click here to redeem your reward.”
Segment your audience → Avoid sending irrelevant promos.
Respect privacy → Only use fields your customers have shared.
Test & optimize → Run A/B tests on different levels of personalization.
Industry Use Cases in Kenya
Retail & E-commerce: Birthday discounts, loyalty point reminders.
Banks & SACCOs: Account balances, payment due dates.
Healthcare: Appointment reminders, wellness tips.
Education: Class schedules, fee payment notifications.
Events & NGOs: Personalized invites, donor appreciation messages.
Why SMSLeopard is Perfect for Personalization
Easy field mapping for names, dates, balances, and more.
Automated scheduling for birthdays, anniversaries, or payment reminders.
Segmentation tools to ensure the right message reaches the right group.
Analytics dashboard to track performance of personalized vs generic campaigns.
ChatSasa integration for two-way personalization via WhatsApp and SMS.
Conclusion
Personalization is the bridge between a brand and its audience. By using names, dates, and custom fields, you can turn ordinary bulk SMS campaigns into meaningful, high-converting conversations.
With SMSLeopard, personalization is simple, scalable, and powerful—helping Kenyan businesses build stronger relationships and maximize returns.
Ready to create human connections with every SMS? Sign up with SMSLeopard today and personalize your first campaign in minutes.