---
title: How do I personalize messages with contact names?
description: "Personalization is available **only for Group sending mode**. **Available Placeholders:** 1. **{{NAME}}** - Replaced with contact's name from your group 2. **{{MOBILE}}** - Replaced with contact's mobile number **Setup Steps:** 1. Create/Use a contact group with proper names 2. Select…"
url: "https://www.smsgatewaycenter.com/blog/kb/how-do-i-personalize-messages-with-contact-names/"
updated: "2025-10-23"
category: Bulk SMS / Recurring SMS
---

# How do I personalize messages with contact names?

Personalization is available **only for Group sending mode**.

**Available Placeholders:**

1. **{{NAME}}** - Replaced with contact's name from your group
2. **{{MOBILE}}** - Replaced with contact's mobile number

**Setup Steps:**

1. Create/Use a contact group with proper names
2. Select "Groups" as send type
3. Choose your contact group(s)
4. Use placeholders in your message

**Examples:**

**Before Sending:**

```
Hi {{NAME}}, this is your monthly reminder.
For support, call us or SMS {{MOBILE}}.
```

**After Processing (for contact "John" - 9876543210):**

```
Hi John, this is your monthly reminder.
For support, call us or SMS 9876543210.
```

**Best Practices:**

✅ **DO:**

- Keep placeholder syntax exact: {{NAME}} (all caps, double braces)
- Test with a small group first
- Ensure all contacts have names in your group
- Use professional language

❌ **DON'T:**

- Use lowercase: {{name}} won't work
- Use single braces: {NAME} won't work
- Mix up placeholders: {{{NAME}}} won't work
- Use with Batch mode (doesn't have name data)

**What if a contact has no name?**

- System uses the placeholder as-is if no name found
- Recommendation: Always fill contact names in your groups

**Testing Tip:**

- Add yourself to the test group
- Run a test campaign to see how it looks
- Adjust message before rolling out to all customers

### More Related Articles

- [What are the best practices for running successful recurring campaigns?](https://www.smsgatewaycenter.com/blog/kb/what-are-the-best-practices-for-running-successful-recurring-campaigns/)
- [How secure is Recurring SMS? Who can access my campaigns?](https://www.smsgatewaycenter.com/blog/kb/how-secure-is-recurring-sms-who-can-access-my-campaigns/)
- [How do I permanently delete a recurring campaign?](https://www.smsgatewaycenter.com/blog/kb/how-do-i-permanently-delete-a-recurring-campaign/)

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