Jump To:

What Is Data Capture?
​How to Set Up Data Capture?
​How to Use Data Capture

How to Delete and Restore a Data Capture

Saving Data Capture Templates and Accessing Them

Data Capture is a great way to capture information about a contact without using a Connect Card!
​
Data Capture allows a contact to share their information over text without ever having to fill out a Connect Card.
​
Think of Data Capture as a guided, conversational way to collect information from people through text message—without using a traditional Connect Card or long form.
​

Instead of overwhelming someone with multiple questions at once, Data Capture walks them through a clear, intentional series of messages, one step at a time.
​
It feels more like a real conversation than a form, making it easier for people to respond and keep moving forward.
​

Collecting information via Data Capture can be a great conversational way to connect with guests or update existing contacts' profiles!

1. Open the Connect tab, choose Data Capture, and click "Add New" in the upper right-hand corner:

A menu will appear where you can name and set a session timeout for your Data Capture:

The session timeout is how long a person has to answer a question before the Data Capture session is considered abandoned.
​
Messages sent after the timeout will not be captured and will be treated as normal incoming messages instead.

After setting the name and session timeout, you'll be taken to this page. Click "Add New" to add a new question to your Data Capture.

For each question, you'll have the ability to:

Here's an example of how you can ask a contact for their first name and have the system save their response as their first name:

After setting up your questions, you can edit them using the pencil icon:

You can turn them on or off using the toggle:

You can reorder them using the six dots:

And you can delete them using the trashcan icon:

To test how your Data Capture will be received, you can use the Preview section!

Type "start" in the field provided and then click Send to preview your Data Capture session.

To activate your Data Capture, click the blue Activate button in the upper right-hand corner:

You'll get to choose what Keyword people will text to begin your Data Capture and the phone number they'll text it to:

Hit Confirm, and your Data Capture will be active on that number!

After setting up a Data Capture, you can check its status, the number of questions, and the percentage completed.

NOTE: To change the Keyword and Phone number assigned to the Data Capture, deactivate and reactivate the Data Capture to edit these fields.
​
You'll also be able to edit and delete any existing Data Captures via the three dots to the far right-hand side of your Data Capture.

Data Capture is super versatile and customizable!

Use the Message Question Type to just send a message that doesn't collect any data, this is a great option when starting your Data Capture session.
​
Use the Text Question Type for any questions that a contact would be submitting text for! (i.e., their first and last name, their address, a prayer request.)

Use the Multiple Choice Question Type to have your contact choose from a selection of choices you set up.

The Answer would be the answer the recipient sends to you like (A, B, or C), and the Stored Value would be the data associated with that answer.
​
For example, your question could be: Would you prefer to receive texts, emails, or both from us? Send A for texts only, B for emails only, or C for both!
​
You can also set your Data Capture to jump to another question if they respond with this choice.
​
​Note: Remember to include your options in your Multiple Choice question, as you would like the person to respond to help ensure you receive the proper response!
​
Use the Date Question Type to have your contacts share a date with you!

Use the Numeric Question Type when asking questions about quantity, like how many people are RSVP-ing with them for an event.

Finally, the End Question Type should be the last message in your Data Capture session. It's great for thanking your contact and letting them know the session is over.
​
You could use Data Captures for:

You can delete a Data Capture by clicking on the three dots beside the Data Capture and choosing Delete:

To restore a deleted Data Capture, click on the Deleted tab, then choose Restore:

While editing or creating a Data Capture, click the three dots beside the Activate button to save it as a Template!

A pop-up menu will appear where you can edit the name of your Data Capture and, optionally, set a description for it:

Hit Confirm, and your Data Capture will be added to the My Template tab:

Have questions or need help?
Email us at support@textinchurch.com or chat with us from the Resources tab of your account!
​