Use Shorthand Codes to customize communications

A shorthand code is like a nickname that you give to a piece of information in your booking form. For example, {FNAME} refers to the booker's first name. These codes are always capitalized. You can add shorthand codes to an email, SMS message, and calendar event to customize communications to your customers.  

This feature is available on all plans, including the Free one. 

In this article: 

• Using shorthand codes on the booking form 
• Using shorthand codes in your notifications and calendar event 
• Frequently asked questions

Using shorthand codes on the booking form 

1. In your settings, navigate to Additional options and click Booking form.

2. If you want to gather additional information from your customer, click Add question and set a shorthand code for that question. You can find a list of our standard shorthand codes here: shorthand code glossary or create your own.  

Using shorthand codes in your notifications and calendar event  

You can customize communications to your customers by adding the shorthand codes you've set on the booking form to emails, SMS messages, and your calendar event. Data relative to each shorthand code is pulled into the notification, so the email is personalized for each booker. 

1. Add curly brackets around the shorthand code to display the information entered on the booking form.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I export the data associated with my shorthand codes? 

• If you set a shorthand code for each question on your booking form, these fields will be exported into separate columns in your data export.

2. Can I pass a shorthand code through a webhook or Zapier integration?

• Shorthand codes can be used to pass through specific information about your booker through a webhook or Zapier integration. 

3. Can I use shorthand codes to customize the text on my live booking page?

• Shorthand codes can only be used in communications that occur after the booking in the Notifications section of your settings.

4. Are these codes required to be capitalized?

• Yes. When you create a shorthand code, you will see it only appears in capitalized letters. 

For further questions, contact our team at support@youcanbook.me.

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