Auto SMS A2P Opt-In Opt-Out Texts!
What is Auto SMS A2P?
Auto SMS is exactly what it sounds like, automated SMS messages sent out to your clients when they text you particular messages! There are a few different messages that will send automatic texts to clients like initial messages, the word 'stop', the word 'start', and the word 'help'. Each one can have its own custom message!
A2P 10DLC refers to a system in the United States that allows businesses to send Application-to-Person (A2P) type messaging via standard 10-digit long code (10DLC) phone numbers. All Cell Carriers in the US got together to create this regulation and impose it on all businesses that work with SMS messaging. All cell carriers consider all Business (non-consumer) messaging to be A2P. Carriers’ A2P 10DLC offerings provide better delivery quality and lower filtering risk than long code SMS of the past, using the same phone numbers. For more information click here for our summary on this telecom policy change!
What do I need to do to use Auto SMS?
You'll need to contact our service team to have SMS added to your account. There's a short survey you'll need to fill out regarding your SMS campaign/purposes according to the new telecom rules in place. Once we've reviewed and had the feature added, you'll be able to start using Auto-SMS! If you already have SMS on your account and have registered for opt-in/opt-out messaging you'll be able to get started right away, proceed below!
Set up Your Auto-SMS
On your RingByName system, admins begin by logging into the system administration panel. In the web application, click on your name in the top-right corner and click on the "Go to System Administration" link.
Next, from the Navigation bar at the top of the screen, select "RingByName Setup".
Then click on the campaign you've registered from the list that appears (If no campaign is listed you'll need to reach out to our service team to have SMS enabled). Once you've selected your campaign, you'll be able to select which phone numbers will use the messages you create!
Below the list of phone numbers you'll have text boxes for each type of message. Select a DID to get started, and fill in the automated messages on the right.
- Opt-In: The first message between you and a client when this campaign is enabled will generate this message. So if you text the client or they text you, they'll also get a copy of this message.
- Opt-Out: When a client sends STOP this is the last message they will receive. until they say START or RESTART
- HELP: When a client sends HELP this is the message they will receive.
We recommend you include your company name in all messages. We also recommend including any information relevant to whatever service the client is being provided with. If its marking advise them they're opting into upcoming deals. If its account information advise them that you'll only send them appointment or billing details. We recommended including the commands start, restart, stop, and help. You'll be able to include links especially if HELP should go to a web page or emergency contact options. We recommend adding "message and data rates may apply," to your opt-in messages.
What are the requirements for Opt-In, Opt-Out, Help?
The only requirements are that these messages include some clear point about what they do. While we recommend including details like msg/data rates may apply, the only requirements are that opt-in (texting 'start') conveys to clients they can receive texts and that opt-out (texting 'stop') conveys to clients they'll no longer receive messages. Since a client who sends 'stop' can't get any new messages, we would recommend adding something like 'if you'd like to be able to communicate with us again, please text 'start'". It can save them a lot of trouble if they've accidentally texted 'stop' to your business.
How do I know if a client has opted out?
When the last message they sent was STOP, they've opted out. If your still unsure, you can try messaging that client and on your sms attempt you'll see the following error message 'This number is on the opt out list and cannot be sent messages.'
I need to update a lot of numbers or a specific campaign of numbers!
At the bottom of your list of numbers you can select the link in blue 'set Auto Responses for multiple numbers' at the bottom of your page to update multiple numbers or a particular campaign and all their messages at once.
I need more information about 10DLC and SMS campaigns!
Click here for more information on 10DLC and SMS Campaigns