Overview
SMS is a feature that allows you to send SMS text messages to cell phones in your database. They are sent either via the action menu on Advanced Search or from the Mailings Menu. We currently have two service options for being able to send SMS messages via PowerBase: Clickatell and Twilio. These are external to PowerBase. You must set up an account with one of them and arrange separate payment before you can start sending SMS messages
Both offer the option to receive SMS into PowerBase as well as sending them. If you plan only to send messages, and not to receive them, Twilio is the less expensive option (1 cent per SMS plus $1 a month for the phone number required to be able to send SMS). Twilio is also easier to configure. If you want to send and receive SMS texts, Clickatell seems to be less expensive, but it appears to vary depending on how many SMS messages you are sending every month.
Both Twilio and Clickatell software are included as extensions in your PowerBase which means they are not installed by default. If the extension you need is not yet installed, you can install it from the Extensions page.
If you are not sure which to use, we suggest Twilio simply because PTP staff has more experience working with them.
Setup and initial configuration
- See our Twilio article (recommended)
- See our Clickatell article
Sending
The CiviCRM manual (available off the Help Menu in PowerBase) has a pretty good description of how to send SMS messages to individuals or a group.
Before using SMS to send an alert, you’ll want to test it on a few phone numbers. The best practice is to allow time to get this testing done before you have a need to send a mass text message.
Receiving
If you have properly configured your account to receive replies, then when you get a response SMS message, PowerBase will look for an existing contact with that phone number. If it doesn't find one, it creates a new contact. Then, it adds an activity of type "Inbound SMS". The Source and Target is set to the contact associated with the phone number and the details has the content of the SMS message sent to you. It will have a blank subject.
Opt out/Opt In
There is no automated method for opting in or out of SMS messages via PowerBase.
However, if you are using Twilio, they will handle all STOP and START requests (see their documentation).
It is not clear how Click-a-Tell handles STOP and START requests.
10 Digit Long Code (10DLC)
10DLC is important - you cannot send messages without registering for a 10DLC. See our help file on getting your 10DLC application approved.
Import things to keep in mind
- Without a "short-code" you could be limited to a certain number of messages per day. Check with your SMS provider to find out if they have a limit.
- By default any web address you put in your message will get converted to a web address that can be tracked by PowerBase. That means it might change your bit.ly or otherwise tiny URL into something much longer. If you don't want this - please contacts support and we will disable it for you.