vcita Enable SMS Opt-Ins for Campaigns and Transactional Messages

Take control of client communications by learning how to manage SMS opt-in preferences for marketing and transactional messages.

Understanding SMS Types

It is important to distinguish between the two types of SMS communications available:

• Transactional SMS: These are automated messages sent regarding specific actions or bookings, such as appointment reminders, confirmations, and rescheduling notifications.
• Promotional SMS: These are marketing messages used to send promotional offers, newsletters, and general business updates to your client base.

Requirements for Promotional SMS

To send Promotional SMS, you must obtain a Verified SMS number. This is a requirement from mobile carriers to ensure your business is recognized as a legitimate sender.

1. Open the platform.
2. Navigate to the App Market.
3. Locate and subscribe to the Business Texting App.
4. When applying for your number, you must complete all available fields accurately.
5. Ensure you toggle on the option for SMS Announcements and Automated Campaigns.
6. Provide a sample message for the cell phone carriers to review as part of the verification process.

Creating the Marketing Opt-in Field

Before you can manage marketing preferences, you must create a dedicated field in your settings.

1. Open the platform.
2. Click Settings.
3. Click Client & Contact Info.
4. Click Add Contact Field.
5. For "Field Type", select Opt-in for campaigns.
6. Enter a field name.
7. Check the Send campaigns only to opted-in clients box.
8. Click Add.

Managing Individual Client Consent

You can manually update the SMS consent status for a single client directly from their profile.

1. Open the platform.
2. Click Clients.
3. Select a client from the list.
4. In the side panel of the Client Card, under "Contact Information", click Show more.
5. Under "Communication details", click the edit icon.
6. You will see two distinct options for consent:
   • Receive text message reminders and confirmations: This enables transactional SMS for appointments.
   • I'd like to receive promotional updates: This enables marketing SMS campaigns.
7. Check the desired boxes to enable consent.
8. Click Save.

Bulk Opting-In Clients

If you have documented proof of consent for a group of clients, you can update their marketing preferences simultaneously.

1. Open the platform.
2. Click Clients.
3. Select the desired clients by checking the selection boxes.
4. Click More in the action bar.
5. Scroll to "Communication Preferences" and click Marketing Messages.
6. Under "Update preferences for marketing, promotions, and newsletters", select Opt-in.
7. Click Save.

Bulk Opting Out Clients

You can update the marketing preferences for up to 1,000 clients at once within the platform to remove them from marketing lists.

1. Open the platform.
2. Click Clients.
3. At the bottom of the screen, set Rows per page to 100.
4. Select the desired clients by checking the main selection box.
5. Click More in the action bar.
6. Scroll to "Communication Preferences" and click Marketing Messages.
7. Under "Update preferences for marketing, promotions, and newsletters", select Opt-out.
8. Click Save.

Client Self-Service Opt-in For SMS Appointment Reminders and Confirmations

Clients can manage their own preferences through the Client Portal to receive appointment reminders and confirmations.

1. Go to the Client Portal.
2. Click the navigation menu.
3. Click the My Account link.
4. Click Profile.
5. Check or uncheck the opt-in box as needed.
6. Click Save.

Client Self-Service Opt-Out for SMS Marketing Campaigns

Clients can manage their subscription status for marketing messages independently. To unsubscribe from SMS marketing, a client must reply STOP to any marketing message they receive. This action immediately updates their status to opted out within the platform. Please note that the platform does not currently support opting out of SMS marketing campaigns directly through the Client Portal.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the difference between Transactional and Promotional SMS?

Transactional SMS refers to messages sent about appointment reminders and confirmations, while Promotional SMS is used for sending marketing offers and newsletters.

Q: How do I get a number for Promotional SMS?

You must subscribe to the Business Texting App in the App Market and apply for a Verified SMS number. This process involves providing accurate business details and a sample message for carrier review.

Q: How long does it take to get verified for Promotional SMS?

The verification process for promotional SMS can take up to 6 weeks from the time we receive accurate and complete information. This timeline is controlled by the mobile carriers who review the application.

Q: Can I automatically check the SMS opt-in box for my clients during booking?

No, the checkbox for transactional SMS must be selected by the client manually. The platform does not allow this box to be checked by default to ensure regulatory compliance.

Q: How many clients can I update at once for promotional SMS using the bulk tools?

You can select and update up to 1,000 clients at one time within the platform UI. You should set your view to 100 rows per page to manage these selections effectively.

Q: Can I use the bulk opt-in tool to enable appointment reminders for my clients?

No. The bulk update tool for communication preferences only applies to marketing SMS. Transactional messages, like appointment reminders, require individual consent from the client.