> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.revbridge.ai/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# SMS Channel

> Reach customers instantly with text message marketing

SMS delivers near-instant communication with open rates exceeding 95%. Use it for time-sensitive offers, urgent notifications, and high-priority messages.

## SMS Capabilities

| Feature           | Supported |
| ----------------- | --------- |
| Text messages     | ✅         |
| Personalization   | ✅         |
| Link tracking     | ✅         |
| Two-way messaging | ✅         |
| MMS (images)      | Limited   |
| Opt-out handling  | ✅         |

## Setting Up SMS

Navigate to **Settings → Channels** and click **Configure** next to SMS.

### Configuration Steps

<Steps>
  <Step title="Connect Provider">
    Link your SMS provider account (Twilio, etc.)
  </Step>

  <Step title="Configure Sender">
    Set up your sender ID or phone number
  </Step>

  <Step title="Verify Compliance">
    Confirm you meet regulatory requirements
  </Step>

  <Step title="Test Delivery">
    Send a test message to verify setup
  </Step>
</Steps>

### Sender ID Options

| Type             | Description                | Use Case              |
| ---------------- | -------------------------- | --------------------- |
| **Long Code**    | Standard phone number      | Two-way conversations |
| **Short Code**   | 5-6 digit number           | High-volume marketing |
| **Alphanumeric** | Brand name (where allowed) | Brand recognition     |
| **Toll-Free**    | 1-800 style number         | Customer service      |

<Warning>
  Alphanumeric sender IDs are not supported in all countries (including the US). Check regional availability.
</Warning>

## SMS Best Practices

### Message Length

| Standard     | Length                | Notes                 |
| ------------ | --------------------- | --------------------- |
| Single SMS   | 160 characters        | Most cost-effective   |
| Concatenated | 153 chars per segment | Longer messages split |

<Tip>
  Keep messages under 160 characters when possible. Include essentials: offer, CTA, opt-out.
</Tip>

### Message Structure

**Essential elements**:

1. Brand identification
2. Clear offer/message
3. Call to action
4. Opt-out instructions

**Example**:

```
ACME: Flash sale! 30% off all items today only.
Shop now: acme.co/sale
Reply STOP to opt out
```

### URL Shortening

* Use branded short links when possible
* Track clicks for attribution
* Avoid suspicious-looking URLs
* Test links before sending

### Timing

| Guideline                      | Reason                     |
| ------------------------------ | -------------------------- |
| Send during business hours     | Respect quiet times        |
| Avoid early morning/late night | Prevent annoyance          |
| Consider time zones            | Send at local optimal time |
| Don't send on holidays         | Lower engagement           |

**Optimal send times**:

* Tuesday-Thursday typically perform best
* 10am-12pm and 2pm-4pm local time
* Avoid Monday mornings and Friday afternoons

## Compliance Requirements

SMS has strict regulatory requirements. Non-compliance can result in significant fines.

### TCPA (US)

The Telephone Consumer Protection Act requires:

* **Express written consent** before sending marketing SMS
* Clear disclosure of message frequency
* Easy opt-out mechanism
* Immediate honor of STOP requests
* No messages to numbers on DNC lists

### Consent Best Practices

<Steps>
  <Step title="Collect Consent">
    Get explicit opt-in with clear disclosure
  </Step>

  <Step title="Document Consent">
    Record timestamp, method, and language shown
  </Step>

  <Step title="Confirm Opt-In">
    Send confirmation message after signup
  </Step>

  <Step title="Maintain Records">
    Keep consent records for compliance audits
  </Step>
</Steps>

### Required Disclosures

When collecting SMS consent, disclose:

* Message frequency (e.g., "up to 4 msgs/month")
* Message and data rates may apply
* How to opt out (reply STOP)
* Link to privacy policy

**Example opt-in language**:

```
By entering your phone number, you agree to receive
marketing text messages from ACME (up to 4 per month).
Message and data rates may apply. Reply STOP to cancel.
```

### Opt-Out Handling

RevBridge AI automatically:

* Recognizes STOP, UNSUBSCRIBE, CANCEL, QUIT
* Immediately suppresses the number
* Sends confirmation of opt-out
* Prevents future messages

<Warning>
  Never message someone who has opted out. This violates TCPA and can result in $500-$1,500 per message in fines.
</Warning>

### Quiet Hours

Avoid sending during restricted hours:

* No messages before 8am local time
* No messages after 9pm local time
* Consider stricter windows (9am-8pm)

## Carrier Registration

### 10DLC (US)

For US long-code SMS, register with carriers:

<Steps>
  <Step title="Register Your Brand">
    Submit business information for verification
  </Step>

  <Step title="Register Campaigns">
    Describe your SMS use cases
  </Step>

  <Step title="Await Approval">
    Carriers review and approve
  </Step>

  <Step title="Start Sending">
    Send within approved throughput limits
  </Step>
</Steps>

<Info>
  Unregistered traffic may be filtered or blocked by carriers. Registration is required for reliable delivery.
</Info>

## Analytics

Track SMS performance:

| Metric        | Description         |
| ------------- | ------------------- |
| **Sent**      | Messages dispatched |
| **Delivered** | Confirmed delivery  |
| **Failed**    | Delivery failures   |
| **Clicked**   | Link clicks         |
| **Opted Out** | STOP responses      |
| **Replied**   | Other responses     |

### Delivery Status

| Status      | Meaning                 |
| ----------- | ----------------------- |
| Delivered   | Reached device          |
| Undelivered | Carrier rejection       |
| Failed      | Invalid number or error |

## Use Cases

### Time-Sensitive Offers

```
ACME: 2-HOUR FLASH SALE! 40% off everything
ends at 8PM. Shop: acme.co/flash
STOP to opt out
```

### Abandoned Cart

```
Hi {{first_name}}, you left something behind!
Your cart (${{cart_total}}) is waiting: acme.co/cart
Reply STOP to unsubscribe
```

### Order Updates

```
ACME: Your order #{{order_id}} has shipped!
Track it: acme.co/track/{{tracking}}
```

### Appointment Reminders

```
Reminder: Your appointment with ACME is
tomorrow at 2pm. Reply YES to confirm or
call 555-0123 to reschedule.
```

## Troubleshooting

### Low Delivery Rates

1. Verify phone numbers are valid
2. Check carrier registration status
3. Review message content for filtering
4. Confirm sender ID is approved

### High Opt-Out Rates

1. Review message frequency
2. Ensure content matches expectations
3. Check message relevance
4. Survey customers for feedback

### Messages Not Sending

1. Verify provider integration
2. Check account balance/credits
3. Review rate limits
4. Confirm sender configuration