Help Topic: Text Messaging
Q. How To Send Text Messages?
You need the following to send text messages:
- a trial or enterprise plan
- subscription / enable one of the available sms gateways
- save your API gateway settings
Point 2
To see the gateways that are available go to: SETTINGS > SETTINGS > SYSTEM > find SMS TEXT MESSAGING panel. The gateways are listed across the top of the header. Clicking on each will show the settings we need and a link to the gateways' website where you can create an account. 3rd party gateways are only available for Enterprise Plans. We have a Bizstim gateway that can be enabled at any time if you have a Small Business or Enterprise account. Our costs are 10 cents per text message for Small Business plans and 3 cents per text message for Enterprise plans.
Point 3
Depending on the gateway you choose there are different settings required. If you have any difficulty please contact Bizstim support and we would be happy to help. Once you have provided your gateway settings, you are ready to send text messages. If you want to send automated text messages, click on the SETTINGS heading within the panel to turn on those automated features you desire. The Bizstim gateway does not require credentials of any kind. All you need to do to use the Bizstim text messaging gateway is to enable it.
Automated text messaging does not require your attention once you have selected the options you want. However, you have more options available to you.
Here are a list of text messaging options available to you:
- automate session reminders
- automate pending invoice reminders
- automate overdue invoice reminders
- automate pending tasks
- manual session reminders
- manual pending invoice reminders
- manual overdue invoice reminders
- manual pending tasks
- custom text messaging
Automated processes are handled by the software and do not require your direct supervision. Manual processes rely upon you to initiate communication. Manual options are present on table lists and view pages. You can send custom text messages from: COMMUNICATION > TEXT MESSAGING > SEND CUSTOM MESSAGE.
All text messages sent are recorded within the system and can be reviewed at: COMMUNICATION > TEXT MESSAGING > HISTORY. If you receive an error when sending a text message go here for an explanation. If you need additional help, as always, contact Bizstim support.
Q. Error When Sending Text Messages
If you are getting an error when sending a text message, consider the following:
- do the recipient(s) have a text phone number associated with their account?
- do the recipient(s) have the "text reminder" permission set to enabled?
- check the INFO column on the History table at COMMUNICATION > TEXT MESSAGING > HISTORY
- is the text phone number correct?
- has the recipient(s) enabled RoboKiller or similar filters to block text messages? (Opt-out features)
For custom and manual text messages the recipient(s) do NOT have to have the "text reminder" permission set to enabled. That permission is only required for automated text messaging.
If you are still unclear about the error, contact Bizstim support.
Q. What Text Gateway Do You Recommend?
We recommend any of the gateways we have available. However, here is our take on their benefits and features:
BizstimTexting
- Their Features: 5 / 5
- Brand Recognition: 5 / 5
- Ease of Setup: 5 / 5
- Price: 5 / 5
SimpleTexting
- Their Features: 4 / 5
- Brand Recognition: 4 / 5
- Ease of Setup: 4 / 5
- Price: 3 / 5
EZ Texting
- Their Features: 4 / 5
- Brand Recognition: 4 / 5
- Ease of Setup: 3 / 5
- Price: 2 / 5
ClickSend (available outside of US & Canada)
- Their Features: 4 / 5
- Brand Recognition: 3 / 5
- Ease of Setup: 4 / 5
- Price: 3 / 5
We make no appologies. Our text messaging gateways is the best!
The other external gateways are scored based on customer feedback. If you are not sure what gateway to use, contact us and we would be happy to help weigh the pros and cons.
Q. When Are Text Message Reminders Sent Out?
Text messages reminders for sessions, invoices, and tasks/requests are sent out based on X hours before the event and is configured by you. For example, many of our clients choose to send session reminders via text 1-3 hours prior to the start of the session. Furthermore, you can choose to send a text reminder to the client, practitioner, or both parties.
A text reminder is sent if the user has the text reminder permission and a valid text phone number on file. If the permission or phone number is unavailable no text is sent.
