Setup: Text Messaging

Why This Matters

Text messaging lets you communicate directly with your contacts via SMS. Every AllClients plan includes built-in text messaging tools at no extra charge — you just need to connect your own SMS provider account to power the delivery.


Here's what you need to know:

  • You'll sign up with an external provider (Textmagic, ClickSend, or Twilio)
  • The provider charges separately for message usage based on their pricing
  • Once connected, you can send and receive texts directly from your CRM
  • Setup takes about 15 minutes total (or 5 minutes if you already have provider credentials)

Before You Begin

What you'll need:

  • To choose one of three supported providers: Textmagic, ClickSend, or Twilio
  • A credit card to set up your provider account
  • About 15 minutes to complete setup (including provider signup)

Cost information: Each provider bills separately for text message usage. Pricing varies by provider and is based on the number of messages you send. You'll pay the provider directly—text messaging is not included in your CRM subscription.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Choose Your Text Messaging Provider

What to do: Review the three supported providers and choose the one that fits your needs.

Why this matters: Each provider has different pricing, features, and coverage areas. Choosing the right one now prevents needing to switch later.

Your options:

Textmagic

  • Pay-as-you-go pricing with no monthly fees
  • Strong international coverage
  • Simple setup with straightforward pricing
  • Excellent support
  • Sign up for Textmagic →

ClickSend

  • Competitive pricing for high-volume senders
  • Good for businesses sending 1,000+ messages per month
  • Very good support
  • Sign up for ClickSend →

Twilio

  • Requires more technical setup
  • Support is not always stellar
  • Sign up for Twilio →

How long it takes: 5 minutes to review and decide


2. Sign Up with Your Chosen Provider and Get Your Phone Number

What to do: Click the sign-up link for your chosen provider, create an account, and obtain your SMS phone number.

Why this matters: You need an active provider account with a dedicated phone number before you can connect it to your CRM.

During signup:

  • Choose a phone number (most providers let you select your area code)
  • Add a credit card for billing
  • Verify your account via email
  • Note your account credentials—you'll need them in the next step

How long it takes: 5-10 minutes


💡 Business Texting Registration (10DLC): If you're sending text messages in the United States, most SMS providers require you to complete a business registration process before you can start sending texts. This is a carrier and provider requirement (not a CRM requirement) called 10DLC that verifies your business identity and helps prevent spam. Registration typically takes a few days to process. The good news: Textmagic and ClickSend support teams will walk you through the entire process. Don't let this step slow you down — reach out to your provider's support team and they'll handle the heavy lifting.


3. Locate Your API Credentials

What to do: Find your API credentials in your provider's dashboard. Here's where to look:

For Textmagic:

  1. Log into your Textmagic account
  2. Go to Settings → API Settings
  3. Copy your API Username and API Key

For ClickSend:

  1. Log into your ClickSend account
  2. Go to Account → API Credentials
  3. Copy your Username and API Key

For Twilio:

  1. Log into your Twilio Console
  2. Find your Account SID and Auth Token on the dashboard
  3. Copy your Twilio phone number

Why this matters: These credentials allow your CRM to connect securely to your provider account.

How long it takes: 2-3 minutes


4. Connect Your Provider in the CRM

What to do: Return to your CRM and enter your provider credentials.

  1. Go to Automation → Text Messaging Center
  2. Click Go to Configuration
  3. Click the Provider Configuration tab
  4. Select your provider from the three options
  5. Enter your credentials:
    • Username/Account ID (from your provider dashboard)
    • API Key/Auth Token (from your provider dashboard)
    • Phone Number (your provider phone number in format: +12125551234)
  6. Click Save Provider Configuration

Why this matters: This establishes the connection between your CRM and your SMS provider so messages can be sent and received.

How long it takes: 3-5 minutes


5. Configure Text Messaging Notifications

What to do: Set up how you want to be notified when you receive text messages.

  1. In Text Messaging Settings, click the Notifications tab
  2. Enter email addresses or phone numbers where you want to receive alerts when texts arrive
  3. Click Save Notification Settings

Why this matters: You'll want to know when contacts reply to your messages so you can respond promptly.

How long it takes: 2 minutes


6. Add Text Messaging Widget to Your Dashboard (Optional but Recommended)

What to do: Add a notification widget to your dashboard for quick access to incoming texts.

  1. Go to your Dashboard
  2. Right-click anywhere on the dashboard
  3. Click Add Widget
  4. Select Text Center Alerts

Why this matters: The widget shows incoming text notifications directly on your dashboard, so you never miss a message from a contact.

How long it takes: 1 minute

Questions and Answers

Q: Do I have to use one of these three providers?

A: Yes. The system currently supports Textmagic, ClickSend, and Twilio. You cannot use other SMS providers or your personal phone number.


Q: Can I switch providers later if I'm not happy?

A: Yes, you can change providers at any time through the Provider Configuration settings. Your message history will remain in your CRM, but you'll need to set up a new account with the new provider.


Q: What happens if I run out of credits with my provider?

A: Your messages will fail to send until you add more credits to your provider account. The CRM will show an error message. You'll need to log into your provider's website to add funds.


Q: Can I use my existing Twilio/Textmagic/ClickSend account?

A: Yes! If you already have an account with one of these providers, just enter your existing credentials during setup. You don't need to create a new account. If you already have credentials, CRM configuration only takes about 5 minutes.


Q: How much will text messaging cost?

A: Pricing varies by provider and is based on the number of messages you send. Most providers charge $0.01-$0.04 per message depending on your volume and destination country. Check your provider's pricing page for specific rates.


Q: Can I send texts to international numbers?

A: Yes, all three providers support international texting, but rates are higher for international messages. Check your provider's international pricing before sending.


Q: What phone number will my contacts see when I text them?

A: They'll see the phone number you purchased from your SMS provider during signup. This is the number you entered in Step 4.


Q: Can contacts text me back?

A: Yes! This is two-way messaging. When contacts reply, their messages appear in your Text Messaging Center and you'll receive notifications based on your settings.


Q: Do I need to get permission before texting contacts?

A: Yes! You must have explicit consent before sending marketing or promotional texts. See our Best Practices for Text Messaging in Your CRM guide for compliance requirements.


Q: What if my provider credentials don't work?

A: Double-check that you've copied the credentials exactly as they appear in your provider dashboard, including any spaces or special characters. Make sure your phone number includes the country code in this format: +12125551234. If you're still having issues, contact your provider's support team to verify your account is active and API access is enabled.


Q: Can multiple team members use the same SMS number?

A: Yes. You can choose if your team members share the same SMS number or have their own phone number configured in their account.

Guide Type: One-Time Setup Task

Estimated Time: 15 minutes