Learn how to add the MyStudio communication enhancement add-on and how to create a Twilio Account that you can integrate with MyStudio for SMS.
Overview
Our Communication Enhancement Add-on allows you to integrate a Twilio account for SMS functionality and will allow you to send emojis and images in SMS and in-app messaging. Integrating Twilio into your MyStudio account allows you to take control of your SMS plan, including how many bulk texts you’re allowed to send per month.
Permissions and Accessibility
Staff Access:
- Admin
- Full Access
- Manager
- No Access
- Staff
- No Access
MyStudio Plan Restrictions:
- Users need to have enrolled into an SMS Plan with Twilio and a MyStudio Communication Enhancement Add-On
Specifications
To add the communication enhancement add-on that will allow you to integrate a Twilio account to MyStudio, you will go to My Account > Plan and Billing > click “Learn More” to view the steps for creating and connecting a Twilio account. You can sign up for our communication enhancement add-on without connecting a Twilio account, but you will not be able to utilize SMS in our system.
You will need to complete the following steps:
Step 1: Create a Twilio Account
Click on the link in the popup to be redirected to Twilio’s homepage where you can create a new account. Once you create an account, you will be taken to your Twilio homepage.
NOTE: If you have more than one location associated with your business, you can create just one Twilio account, but you will have to purchase or transfer each phone number associated with each MyStudio account. So if you have three locations, you will need three different numbers in the Twilio account.
NOTE: When you are creating the business profile, you will come across the option to select whether you are a Direct or ISV customer. You will select a direct brand customer, as these customers send messages directly to their clients. Please see this article for more details: ISV vs Direct Customer
Example of form fill-out:
Step 2: Upgrade
Click on “upgrade” at the top left and verify your identity. This will allow you to use Twilio to its full potential.
Step 3: Get a Phone Number
From your Twilio number’s homepage, click “Get Phone Number” to generate a random number automatically. You can also buy a specific phone number from Twilio. Additionally, you can port an existing phone number separate from MyStudio into Twilio, but this process may take some time. Once you have a phone number, it will display on your homepage.
NOTE: If you have more than one location associated with your business, you can create just one Twilio account, but you will have to purchase or transfer each phone number associated with each MyStudio account. So if you have three locations, you will need three different numbers in the Twilio account.
Step 4: Complete Twilio’s A2P 10DLC
The US requires that businesses sending bulk SMS fill out the A2P 10DLC which serves as a regulation document that prevents phishing SMS. Essentially, this document is required to allow you to send bulk SMS. In your Twilio account, you will go to Messaging > Regulatory Compliance > A2P 10DLC Overview.
We HIGHLY recommend taking your time with this process and learning more about this requirement before filling out the documentation so that you can ensure a quick, easy connection. The first article below, in particular, helps you choose which type of brand your business would be and contains a very helpful video. You will be registering as either a Low-volume or Standard Brand if you have an EIN, Tax ID, employees, etc. If you have made a mistake in your brand selection, please see below for how to fix this. After filling out this document, it will take 1-2 business days to be fully verified.
For more information about what the A2P 10DLC is and the specifics of how to set it up in Twilio, check out Twilio’s article here: Programmable Messaging and A2P 10DLC
For a quick comparison between a sole-proprietorship, low-volume, and standard brand, check out Twilio’s article here: Comparison between sole Proprietor, Low Volume Standard, and Standard registration for A2P 10DLC
Step 5: Create Campaign
After completing the A2P 10DLC, you will need to create a messaging campaign. This tells Twilio exactly what kinds of messages you’ll be sending to your members. To complete this, in your Twilio account, go to messaging > regulatory compliance > campaigns > register new campaign.
Select your A2P brand you created when registering for the A2P 10DLC. For the “available A2P Campaign” use case, you will generally select the “low volume mixed” option. This is especially true if you selected your brand to be Low-Standard.
For more information about the use case types, check out Twilio’s article here: List of campaign use case types for A2P 10DLC registration.
Under the “messaging service", select create new messaging service. The “campaign description” describes what you are using the SMS for (IE: customer care communication); you will need to provide at least 2 examples of these messages. Under “message contents,” select that messages will include embed links since you may link to registration pages or the member app. If you plan on sending phone numbers in the messages, also select this box.
“How do end-users consent to receive messages” will consist of a consent message. Provide the following text in this field box, replacing [company] with the name of your business:
“By providing your phone number, you agree to receive text messages from [company]. Message and data rates may apply. Message frequency varies.”
For opt-in keywords, enter “Start” and for Opt-in message enter: “To stop receiving messages from this number, reply with UNSUBSCRIBE or STOP.”
Then click “create.”
For further insight for creating a successful campaign, check out Twilio's article here: A2P 10DLC Campaign Approval Requirements
NOTE: If you experience any issues with approval for your A2P 10DLC or campaigns, you should receive an email from Twilio describing the issue. If you need any clarity on this, please reach out to Twilio directly so they can properly and efficiently assist in explaining and resolving your issue.
Fees
One time fees
- One time fee to Twilio associated with the A2P 10DLC registration, depending on which “brand” you fill out in the document.
- One time campaign vetting fee to Twilio per campaign
Monthly fees
- Monthly fee to MyStudio for the communication enhancement add-on: $10/month
- Monthly cost to Twilio associated with the brand type you entered as well as each campaign you create, depending on your selection for the campaign use type.
- Per message usage to Twilio
Please see below for further clarification on Twilio’s pricing.
For information about pricing and fees associated with the A2P 10DLC, check out Twilio’s article here: What pricing and fees are associated with the A2P 10DLC service?
For information about SMS usage pricing and fees, check out Twilio’s article here: https://www.twilio.com/en-us/sms/pricing/us
NOTE: Twilio also has different support level tiers. While not mandatory to purchase, you can select a higher support level for an additional monthly cost. Please see here for further details: Support Plans
Step 6: How to Fix Brand if Incorrect (Optional)
If your A2P 10DLC or campaign were rejected due to your brand selection, you will need to first delete the brand and campaign in order to resubmit. You will then need to create a new business profile by clicking the Twilio icon at the top left and click create new. You will need to create a new profile and restart the process.
Step 7: Copy and Connect Account SID and Auth Token
Go back to the MyStudio tab and click “Proceed” on the popup. You will then be prompted to fill out billing information for MyStudio if you are brand new to the system. Otherwise, the system will prompt you to enter your Twilio’s Account SID and Auth Token. In your Twilio account, scroll to the bottom of the Twilio page to find these items.
Copy and paste them into the MyStudio fields. Continue with Add-on purchase.
Once completed, and everything in your Twilio account is set up and fully verified, you will be able to send SMS to your members from your MyStudio account! If you need to edit or disconnect the Twilio number, go to Integrations > Twilio Integration for these options.
FAQs
1) Can I get the MyStudio communication enhancement add-on without connecting Twilio?
Yes! Purchasing the MyStudio communication enhancement add-on will allow you to utilize emojis and image sharing (coming soon) in in-app messaging. Just know that you will not be able to send SMS without a Twilio integration.
2) Can I connect Twilio later?
Yes! You are able to purchase the MyStudio communication enhancement add-on without connecting Twilio right away. You can always connect your Twilio account later from Integrations > Twilio Integration once you would like to utilize our SMS capabilities.
3) Can I connect Twilio to MyStudio before the A2P 10DLC is fully verified?
Yes! Just be aware that you may have trouble sending SMS until this document is fully verified and you’ve created the campaign. So we recommend completing those steps first.
4) I have multiple locations with my business. Does each location have to make their own Twilio account?
No! If you have more than one location associated with your business, you can create just one Twilio account, but you will have to purchase or transfer each phone number associated with each MyStudio account. So if you have three locations, you will need three different numbers in the Twilio account.