Getting started with text messaging
Text messaging in Connect is currently in beta. If you'd like to access texting features in Connect, sign up for the beta waitlist at eCatholic.com/beta. If you're already an active user of Connect, contact us at [email protected] to request early access to texting in your Connect organization.
eCatholic Connect allows you to send messages to your members via email and SMS text. Here are some resources you can explore to learn more about texting with Connect:
- Turn on text messaging - Learn how to a) activate Trial Mode or b) Bring-your-own Twilio account to send unlimited texts with Connect.
- How to send a text message in Connect - Take a closer look at how texting works in Connect, from composing a message to the text that is delivered to your members.
- What is A2P 10DLC messaging - Information on how to register for A2P 10DLC as well as what it is and how it will benefit your organization.
How to start texting in Connect
Trial the texting features in Connect
Activating a trial of texting in eCatholic Connect is the easiest way to start exploring how texting works in Connect. The trial will effectively allow you to give it a test run at your organization.
When you start your texting trial, you will be allocated a fixed number of free text messages you can send in Connect.
Bring your own Twilio account / Sign up for Twilio
To send unlimited text messages in Connect, you'll need to sign up for a Twilio account. Once your account is created, you will:
Once the steps above are complete, you can enter your Twilio account details in Connect to unlock unlimited texting.
Texting Benefits & Discounts for Nonprofits
eCatholic customers who are registered as a nonprofit organization can take advantage of reduced carrier fees, discounted rates from Twilio, and other messaging benefits.
Apply for Twilio's Impact Access Program to get started.
Texting fees
All SMS billing is managed directly in your Twilio account.
There are three categories of fees associated with A2P 10DLC texting:
- One-time Setup fees - These are applied when registering your US A2P Brand and your A2P Use Case the moment they are registered with the Campaign Registry.
- Monthly fees - These include an A2P monthly campaign fee as well as the monthly phone number fee charged by Twilio.
- Per-message fees - Are charged by carriers for messages sent to users on their networks as well as by Twilio for use of their technology for sending text messages. See Twilio's standard US Messaging pricing to confirm the latest pricing.
For a complete breakdown with more information, see our complete article on texting fees.