Set your correct time zone in WordPress to allow your SMS to be delivered at a time consistent with your time zone. In your WordPress admin, go to general under settings and find time zone. From the drop-down menu, select a city that corresponds to your correct time zone. Click the save changes button.

Configure Twilio SMS Carrier Account #

• Unlike most other SMS carriers, Twilio allows for the use of SMS for lead generation provided you can demonstrate that you are sending to double opt-in subscribers. Other carriers do not permit SMS in the US for lead generation.
• Twilio offers SMS phone numbers for the US and international countries. If your goal is to send Internationally, the verified number will restrict you to approved countries only. Each country or region may have different requirements.
• The plugin supports only a single number with associated credentials so you need to choose either the US or international where the plugin is installed. You may purchase additional licenses for use on a sub-domain or different domain should you require more than one number.
• The two types of numbers include A2P 10DLC and toll-free. The A2P 10DLC numbers are for marketing in a local region and require a branding and verification process. Toll-free numbers can be used for the sending of nationwide SMS and MMS. These numbers also require verification.
  Learn more about A2P 10DLC at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KWvbRToRnGg. Learn more about toll-free at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hqhl0Yr9MAM&t=7s.
• Assistance is available for those needing help with account setup and verification. Learn more at https://ezsmsblaster.com/add-on-services/

Twilio Account Setup #

• Sign up for your free Twilio trial account at https://www.twilio.com/try-twilio

Easily create any number of targeted lists. Once a list is created, you have options to edit or delete the list. To create a list:

• Complete the list name and description fields.
• Click the Add SMS List button.
• Any one of your lists may be designated as a birthday list for use with a birthday opt-in form with fields for the month and day of the subscriber’s birthday. The birthday form with an optional incentive digital gift can build a large list rapidly. It automatically sends the SMS message and gift on the subscriber’s birthday. The birthday list, form, and gift are all managed within the plugin.
• To edit a list, click the pencil icon. Make changes to the list name and description as desired. Then click the update list button to save. Reload the page to view edited list changes.
• To delete a list, click the trash can icon to the right of the list. Please note that deleting a list will delete all contacts within that list.

Lists will be available throughout each part of the plugin to support the association of a list with contacts, campaigns, opt-in forms, etc.

The initial screen of managing contacts provides a list of all contacts entered. Above the listings, you may filter contacts by a specific list or search for a contact by name or phone number. Contacts edited or deleted from the ALL list, will apply to ALL contacts in ALL lists. Contacts edited or deleted from a specific list will only apply to that list. The plugin provides options to add first and last name fields to contacts to personalize SMS messages. To add contacts, click the add contacts button on the top right of this screen.

Contacts may be added to a list manually one at a time, or by importing a bulk list as a CSV file.

• Begin by selecting the list where you want to add contacts. You may only add contacts to one list at a time.
• Check the box to confirm that you have permission to add the contacts. **Warning – buying SMS lists (spamming) is prohibited and can result in your SMS account being permanently suspended. No refunds for your plugin service from ezSMSBlaster will be issued for spamming practices**

Manually Adding Contacts

• If adding the contacts manually, complete optional name fields and required phone number in the correct format (international format without spaces. e.g. +12392222222) for each contact and save.

Bulk Adding Contacts

• If adding a bulk list of contacts, prepare a CSV file with First Name, Last Name, and Phone headers, even if the name fields are empty. Format the phone number in the correct format (international format without spaces. e.g. +12392222222)
• * Maximum import limit is 2000 contacts at a time; the rest will be excluded automatically. Drag or upload your CSV file into the bulk add space and save.
• Click the Add Contacts button. Be patient as the process may take some time to complete. When all numbers are added, the system will display a DONE message.

• Please note that our previous use of campaigns has been changed to messages. This avoids confusion with SMS carrier’s use of campaigns for categories and billing purposes.
• The initial screen of Manage Messages provides you with a paginated list of all messages including name of the message, list name, text message, scheduled date and time, status (scheduled, running, complete), and a button to view delivery data for completed messages.
• The view button for completed campaigns links to delivery details including campaign name, number of texts sent, success rate, invalid contacts, number failed to deliver, number blocked by user/carrier, and number of credits used.
• Above message data, messages can be filtered for a specific date range, list, and/or status.
• Messages that are scheduled but not yet running will have edit or delete buttons. A button for creating a new message displays on the top right.

The Manage Opt-In Forms screen lists all forms you have created. It allows you to view, edit, clone, and delete forms. By giving your forms a descriptive title (only visible to you), it’s easier to identify forms you wish to modify and/or use.

Opt-In forms on a well-designed landing page can help you to build substantial targeted lists for acquiring more leads and customers. Fully responsive HTML forms are easy to create and customize with your messaging, colors, and terms. Each form allows you to offer an incentive digital gift that is simple to manage within the plugin. Follow these steps to create a new form:

• Click the button on the top right of manage opt-in forms to add a new form.
• Select a list of subscribers who will opt-in to your form.
• Give your form a descriptive name. This will display on the manage opt-in forms main screen where you can view, edit, clone, or delete a form. This name, visible in the admin only, is useful for finding a form to edit or clone.
• Enter your form title, e.g., Get Our SMS in Your Phone
• Enter the user instruction that displays below the title. Tell subscribers what you want them to do and what they will get, e.g., Enter your info below to get an instant free gift and special offers.
• Add your terms and conditions. Copy an example by clicking the button for Example T&C. The bottom of your T&C will include a non-editable message that incorporates content from settings and says: This SMS message is being sent from [domain] by [company name].
• Style your form by changing colors for background fonts, button, and link.
• Click the Opt-In Gifts button on the top right if you wish to add a digital incentive gift for getting more form opt-ins. Your gift may be a coupon that you create from the plugin. It may be a digital document that you uploaded to your media library and link to it in your gift message.
• Display the form on any page or post of your site by copying and pasting the shortcode where you want the form to display.

Every opt-in form created is associated with a specific list that can be incentivized with a discount or gift. The gifts can be a media file (jpg, gif, png, pdf) or a coupon generated by the plugin that supports HTML. Click the list to add or edit an opt-in gift for that list.

• Select SMS list.
• Add a message to the text field.
• Insert media file or coupon from system (optional).
• Check box to enable opt-in gift.
• Click button to create gift.
• Return to the opt-in form, copy the HTML code, and paste it into any HTML page or post on your website with content to promote your form and offer.