How To Send Text Messages from Argenta

A guide for connecting Twilio and sending SMS text messages to your constituents.

Overview

Argenta partners with Twilio to send SMS (text message) communications. Texting is an effective way to reach your supporters, and Argenta keeps you compliant by only sending to people who have opted in. Before each message goes out, Argenta checks the recipient's number against Twilio's unsubscribe list. If the number has opted out, the message is not sent.

Prerequisites: Connect Your Twilio Account

You need an approved Twilio account before you can send text messages in Argenta.

1. In the left menu, open the Text Messaging section and click Send Text Messages. (You can also reach it from the Mail Room.)
2. In the top right of the Text Messaging (SMS) card, click the Connect Twilio button.
3. In the Connect Your Twilio Account window, enter the three values from your Twilio account:
   • Twilio Account
   • Twilio Auth Token
   • Twilio Phone Number (the number your messages send from)
4. Click Save. The card updates to show a green Twilio Connected badge, and you are ready to send.

Sending a Text Message

You can send to a single constituent or to a saved text list. Type your message in the Type Your Text Message Here box, then choose one of the two options below.

To a Single Constituent

1. Click Send To A Constituent.
2. In Constituent To Send To, start typing the person's name and select them from the results.
3. Click Send Text To This Constituent.
4. Argenta confirms when the message has been sent.

To a Text List

1. Click Send To A Text List.
2. Under Select A Text List, choose your list from the dropdown (only text-eligible lists appear).
3. Review the recipients in the preview. Use the Include "No Solicit" Constituents In List toggle if you need to include people flagged No Solicit.
4. Click Send Text To This List.
5. Argenta confirms when the messages have been sent.

Checking Delivery and Unsubscribes

Use the Results menu at the top of the Send Text Messages page to open Delivery Results (the delivery log) or the Unsubscribe Log. The Text Messaging workspace menu also has Delivery Log, Unsubscribes, and a Public Opt-In Form.

About Text Lists

• Creating a list: Text lists are built from your constituent lists (volunteers, donors, members, and so on) using a bulk action. Filter your constituents first to target the right audience, then save them as a text list.
• Opt-outs: People who have opted out are automatically excluded, so you stay compliant.
• Managing lists: Review and manage your saved lists in the Mail Room.