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Twilio Onboarding Guide (Part 1)

Sawyer
Updated

We recommend watching this video to guide you through the actions you will need to take when getting started with Twilio. While it may seem like a lot of information at first, we promise these steps are easier when done sequentially. It is recommended to get as much of this configured in one session to prevent delays to your registration approval. 

 

The initial account set up should only take 15-20 minutes. The total approval process may take 2-3 weeks to finalize your account with Twilio and ensure message deliverability before integrating with Sawyer. 

 

Below, we’ll walk through each of the steps you will need to take when getting started. We’ve provided direct links within your Twilio console when relevant in case you need to pick up where you leave off at any point.  

Step 1: Sign up for a Twilio account

 

  1. Get started by going to https://www.twilio.com/try-twilio
  2. Enter in the required information to create an account.
  3. You’ll receive the prompt shown in the screen below to check your email and verify your account creation.
    • Click on the link in the email to Verify Your Email.

 

  1. You’ll then be prompted to verify your phone number. Be sure to enter in a mobile phone number that can accept text messages for Two-Factor Authentication. Click Send Verification Code.
    • You’ll receive a code to the phone number you provided. Enter the code on the following screen to finalize your account verification.

 



 

  1. Complete Twilio’s questionnaire as follows:
    • Which Twilio product are you here to use: Select “SMS”
    • What do you plan to build with Twilio: Select “Alerts and notifications”
    • How do you want to build with Twilio: Select “With no code at all”
    • What is your goal today: Select “Something else”

Important: Upgrade your account

  1. Now that your free account is set up, you will see a green trial bubble at the top left corner of your screen when viewing your Twilio account console. You will need to upgrade to a paid account to officially get started with your integration. Your initial trial may also include Twilio promotional credits that will be added to your account.
  2. On the Dashboard/Console within Twilio, click Upgrade or find this under the Billing drop-down menu on the upper right corner of your screen.

 

  1. On the Upgrade Account page, you’ll be prompted to complete the following steps:
    • Configure your billing address: Enter the required information as prompted
    • Fund your Twilio account
      • Requires a $20 minimum
      • Select Yes, enable auto recharge if you’d like to maintain your balance on Twilio and you plan on using SMS messages often. You can always change this later if needed under your Billing details. 
      • Keep in mind, if your Twilio account runs out of funds, Sawyer will not be able to send messages to your customers. Learn more about messaging in Sawyer here. 
    • Enter your payment information details and click Confirm Payment after reviewing your billing selections on the right side of the screen.

Step 2: Buy a number

 

  1. Now that your account has been upgraded, it’s time to purchase your Twilio number! On the console navigation toolbar found on the left side of the screen, click # Phone Numbers > Manage > Buy a number
  2. You can search for a number that you would like to use by using the available search options on the page. 
    • Use your area code to search if you’d like a regional/local number.
    • Ensure that the number selected has SMS capabilities. 
    • Utilize advanced search to find only toll free numbers.
    • Prices for phone numbers vary depending on type ($1.15 - $2.15 / month). Learn more here.
  3. Click Buy for the number you’d like to use. 
    • Review the purchase details and agree to the terms. Don’t worry, we’ll be walking through the required compliance steps in our next section. 

Step 3: Set up a messaging service

 

 

Once you have your purchased number, you’ll want to add a messaging service. This is where you’ll be adding Sawyer to your available services!

  1. Click Create Messaging Service

  • Give your messaging service a name. Enter in a value for Messaging Service Friendly Name (e.g. Sawyer Messaging). 
  • In the drop down menu for What do you want to use this messaging service for: Make sure the value is set to Notify My Users.
  • Click the blue Create Messaging Service button. Continue onto Step 2.
  • Click Add Senders

 

 

2. For Sender Type, choose Phone Number from the drop-down menu on the Add Senders modal. Click Continue.

 

3. Select the Twilio phone number you purchased by clicking the checkbox on the left hand side next to the number. Click the blue button Set Up Integration button to move on to Step 3.

4. You’ll see the Setup Integration page. 

 

5. Click Step 4: Add Compliance Info to move to step 4. 

 

6. On the Messaging Service Setup screen, you’ll see more information about A2P, which we’ll go over in just a bit. Click Complete Messaging Service Setup located in the bottom right corner.

  • A modal will pop up confirming that you’ve set up a new messaging service. Click the button View My New Messaging Service or click the X in the upper right corner to close the modal.



 

Keep going, you're almost there - go to Twilio Onboarding Guide Part 2 (Compliance Approval) to continue.

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