Frequently Asked Questions About Texting

Text messaging is quickly becoming a more effective and popular form of communication.  Below you'll find quick answers to some of the most common questions regarding Text-Em-All's text platform.

Do I need consent to reach out to everyone?

Yes. Text-Em-All will not allow you to send political or telemarketing (e.g., promotional) messages and you must have consent from all of your message recipients. Consent varies depending upon the type of messages you are sending. Here is an article that elaborates more on the consent required for sending text messages. 

How much does it cost?

For Credits users, every 160 characters within an outbound text message equals one credit - up to 960 characters (6 credits).

For Monthly users, outbound text messages up to 320 characters are included in the flat rate fee. If you decide to send a message between 321-960 characters, you will incur a 5 cent charge per recipient.

For both plans, inbound messages are free!

How does it work?

Simply add contacts or upload a file and select either ‘text only’ or ‘voice & text’ as the message type in Step 1 of creating a broadcast.  We will scan your contact list and immediately report back to you which contacts are textable (cell phones) and which are not (landlines). Then, our system will automatically send a text to the textable numbers.

If you selected the ‘voice & text’ combo, we’ll also allow you to record a voice message to be sent to the landlines in your list. By default, phone numbers will only receive one form of the message. However, you do have the option to send wireless phone numbers both the text message and voice call.

What determines whether or not a number is “textable”?

A number is considered to be textable if it is a cell phone number that has not opted out.

How do we know which numbers are cell phones? 

We work with our carrier to determine which of your phone numbers are cell phones and which are landlines. 

Where can I see my textable numbers?

Within your contacts. Landlines will be identified by a grey text box symbol with a line through it that indicates that they are not able to receive text messages or that the number has opted out.

Can people opt-out of receiving texts?

Absolutely.  Contacts can respond to your text number with STOP, UNSUBSCRIBE, END, or CANCEL to no longer receive messages from your account.  You can read more about opt-outs here. 

If someone accidentally opts out, can they begin receiving texts again?

Yes, contacts can send the word ‘UNSTOP’ to your text number to “opt-in” to receiving text messages again.

What happens if someone tries to call my text number?

• If you’ve been assigned a text number from Text-Em-All, a message will play for anyone who calls the number explaining that the number is for text messages only.  
• If we’ve text enabled a number that you own, the number will operate normally. People will still be able to call the number. 

Can we determine who gets texts and who gets a call?

Our system is programmed to send a text to all cell phone numbers provided if you choose “text only” or “voice and text” as your message type. If you have contacts in your account with cell phones who don’t want to receive a text, we suggest creating a ‘voice only’ group within your contacts.  When sending messages to this group, you’ll want to select ‘voice only’ as the message type.  You’ll do the same for numbers that express a preference for texts. 

Can I have more than one text number?

Yes, you can have multiple text numbers if necessary for different teams or departments within your organization.  For most cases, one number per account works great. 

Can I send texts from my own local landline number?

We are happy to assist you in text enabling your local, landline number (also called a long code). Keep in mind, however, that local number texting is designed for small-batch and 1-to-1 (person-to-person) messaging. Due to this distinction, United States phone carriers restrict and monitor messages sent over local numbers. View this article to learn more about local, number texting and its limitations.

Can I send images or attachments via text?

Users on both of our plans can send images in their text messages. Files must be .jpeg or .png. For Credits users, all outgoing messages that include an image will cost an additional credit per recipient. For Monthly users, all outgoing messages that include an image will cost an additional 5 cents per recipient. 

Can I include a hyperlink in my message?

Text messages can only include typed characters, however, most smartphones will automatically convert text that is recognized as a link. This means you can include link details that will allow smartphone holders to simply click the link in a message and get redirected to your web page. 

Can I send personalized fields in my text message?

Yes, you can add as many custom fields within your text message as you'd like. You can insert things like the first name, last name, appointment time, etc. to be unique for each recipient. This article explains more.