Last Updated: Jul 11, 2024 5:27 PM

Setting up Text Messaging for Your Ministry

Connection Card Pro’s Texting feature is an ADD-ON. You will need to have this add-on as part of your plan to use the texting features. 

Connection Card Pro’s text limits are based on the number of OUTGOING messages only! You will have unlimited incoming messages, which do not count toward your limit. We only charge for outgoing messages.

In Connection Card Pro’s Texting Add-on, you have unlimited keywords! Your number is dedicated to your organization only, you have full control over an unlimited number of keywords! Also, if you require multiple numbers, additional 10-digit local numbers can be linked to your account for $2/month per number.

Soft Limits: SMS Text Message limits are soft limits. You will not be charged overage fees for going over your limit occasionally. If you do reach your limit, the New Guest and Parent Alert features will continue to function (up to an overage of 50 texts), but the ability to send text message updates will be limited. However, if you do exceed your limit often or multiple months in a row, we may ask you to upgrade to the next level.

Setting Up Text Messaging

Perequisite: You will need to add the Texting feature add-on if you have not added this to your plan yet. Go to your Profile Image top right corner > Billing. Scroll down to the Text Messaging section and use the sliding scale to select how many texts a month you want to add to your plan.

Setting up Text Messaging for your ministry with Connection Card Pro is a straightforward process. We'll walk you through the steps below.

From the menu:
Communications > Settings > Text Settings

• If your account has not been verified yet, please verify your email and mobile number. Your mobile number will only be used here for verification purposes, not for promotional or marketing.
  Why is my mobile number required for verification?

  Why is mobile number required for verification?

  Your mobile number is used to verify that you're a real person. Your mobile number can only be used to verify a limited number of accounts. When the same mobile number is used repeatedly for multiple accounts, this tells our system that something isn't right. Perhaps you're using our free texting trial to enter into a Snickers contest! Regardless, we want to make sure that our texting services are only used the way they were intended to be used - for keeping your ministry connected.
• Click on the Get a Number button.
• Enter your area code and click Search Available Numbers. You can search any area code to see what is available.
• Select one of the available numbers by clicking Select. Once selected, changing a number will require contacting Customer Support.
• The number will be assigned to your account and you can begin using it.
• Finish Setting up options available to your organization in this text settings page
• Save.

Keywords

Text messaging is a great way to get important information or quick reminders out to a lot of people in a short time period. In addition to using the text messaging features to send texts to your people, you can setup keywords which anyone can text to your account's number in order to receive an automated response. Keywords can be setup for Events, Giving, and Custom Forms.

When creating an event, a custom form, or setting up a designated giving link, you'll be able to specify a text keyword for that item. When this keyword is texted to your number, a link to the event, form or giving page will be automatically sent to the recipient.

HELP, START, STOP
Some jurisdictions or carriers require that these keywords be used by all 10 Digit Long Codes and Toll Free numbers. These keywords are handled by Connection Card Pro and do not require any action on your part. Texting STOP to your number means that individual will no longer receive texts from your number. Texting START will re-enable receiving texts. And texting HELP will reply with instructions on how to START or STOP text messages. Some carriers handle this automatically as well. Due to regulations and carrier rules, these keywords cannot be disabled. The only way to send text messages to an individual who has texted the word "STOP" is for them to text the word "START" to your number.

10DLC Rules

If your organization has been sending text messages using local 10-digit numbers, you may have heard about 10DLC rules (which stands for 10 Digit Long Code). These rules require organizations to register their number with the carriers. Connection Card Pro handles this entire registration process for you and there is no additional work required on your part. Please note that it may take a couple of days for a number to be registered with AT&T and T-Mobile.