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Twilio Messaging Services: Setup and Compliance

June 21, 2023

As a web designer, you understand the importance of incorporating effective communication channels into your web applications. Twilio, a leading cloud communications platform, offers robust messaging services that allow you to enhance user experiences through SMS-based interactions. We will guide you through the process of setting up Twilio, creating a messaging service, obtaining a messaging service API key, and ensuring regulatory compliance with A2P 10DLC (Application-to-Person 10-Digit Long Code).

 

Setting Up Twilio

  • Visit the Twilio website (https://www.twilio.com) and sign up for an account. Provide the required information and verify your email address to activate your account.
  • Once logged in, you will be directed to the Twilio Console. Here, you can access various services and manage your projects.

 

Creating a Messaging Service

  • In the Twilio Console, navigate to the “Messaging” section and click on “Services.”

  • Click the “Create Messaging Service” button.

  • Provide a name for your messaging service and optionally add a friendly name and description to help identify it later. Click “Create” to proceed.
  • Next, you will set up your service’s sender pool. This is a selection of telephone numbers your service uses to send out messages. Add a sender by following the on-screen prompts. Once done, click “Step 3: Set up integration” to continue.
  • Here at step 3 you tell Twilio how to handle incoming messages. Typically, you’ll drop the message, but there are several options for you to choose from. If you’re not sure at this stage, select “Drop the message” and click “Step 4: Add compliance info” to continue.
  • Here at step 4, Twilio will give you a list of steps to complete to follow the US A2P registration. Follow the prompts here and then hit “Complete Messaging Service setup”

At this moment, you have completed the creation of your messaging service. At this step you are looking at the settings page for your messaging service. Make sure you copy the “Messaging Service SID” you will need this for later.

Getting a Messaging Service API Key

  • At the top right of the page is a drop down titled “Account” in that menu, under “Keys & Credentials” is “API keys & tokens”. Click on that link to be taken to the API keys settings page.

  • At the top of this page, click on the button titled “Create API key”
  • A prompt will appear, enter a name for your key and hit “Create”
  • The next page will show you your Key’s SID and Secret. You must copy the secret now; it will not be available to view later.
  • Store the SID, Secret, and the Service SID from earlier. These are the three keys required for any services sending messages for you.

 

Ensuring Regulatory Compliance (A2P 10DLC)

  • A2P 10DLC is a set of regulations governing application-to-person messaging, ensuring trust, transparency, and improved deliverability. Twilio provides tools to assist in adhering to these guidelines.
  • To comply with A2P 10DLC, you must create a brand and a campaign within Twilio. Start by accessing the “A2P 10DLC” section in the Twilio Console.

  • Click on “Brands” and follow the prompts to create a new brand. Provide the necessary information, including the business name, vertical, and a short description.
  • Once your brand is approved, return to the “A2P 10DLC” section and click on “Campaigns.” Create a new campaign, selecting the approved brand and specifying the type of messaging you intend to send.
  • Follow the campaign setup instructions, providing accurate information about your use case, messaging type, and expected volume.
  • Upon completing the campaign setup, Twilio will review and validate your campaign. Once approved, you can associate your messaging service with the campaign to ensure compliance. The approval process will take several weeks, during that time you should not use your messaging service to send sms.

 

Setting up Twilio, creating a messaging service, and obtaining a messaging service API key are essential steps in incorporating SMS-based communication into your web applications. By following the guidelines above, web designers can easily navigate the process and ensure regulatory compliance with A2P 10DLC. Twilio’s user-friendly interface and comprehensive documentation make it a reliable choice for seamless integration of messaging services. Empower your web applications with effective communication and engage your users like never before.

 

 

Resources:

Twilio’s Messaging Services:

Creating API Keys for Messaging Services:

A2P 10DLC Compliance:

 

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