This guide explains the concepts of Inbound Campaigns and Inbox Rules, how they function, and the differences between them in your text messaging application.
What are Inbound Campaigns?
Inbound Campaigns are predefined campaigns that can be triggered by keywords when users send a text message to your assigned texting number. These campaigns are designed to handle various interactive scenarios, such as:
- Text-to-Join: Collect contact information and provide an automatic response. For example:
- If a user sends a keyword to your texting number and a Text-to-Join campaign is linked to that keyword, the campaign triggers an auto-response message and adds the user's contact to a specific list. This list can be used for future messaging purposes.
- Text-to-Vote: Enable users to participate in polls or voting via SMS.
- Text-to-Trivia: Conduct trivia quizzes over text.
- Text-to-Screen: Display user messages on a live screen.
- Text-to-Register: Collect user registrations via SMS.
- Survey Campaigns: Gather feedback through text-based surveys.
How Campaigns Work:
- When a user sends a text message containing the matching keyword to your assigned texting number, the corresponding campaign is triggered.
- Campaigns provide an out-of-box text messaging experience, tailored to the specific scenario you’ve created.
How to Add a New Campaign:
- Go to the Inbound Campaigns tab.
- Click on the Add button.
- Configure the campaign by selecting the type (e.g., Text-to-Vote, Text-to-Trivia) and assigning a keyword.
- Save your changes.
What are Inbox Rules?
Inbox Rules are used to route inbound messages or reply messages based on specific conditions. These rules help in automating how messages are processed and routed.
Key Features of Inbox Rules:
- Routing Options: Inbox Rules allow you to route inbound messages to an email address or a phone number.
- Keyword-Based Rules: These rules can be triggered by specific keywords in the text message.
- Number-Specific Rules: Rules can also be applied to specific texting numbers if you have multiple numbers assigned to your account.
- User-Specific Replies: For instance:
- If User A sends a text message and you reply to it, the rule will only trigger for User A, ensuring personalized message handling.
How to Add Inbox Rules:
- Go to the Inbox Rules tab.
- Click on Add Rule.
- Define the rule conditions:
- All Messages: Route all messages received on a number.
- Keyword Specific: Route messages containing specific keywords.
- Configure the routing action (e.g., send to an email or phone number).
- Save your changes.
Managing Inbox Rules:
- Inbox Rules can be easily managed and edited from the Inbox Rules Tab in your account.
- Updates to rules take effect immediately.
Key Differences Between Inbound Campaigns and Inbox Rules
| Feature | Inbound Campaigns | Inbox Rules |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Handles predefined campaigns triggered by keywords. | Routes inbound or reply messages based on rules. |
| Trigger | Activated by a matching keyword. | Activated by matching rules (all messages or keywords). |
| Precedence | Takes precedence over Inbox Rules if the same keyword is defined. | Triggered only when no Inbound Campaign exists for the keyword. |
| Use Case | Interactive campaigns like surveys, voting, etc. | Automating message routing and replies. |
Important Notes:
- Keyword Conflicts: If an Inbound Campaign and an Inbox Rule are both configured with the same keyword, the Inbound Campaign will always take precedence, and the Inbox Rule will not be triggered.
- Flexibility: Inbox Rules provide flexibility for general message handling, while Inbound Campaigns are focused on specific, interactive use cases.
For further assistance, contact support to ensure your campaigns and rules are configured properly!