Mobile opt-in

Mobile opt-in allows subscribers to sign up for Omnilert using a simple text message to 79516 with a unique "keyword" of your choosing.

There are two types of keywords:

• Account keyword: Signs up the subscriber without adding them to any groups. This is ideal for organizations not using groups.
• Group keyword: Signs up the subscriber and adds them to the group associated with the keyword.

If the number sending the text is already associated with an existing subscriber, that number is marked "validated" and the subscriber is added to the group.

If the number is completely new (not found in any existing subscriber), then a new subscriber is created with the username "MO_" and their number.

Example of mobile opt-in in use

In this example, we've set up a keyword for one of our groups. 

If the number 2125551234 texts our group keyword of "WESTCAMPUS"...

...Omnilert checks and there is no current subscriber with the phone number 2125551234 for SMS.

So, the system will create a new subscriber. Let's look at the People >> Subscribers >> Active list in our main menu...

As you can see, the new subscriber's username and last name are entered as "MO_2125551234", making this type of subscriber easy to identify and group or tag as needed.

How do subscribers unsubscribe?

 
Subscribers can unsubscribe at any time by texting STOP to 79516. That will set their mobile number to "inactive," ending their subscription.

Why use mobile opt-in?

Mobile Opt-In is the simplest implementation possible. Subscribers just text your keyword to sign up: That's all.

There's no need for them to use a website. All that is needed to get going is to promote the chosen keyword. Publish it in your newsletter, on your website, on flyers, etc. Once people see the keyword, it's up to them to text in and sign up.

Mobile Opt-In provides an easy option for organizations that:

• Just want subscribers to sign up for SMS as easily as possible.
• Don't really care or need to track which phone belongs to which subscriber.
• Want to offer subscription options to the public.

If that describes your situation, then mobile opt-in might be the proper option for your organization.

Who shouldn't use mobile opt-in?

Mobile opt-in is a great feature, but not every feature works for every organization. If you are concerned about restricting sign ups to your Omnilert system, syncing data with your internal databases, using the API, or have other detailed data integrations: Mobile opt-in isn't for you. You can and should just ignore the keyword fields. You don't need them.

You will not need keywords or use this functionality if:

• You want all subscribers to sign up through your subscriber portal.
• You're tracking subscribers and need to link all numbers to names.
• You are running a completely private system. (Remember, anyone who texts your keyword will get your alerts!)