Bi-directional SMS messaging and updates

GJ Software Patrick Haley

What’s changing

We previously announced that Twilio would be replacing Nexmo as our SMS provider and that we would be rolling out SMS functionality that would allow users to Send and Receive SMS replies directly in G.J. Software. Today we are officially rolling out that functionality.

SMS has been configured for all offices; No additional set up is needed.
Replies to messages will appear in the communication logs for Contacts, Jobs and Sales Folders.
We added a new SMS Inbox to view unread message replies.

Currently, the ability to receive SMS replies is not available in New Zealand due to national privacy regulations. However, you do have the ability to send individual SMS and set up milestone events.

Who’s impacted

All franchise staff with edit access to Sales Folders, Jobs, or Contacts.

Why it matters

Previously SMS messages could only be sent from G.J. Software, but replies were not received. Adding this functionality allows users to converse entirely with contacts via text message and have that conversation recorded in the communications log.

Additional details

As part of this change, we made several changes to our SMS platform.

Opt Out: If a contact replies with OPT OUT, STOP, or UNSUBSCRIBE they will no longer receive SMS messages
Unsubscribe Notices: If a user tries to send an SMS to a contact who previously opted out they an error appears saying that the recipient has opted out from receiving SMS.
Twilio Integration: Twilio has already been set up and integrated for your office. No action or configuration is necessary.

Getting started

Masters: There is no master-level setting for this feature.

Franchises: This has already been set up and integrated for each office. No action or configuration is necessary. Learn more about How to Record Communications with Contacts and read about how to send SMS in Best Practices for Managing Leads.

Availability

This feature is available today

Resources

Roadmap

This feature was listed as an upcoming G.J. Software Release. Next month we plan to roll out additional functionality including notifications when a new message reply is received.