Text-to-Join lets customers subscribe to SMS by texting a keyword (JOIN, SUBSCRIBE, or START) to your Omnisend phone number. Use it to collect contacts at events, on social media, in email campaigns, or via printed materials.
This guide covers setup, TCPA compliance, and promotion strategies.
Before You Begin
Availability: US and Canada only.
Requirements:
Generate and verify your Omnisend toll-free number (required).
SMS credits are NOT needed for contacts to subscribe.
How to Get a Phone Number in Omnisend
To use Text-to-Join, generate a toll-free number in Omnisend:
Go to Store Settings → SMS → Generate phone number.
Save the number – you'll promote it to collect subscribers
⚠️ Important: Verify your toll-free number following this verification guide. Unverified numbers cannot send SMS messages to the US and Canada.
Keywords That Trigger Subscription
A keyword is the word or phrase customers text to your number to subscribe. Omnisend supports three default keywords:
JOIN
SUBSCRIBE
START
When a customer texts any of these keywords to your phone number:
They're automatically subscribed to SMS.
Their phone number is added to Audience → Contacts.
They're tagged with
source: sms joinfor segmentation.
Example: Customer texts "JOIN" to 1-833-XXX-XXXX → Auto-subscribed → Tagged in your audience.
💡 Tip: Customers can text more than just the keyword. "I want to join" will also work, as long as the message contains "join."
How to Promote Text-to-Join
Encourage customers to text your keyword by promoting it across channels. Always include TCPA compliance text (see next section).
Email Campaigns
Promote Text-to-Join in:
Order confirmation emails (high engagement)
Promotional campaigns
Email signature
Example copy: "Want exclusive SMS deals? Text "JOIN" to 1-833-XXX-XXXX for 10% off your next order. By texting "JOIN", you consent to receive automated marketing text messages (e.g., cart reminders)."
Social Media
Facebook: Add keyword + phone number to your bio or posts.
Instagram stories: Create stories with: Your keyword and number + Discount code incentive + TCPA disclosure text.
Other Channels
Website banners or pop-ups.
Paid social ads (Facebook, Instagram, TikTok).
Printed receipts or product packaging.
In-store signage at checkout or events.
💡 Pro tip: Offer a discount (e.g., "Text JOIN for 10% off") to increase opt-ins.
TCPA Compliance
The Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA) requires explicit consent before sending marketing SMS to US/CA customers.
What You Must Include in Promotions
When promoting Text-to-Join, your materials must disclose:
What messages customers will receive (promotional, marketing).
Message frequency ("Msg frequency varies" or specific number).
"Msg & data rates may apply".
Opt-out instructions ("Reply STOP to cancel").
Help option ("Text HELP for help").
Your business name.
TCPA-Compliant Example Text:
"I consent to receive automated marketing text messages (e.g., cart reminders) at the phone number supplied on a recurring basis. Consent is not required for buying. Msg & data rates may apply. Msg frequency varies. Reply HELP for help and STOP to cancel. Terms | Privacy."
⚠️ Critical: Including TCPA disclosure text is mandatory when promoting Text-to-Join in the US/CA. Learn more about SMS compliance.
Set Up Auto-Reply Confirmation
Send an automatic confirmation SMS after customers subscribe using Text-to-Join.
Step 1: Create a Segment for Text-to-Join Contacts
Go to Audience → Segments → Create Segment → Create from scratch.
Add filter: Tag → value is
source: sms join.Save as "Contacts Subscribed by Keyword".
Step 2: Create an Automation Workflow
Go to Automations → Create workflow → Create from scratch.
Select trigger: Entered segment.
Choose your "Contacts Subscribed by Keyword" segment.
Add an SMS block with your confirmation message.
Step 3: Customize Your Confirmation SMS
Example message: "Welcome to [Brand Name]! You're now subscribed to exclusive SMS deals. Here's 10% off: CODE10. Reply STOP to opt out."
⚠️ Important: If you promised a discount in your promotion, include the discount code in this SMS.
Now customers will automatically receive a confirmation SMS after texting your keyword.
What happens after setup?
Customers text your keyword → Auto-subscribed to SMS.
They receive your confirmation SMS (if automation is active).
They're tagged
source: sms joinin Audience.You can segment and target them in SMS campaigns.
Add Email Opt-in to Confirmation SMS
Maximize contact value by inviting SMS subscribers to join your email list.
Step 1: Create a Landing Page Form
Go to Forms → Create Form → Landing page.
Add both email and phone number fields (links email to existing SMS contact).
Customize design and copy.
Copy the form link at the final setup step.
Step 2: Add Form Link to Auto-Reply SMS
In your Text-to-Join automation (from previous section), add the landing page link to your SMS message: "Thanks for subscribing! Want email deals too? Sign up: [short-link]".
Customers who click the link and submit the form will be subscribed to email automatically.
FAQ
Which countries can use text to join?
For now, only US/CA customers can use the text-to-join feature.
How can I find customers who subscribed using Text-to-Join?
Go to Audience → Tags and click the Tag = source: sms join to create a segment of these contacts.
If a customer sends more than just the keyword, will they still be subscribed?
Yes. As long as the message contains "join," "subscribe," or "start," they'll be subscribed. Example: "I want to join" → Subscribed ✅
If I already have a customer's email and they text JOIN, will the data merge?
No. Currently, we can't map phone numbers to existing email contacts automatically. The customer will be created as a separate SMS-only contact, and both will count toward your monthly contact limit.
Do I need SMS credits to use Text-to-Join?
No. Customers can subscribe at no cost to you. You only need SMS credits to send campaigns or automation messages.
Does texting cost my customers money?
It depends on their phone plan. Most plans include unlimited SMS, but if not, standard SMS rates apply. That's why TCPA disclosure ("Msg & data rates may apply") is required.
Can I collect subscribers from the EU using Text-to-Join?
No. Text-to-Join is only available for US/CA toll-free numbers.
Will my Welcome Automation Workflow trigger for Text-to-Join subscribers?
No. Text-to-Join does not count as a signup form submission, so form-triggered automations won't fire. Instead, use a segment trigger (contact enters source: sms join segment) as shown in Set Up Auto-Reply Confirmation. Learn more about segment-triggered workflows.
Why can't I use Text-to-Join yet?
Text-to-Join requires a verified toll-free number. You cannot send or receive messages until verification is approved (up to 5 business days). Go to Store Settings → SMS → Verify toll-free number.
Need a hand? Contact our 24/7 Support Team via in-app chat or [email protected].