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Set up SMS keywords (STOP, HELP, and opt-in)

Keywords are the words a subscriber texts to your SMS number to take an action: opt in to messages, ask for help, or opt out. Each keyword can trigger an automatic reply, so subscribers get an immediate confirmation and you stay compliant with carrier and regulatory requirements.

Before you begin​

  • Confirm your account has an SMS number provisioned and enabled for two-way messaging.
  • Make sure you have permission to edit SMS or keyword settings for your account.
  • Draft the reply text for each keyword before you start, including your program name and message-frequency disclosure.
  • Note that STOP, HELP, and their common variants are handled by carriers and are usually reserved — you can customize the reply text but should not repurpose the keyword. (Confirm the exact reserved list in your account.)

Steps​

  1. Open the SMS settings for your account and go to the keywords (or messaging rules) area. (Confirm the exact steps in your account.)
  2. Configure the opt-out keyword (typically STOP). Set the confirmation reply subscribers receive when they opt out — this must acknowledge that no further messages will be sent.
  3. Configure the help keyword (typically HELP). Set a reply that identifies your program and gives a support contact or link.
  4. Configure your opt-in keyword — a word subscribers text to join (for example, a campaign word). Set the welcome reply, and include program name, message frequency, and standard "message and data rates may apply" language.
  5. Add any keyword variants you want to accept (for example, UNSUBSCRIBE, CANCEL, END for opt-out) so subscribers who use different words are still handled.
  6. Save your changes and, if prompted, publish or activate the keyword set.

Result​

When a subscriber texts a keyword to your number, they receive the matching automatic reply, and opt-in/opt-out actions update their subscription status. Send a test message from a phone that is not already subscribed to confirm each keyword returns the expected reply.

Canonical terms: Author, Edition, Folder (Project Folder), Broadcast. See the Glossary.