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How to Enable and Use ARI SMS Messaging for Teams once your SMS Campaign is Approved

Once your SMS campaign has been approved in HQ, follow this guide to activate text messaging for your teams, configure phone numbers, and start sending messages to recruits, athletes and contacts.

Written by Ben Pickrell

Step 1: Activate Your Teams for SMS (HQ Admin Only)

Team activation is handled by an Admin at the HQ level. Coaches can skip ahead to Step 2.

  1. Navigate to HQ.

  2. Click the gear icon and select SMS Compliance.

  3. Once your campaign is approved, click Team Activation.

  4. You'll see a list of all your teams, the the toggles defaulted to off.

  5. Toggle on each team that needs SMS messaging.

    • 💡 Tip: Athletic Forms don't send SMS messages and can be left off.

Step 2: Access SMS Settings for a Team

  1. Navigate to the team you want to set up (e.g., Football).

  2. Click the airplane icon — this is where you'll send SMS and ARI chat messages.

  3. You'll see the team's current balance and message history (both will be empty initially).

  4. Click the gear icon, then select SMS Settings.

Note: Only admin users of a team can access SMS Settings.

Step 3: Acknowledge the Mass Texting Agreement

  1. Click on the Review and Acknowledge button to open the Mass Texting Agreement.

  2. Carefully read through the Mass Texting Agreement. Key points to know:

    • Recruits are given the option to opt in for messaging via the questionnaire.

    • Recipients can unsubscribe at any time.

  3. Check the boxes and click Submit.

Step 4: Add Funds to Your Account

  1. Click Add Funds and select an amount.

    • We recommend starting with $20 or $50 to test messaging without overspending.

  2. Click Continue to be redirected to Stripe, ARI's payment provider.

  3. Enter your card or bank details to complete the transaction. This is a one-time charge. Your account information will not be saved.

  4. Once funds are added, your balance will appear in SMS Settings.

✅ Recommendation: Leave the Low Balance Notification checkbox enabled to receive an email alert when your balance drops below $5.

Step 5: Decide on Your Phone Number Strategy

You have two options for how phone numbers are assigned:

Option A: One Shared Team Number

Best if all coaches will send messages from a single number.

  • You can always start with this options and changes to Option B if you decide to add more numbers later.

Option B: Individual Numbers per Coach

Best if you want multiple coaches to be able to send SMS messages, each from a uniquely assigned number.

Step 6: Purchase your Phone Number(s)

  1. In SMS Settings, click #Buy a Number.

  2. Enter the area code you'd like (e.g., 740) and click Search.

  3. Browse the available numbers and click Purchase next to your choice.

  4. Click on Buy

  5. The new number will now appear in your SMS Settings.

  6. Click the pencil icon next to each number

  7. If you are only using one number for the team:

    1. Enter the team name in the Name field (e.g. ARI University Football)

    2. Leave the Assigned To dropdown blank

    3. Click on Save

  8. If you will use multiple numbers for your team:

    1. Enter the coaches name in the Name field (e.g. Joe Smith)

    2. Choose the corresponding coach in the Assigned To dropdown

    3. Click on Save

Step 7: Sending Messages

Sending an Individual Message

  1. Click the airplane icon > New Message (top right).

  2. Add up to 5 recipients — each will receive a separate message (not a group thread).

  3. Type your message:

    • Under 160 characters = 1 cent per message

    • Each additional 160-character increment adds another cent

  4. Click Send — or schedule it for a future time and click Schedule.

📱 Messages will only send to contacts with a verified cell phone number.

Sending a Group Message

  1. Click Groups > Choose Groups.

  2. Search and select a group (e.g., "2027 Recruits").

  3. Click Apply — you'll see the group size and cost.

    • Example: A group of 28 with 12 verified phone numbers will only send to those 12 recipients.

  4. Type your message and choose Send or Schedule.

Step 8: Managing Your Inbox

  • Team Inbox: View the full message history across all coaches and numbers for the team.

  • My Inbox: View messages tied to your individually assigned number.

  • Continuing a conversation is as simple as opening a contact's thread and typing your reply.

Step 9: Refilling Credits

You can top up your balance in two places:

  • Directly from the messaging area via the Refill button.

  • From the SMS Settings via the $Add Funds button.

Need Help?

If you have any questions or run into issues, our support team is always happy to help. Reach out anytime via the support chat in ARI.

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