Prerequisites for Connecting to Twilio
To successfully integrate your Twilio account with Niche Engage, the following items are required:
A Twilio Subaccount: This helps to isolate and manage the communications sent from Niche Engage.
A Messaging Service: This service must have a dedicated phone number attached to it for sending and receiving messages.
Recommended Setup Process
To ensure a smooth connection, we recommend the following setup within your Twilio account:
Establish a Twilio Subaccount:
We recommend creating a new subaccount specifically for this integration, named "Niche Engage" for easy identification.
Alternatively, you may use an existing subaccount if you prefer not to create a new one.
Create and Configure a Messaging Service:
Within your chosen subaccount, create a new messaging service. We suggest naming this service "Niche Engage."
Purchase and/or assign at least one phone number to this newly created messaging service. This number will be the sender ID for your text messages.
Configure Automated Responses with TwiML Bins:
To manage callbacks effectively, you will need to configure TwiML Bins for the phone number associated with your messaging service. This ensures that individuals who call or text back receive an appropriate automated response.
See below for sample TwiML Bin configurations.
Information to Provide to Niche
Once the setup in your Twilio account is complete, please provide the following credentials to your Niche representative to finalize the connection:
Subaccount SID (or Account SID if not using a subaccount)
API Key SID
API Key Secret
Sample TwiML Bin Configurations
You can use the following templates to create your TwiML Bins for handling callbacks and message replies.
For Callbacks:
This TwiML Bin will forward any incoming calls to the specified phone number.
XML
<Response> <Dial>+17057596700</Dial> </Response>
Key things to consider:
When using Niche Engage for SMS only the billing will be handled within your existing Twilio account, Niche will not charge for any outbound or inbound messages. Please review your billing setup within Twilio to ensure that additional usage continues to be billed.
Niche Engage sends video messages as MMS, this will result in additional spend on your end. Please review Twilio's pricing for the US here.