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OpenVBX/Twilio questions

by Shea
55 replies
So I signed up for Twilio and installed OpenVBX (for text marketing purposes). I got a list set up and set up the call and sms flow for it. It works. What I can't figure out is how to get the STOP part at the end to automatically be in a message. Also don't know how a subscriber can actually opt out. Texting STOP doesn't do anything right now. There is an applet you can drag to remove from the list but can't see how to fit it in a flow. You can set it to unsubscribe them after they send any message but obviously we don't want that. Any help there?

Also I know I've seen mentioned a way to allow someone to send out a message to a list by phone(for example the business owner). Is there a plugin for that or how does that work?

What plugins should I install? The only I've installed so far are the subscription and match plugins. Thanks.
#openvbx or twilio #questions
  • Profile picture of the author Shea
    Think I may have figured part of it out. Was considering the name of the subscription as the keyword. So instead of reply after sending a message you use 'match' applet, put in keyword, and reply based on the keyword they text..I think.
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    • Profile picture of the author warbler
      You got it. Add 'stop' as a keyword to the 'match' applet and then use 'if member' as the next step.

      Better yet, use the 'regex' applet (it's an updated version of the 'match' applet) to match multiple keywords. I think MMA best practices call for matching stop, end, cancel and quit, so add this as the keyword: ^(stop|end|cancel|unsubscribe|quit)
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      • Profile picture of the author Shea
        I was changing then saving and STOP wouldn't work. The I closed it and went back in and only two of the keywords on the match showed up with stop not being one of them. So I added it, saved, closed, went back into flow and two are there, with stop being one of them but it won't keep more than two..

        STOP still doesn't work though even with it listed. It will only reply the "oops" reply.

        edit> It's working now, maybe there's a delay between saving and it taking effect.
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  • Profile picture of the author Shea
    Hard time believing people use this thing. Frustrating the hell out of me. I save something in a flow and it randomly goes and changes applets to whatever it wants. Sometimes you get responses when you text a keyword, sometimes you don't. Definitely can't offer this to clients. Is there something wrong with my installation perhaps?
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  • Profile picture of the author javarog
    You might want to take a look at a training video that XLfutur1 did,, the system is really easy to use once you get the hang of it.

    Twilio and OpenVBX | Mobile Marketing | Grand Rapids, MI
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  • Profile picture of the author Jay Moreno
    shea which version of openvbx are you using?

    if your not using it already try the forked version by chadsmith - once i used that all the plugins worked perfectly - especially his subscription one.

    hope that helps
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  • Profile picture of the author javarog
    Agreed Jay and make sure you set up a cron job for the subscription plugin
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    • Profile picture of the author Jay Moreno
      Originally Posted by javarog View Post

      Agreed Jay and make sure you set up a cron job for the subscription plugin
      Javarog just quick question if your running your own vps with this setup - have you noticed high server loads?

      I have one vps with only the modified openvbx on it... Bout 10 clients on it and not particularly very active but my server loads where super high to a point I thought the vps crashed

      I was looking at my logs and stats etc couldn't figure it out - till I killed the chron job and rebooted the server after that it was fine but of course my scheduling is down now

      So I started it again but I've noticed the server load running high again - am pretty sure something with the subscription plugin isn't executing or closing properly but I can't find what it is

      I really like openvbx but it really is missing a lot of basic features for handling multiple clients and with this issue as well I've put on old using openvbx or getting more clients till I can figure out any alternative

      Am wrapping up another project at the moment but will be reviewing this again shortly any input greatly appreciated
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      • Profile picture of the author scarab
        Originally Posted by Jay Moreno View Post

        Javarog just quick question if your running your own vps with this setup - have you noticed high server loads?

        I have one vps with only the modified openvbx on it... Bout 10 clients on it and not particularly very active but my server loads where super high to a point I thought the vps crashed

        I was looking at my logs and stats etc couldn't figure it out - till I killed the chron job and rebooted the server after that it was fine but of course my scheduling is down now

        So I started it again but I've noticed the server load running high again - am pretty sure something with the subscription plugin isn't executing or closing properly but I can't find what it is

        I really like openvbx but it really is missing a lot of basic features for handling multiple clients and with this issue as well I've put on old using openvbx or getting more clients till I can figure out any alternative

        Am wrapping up another project at the moment but will be reviewing this again shortly any input greatly appreciated
        On our application the cron jobs do add somewhat of a load but not enough to load it down. I am running this instance on a shared server.
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        • Profile picture of the author MrSonic
          @warbler,@jaymoreno: do you know of any billing applet that would insert time/stamp, cell number and deduct $count for number of calls for that month. (and if close to limit of 1,000 msgs per month send txt to keyword list owner)

          I can easily write that for a standard PHP/mySQL script. But I'm new to the back 'n forth of JSON, etc.

          ALSO, do you know if the subscription applet detects live answer or answering machine when outbound voice call?


          Thx,
          Dave
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          • Profile picture of the author warbler
            Originally Posted by MrSonic View Post

            @warbler,@jaymoreno: do you know of any billing applet that would insert time/stamp, cell number and deduct for number of calls for that month. (and if close to limit of 1,000 msgs per month send txt to keyword list owner)
            I don't know of a billing applet, but I've used Twilio's Call Log Exporter to get an CSV file of activity (number from, number to, timestamp, message, charge from Twilio, status, message ID, etc). I then open the CSV file in Excel and apply the data filter and slice and dice data. I'll want a more elegant solution once I'm out of the testing phase with my first client, but it works for now.

            You can access the Call Log Exporter here: (oops, not enough posts) The IP address is 50.19.114.251 or you can Google it.

            Originally Posted by MrSonic View Post

            ALSO, do you know if the subscription applet detects live answer or answering machine when outbound voice call?
            You can use the menu applet to gather responses ("press 1 to..."). I created an outbound flow that started with the menu applet, which asked the recipient to press a button to accept the call. This is how I avoided going to voicemail.
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            • Profile picture of the author MrSonic
              Originally Posted by warbler View Post

              I don't know of a billing applet, but I've used Twilio's Call Log Exporter to get an CSV file of activity (number from, number to, timestamp, message, charge from Twilio, status, message ID, etc). I then open the CSV file in Excel and apply the data filter and slice and dice data. I'll want a more elegant solution once I'm out of the testing phase with my first client, but it works for now.

              You can access the Call Log Exporter here: (oops, not enough posts) The IP address is 50.19.114.251 or you can Google it.



              You can use the menu applet to gather responses ("press 1 to..."). I created an outbound flow that started with the menu applet, which asked the recipient to press a button to accept the call. This is how I avoided going to voicemail.
              @warbler -- thx for info. I got an email back from twilio that said "ALL outgoing voice calls begin with a Press 1 to take call. Otherwise it goes to voicemail."

              re: call log applet; i have that too. like you said, for a test it's fine. But if you have hundreds of customers (hopefully more), you need a small army to process the reports or a lot of programming.

              i'm starting to lean towards a white label program because I want the customer's front end site something like clubtexting.com or lime cellular. that's a ton of programming!!!!

              -Dave
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          • Profile picture of the author Jay Moreno
            Originally Posted by MrSonic View Post

            @warbler,@jaymoreno: do you know of any billing applet that would insert time/stamp, cell number and deduct for number of calls for that month. (and if close to limit of 1,000 msgs per month send txt to keyword list owner)

            I can easily write that for a standard PHP/mySQL script. But I'm new to the back 'n forth of JSON, etc.

            ALSO, do you know if the subscription applet detects live answer or answering machine when outbound voice call?


            Thx,
            Dave
            you would have to code something and work with their api - that was one of things thats put my marketing of the system on hold for now

            i have it on my to do list just not at the top of my list at the moment
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    • Profile picture of the author Shea
      Originally Posted by javarog View Post

      Agreed Jay and make sure you set up a cron job for the subscription plugin
      I've never set up a cron job. What command do I type in? And how often do I set it to run?
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  • Profile picture of the author javarog
    No I haven't notice unusually high service loads, what do you have your cron set at, I don't know if it makes a difference but it would be interesting to compare.

    I understand that openvbx isn't up to par yet and they are supposed to be adding more goodies to future releases, hopefully the features that chad has built will be standard.

    I am giving openvbx a go to see actually what sales expectations are like in my local market before using a white label of some sort as it is 100% profit minus the twilio minute costs and the availability of voip which by the way is one of the best closing features ,, seems my clients utilize voip as much a sms.
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  • Profile picture of the author Jay Moreno
    yeah i already heavily customized my openvbx trying to add all the missing features, but i got to a point i was thinking am just gonna do my own from the ground up lol

    since openvbx scheduler has time set at every 5 mins i had my cron job running every 5 mins too... not that my clients are scheduling blasts that often though

    but i kinda figured you start getting a bunch of clients doing this - it could cause big problems especially with the output at 1sms/minute

    yeah my server was running at 70% - which is nuts since it only has openvbx installed on it, i have a couple of identical VPS one with around 200 sites on it and it barely touches 15% and another one with a site with over 6000 users again doesnt get close to those levels...

    i noticed some of chads plugins have been updated so ill update all my plugins first see if that makes a difference

    cheers for the input though
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  • Profile picture of the author Shea
    Questions-
    It is not possible to set up a client with their own login right for sending texts right?
    Can it be set up so they can send texts to their list from their phone?

    Is it possible for any message that goes out to automatically have the stop message at the end? From testing out I have to do it manually for each message. Also ability to add a prefix like "BusinessName:" then the message?

    I'm guessing you can probably program it to do whatever you want..but that's beyond my capabilities. I like how cheap it is to use though.
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    • Profile picture of the author warbler
      Originally Posted by Shea View Post

      Questions-
      It is not possible to set up a client with their own login right for sending texts right?
      Can it be set up so they can send texts to their list from their phone?
      You can setup users, but they'll have access to the whole system. The best solution is what you mentioned--that is, setup a flow to send messages received from the client to their mobile list. Use the dispatch applet, which is part of the subscription applet install, to perform this action.

      Originally Posted by Shea View Post

      Is it possible for any message that goes out to automatically have the stop message at the end? From testing out I have to do it manually for each message. Also ability to add a prefix like "BusinessName:" then the message?

      I'm guessing you can probably program it to do whatever you want..but that's beyond my capabilities. I like how cheap it is to use though.
      Unfortunately, you'd have to modify the code. I'm a bit of a hacker, and I think it could be modified easily. However, you'd have to be careful when upgrading OpenVBX.
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    • Profile picture of the author warbler
      @Shea -- xlfutur1 has a tutorial on how to use the dispatch applet here: mobilegrandrapids[dot]com/how-to-use-the-dispatch-applet/
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  • Profile picture of the author javarog
    You can set up a subscription call flow that will add the list by doing the following

    Set up a users list.

    1. First box drag if member

    This will bring you to members and non members

    Pick the list you want

    then in members drag sms in the box
    then put in your message,, like "our records indicate that you are currently a member"
    next box hangup.

    Now back to non members.


    Drag subscription into the non-members box
    select the list and add then
    in the next area put your welcome coupon wording
    make sure you have a stop phrase in there
    Hang up

    Then it will subscribe the number to the list and if they call again it won't let them get the coupon again.

    make sure you set up your sms flow with a stop feature

    if you use the call flow then they don't have to text to join,, just call the number
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  • Profile picture of the author javarog
    Its a pain without built in stats and that is why I just use the bulk method,, may not be the ideal way but for now they get a certain amount of messages per month use them or loose them,, if they go over then they have to pay overages
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  • Profile picture of the author javarog
    You can set up a cron in your control panel and I set mine to every 5 minutes
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  • Profile picture of the author Shea
    I know I have it opened in Cpanel, but what do I use as the command? I have no clue.
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    • Profile picture of the author warbler
      @Shea, this info may be too late, but here's what I did. The Cron Jobs section of the cPanel offered me a dropdown containing common settings. I chose to run the job every five minutes. Then, I entered the following command in the textbox:

      /ramdisk/bin/php5 /home2/[username]/public_html/[subfolder in root]/plugins/outbound/cron.php >/dev/null 2>&1

      I can't tell you what everything means, but it does work.

      WARNING: To everyone using the outbound applet to schedule messages--run some tests first to make sure the messages are being sent when expected. I found that the converted UNIX time stored in MySQL didn't match my expectations. The "fix" in my case was to add code in two places to make sure PHP was using my time zone.
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      • Profile picture of the author qu4rk
        Originally Posted by warbler View Post

        @Shea, this info may be too late, but here's what I did. The Cron Jobs section of the cPanel offered me a dropdown containing common settings. I chose to run the job every five minutes. Then, I entered the following command in the textbox:

        /ramdisk/bin/php5 /home2/[username]/public_html/[subfolder in root]/plugins/outbound/cron.php >/dev/null 2>&1

        I can't tell you what everything means, but it does work.

        WARNING: To everyone using the outbound applet to schedule messages--run some tests first to make sure the messages are being sent when expected. I found that the converted UNIX time stored in MySQL didn't match my expectations. The "fix" in my case was to add code in two places to make sure PHP was using my time zone.
        What does this do? I'm a little confused. The advice above was to schedule the subscription plugin & your's is the outbound plugin.

        Should we do both?
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        • Profile picture of the author warbler
          @qu4rk--The outbound plugin is necessary to schedule calls/texts to subscribers. Also, the outbound plugin requires a forked (modified) version of OpenVBX. You can get the forked version here: github[dot]com/chadsmith/OpenVBX
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          • Profile picture of the author qu4rk
            Originally Posted by warbler View Post

            @qu4rk--The outbound plugin is necessary to schedule calls/texts to subscribers. Also, the outbound plugin requires a forked (modified) version of OpenVBX. You can get the forked version here: github[dot]com/chadsmith/OpenVBX
            Ouch. I've already set everything up with the version from the website. Anyone know a link to instructions that helps migrate or should I start over from scratch?
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            • Profile picture of the author warbler
              Originally Posted by qu4rk View Post

              Ouch. I've already set everything up with the version from the website. Anyone know a link to instructions that helps migrate or should I start over from scratch?
              I had a similar situation--OpenVBX was setup and in production when Chad released the Outbound plugin, which required his modified version of OpenVBX. YMMV, but I was able to upgrade easily by backing up my existing install and then overwriting it with Chad's version. Everything just worked for me.

              Keep in mind that OpenVBX is the front end and your existing data is in MySQL, so you should be able to just overwrite files.
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  • Profile picture of the author javarog
    I found this pretty simple to use and once you get your head around it I think anyone will find it easy. Most of the time I just set up each business with their own open vbx and manage it for them.. I set them up with their own email account so when they send me their weekly updates or coupons I have a record and file them.

    It is then pretty easy just to look at the stats that twilio provides to see if there are any overages or track their monthly volumes, this takes some extra time but works until someone writes a stats plugin.
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  • Profile picture of the author Shea
    I re-installed it, using Chad Smith's forked version. Added all the recommended plugins. Set a cron job exactly as warbler suggested.

    Set up a phone number for myself to use, set it to receive voicemails. That works and it sends me a text and email when I get a voicemail at that number.

    Set another number for a voice and sms call flow for a sms list. Set up the list and subscribe and unsubscribe keywords. If you call to do it and press 1 to subscribe, it tells you an error message. If you text a keyword to the number, nothing happens. If I try and delete the flow, it says

    An unknown error occurred. Please contact your OpenVBX provider. Unable to complete request: flows/edit/2

    Any suggestions?
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    • Profile picture of the author javarog
      Originally Posted by Shea View Post

      Set another number for a voice and sms call flow for a sms list. Set up the list and subscribe and unsubscribe keywords. If you call to do it and press 1 to subscribe, it tells you an error message. If you text a keyword to the number, nothing happens. If I try and delete the flow, it says

      An unknown error occurred. Please contact your OpenVBX provider. Unable to complete request: flows/edit/2

      Any suggestions?
      I would re check my call flow and sms flow,, you can't set up a sms flow like a call flow
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      • Profile picture of the author Shea
        Neither work. Can't delete flows, gives an error message. Calling and pressing an option you get an audio error message. Nothing happens when texting. I've set this up previously and it worked, although it was erratic and had a mind of it's own. Now it's not working.
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    • Profile picture of the author warbler
      @Shea--Is it possible to record your screen with Jing and post it to Screencast.com (or some other screen capture method)? If that isn't possible, then maybe we can setup a Skype call.
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  • Profile picture of the author javarog
    make sure you set up a user then here is the sms flow outline

    first box = Match
    second box = key word and the if member plugin
    next box down = Keyword stop then use the send reply plugin

    ok start at the first keyword and click on the if member box that will slide in another box,, in the member box put send reply plugin,, click box it will slide again, that is where our records indicate that you are a current member. in the non members box put the subscription plugin there,, open slide page and set it to subscription user and add then use the send reply plugin and click next slide put your welcome message in

    now go back to the page after the match page,, we will use the keyword stop in the plugin box put send reply plugin in that box and slide to next page then put in subscription plugin there and the bye bye message then click the add remove subscription next page you will select remove

    That should do it
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    • Profile picture of the author Shea
      Originally Posted by javarog View Post

      make sure you set up a user then here is the sms flow outline

      first box = Match
      second box = key word and the if member plugin
      next box down = Keyword stop then use the send reply plugin

      ok start at the first keyword and click on the if member box that will slide in another box,, in the member box put send reply plugin,, click box it will slide again, that is where our records indicate that you are a current member. in the non members box put the subscription plugin there,, open slide page and set it to subscription user and add then use the send reply plugin and click next slide put your welcome message in

      now go back to the page after the match page,, we will use the keyword stop in the plugin box put send reply plugin in that box and slide to next page then put in subscription plugin there and the bye bye message then click the add remove subscription next page you will select remove

      That should do it
      That's exactly what I did.
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  • Profile picture of the author javarog
    hmm, you might try a re install,, i have 5 of these set up and all work great,, as a matter of fact i just set up a new call flow to test the just dial a number to subscribe,, it worked spot on..
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  • Profile picture of the author imwebmaster
    Just a simple post about Twilio...I had an account with them...it seemed great at first...but ...because they only have a ticket system and no phone support?...I dropped them...I don't have the time to go thru debugging issues and turn blue in the corner holding my breath waiting for an answer...so I went searching for better services...better pricing and simple...I hit the jackpot too...if you want to know who?...send me a PM
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    • Profile picture of the author willieg
      Originally Posted by imwebmaster View Post

      Just a simple post about Twilio...I had an account with them...it seemed great at first...but ...because they only have a ticket system and no phone support?...I dropped them...I don't have the time to go thru debugging issues and turn blue in the corner holding my breath waiting for an answer...so I went searching for better services...better pricing and simple...I hit the jackpot too...if you want to know who?...send me a PM
      I am not able to PM would you please email me your source:

      esmokesaloon - at - gmail.com
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    • Profile picture of the author LongTail Silver
      Originally Posted by imwebmaster View Post

      Just a simple post about Twilio...I had an account with them...it seemed great at first...but ...because they only have a ticket system and no phone support?...I dropped them...I don't have the time to go thru debugging issues and turn blue in the corner holding my breath waiting for an answer...so I went searching for better services...better pricing and simple...I hit the jackpot too...if you want to know who?...send me a PM
      Seriously, why so coy? Have you been sworn to a vow of secrecy? Or you just want to drop your aff link.. ?
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  • Profile picture of the author javarog
    Never asked for support and the couple of issues I did have I went on the openvbx forum and a developer named Andy helped me out,, he is a great guy.

    But if you have a system cheaper than 1 cent I would like to hear about them ,, can't pm yet but if you could send me a email at p4gear@comcast.net
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  • Profile picture of the author Shea
    Seems to be working now, hopefully it stays that way. If it doesn't work I'll definitely do a screencast, I already have Jing installed. Thanks!
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  • Profile picture of the author qu4rk
    How about on a voice call, if I want to loop the menu. For example, press 5 to repeat these options. I don't see a way to select repeat or something.

    Thanks
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    • Profile picture of the author warbler
      Originally Posted by qu4rk View Post

      How about on a voice call, if I want to loop the menu. For example, press 5 to repeat these options. I don't see a way to select repeat or something.
      Using your example--If the caller presses 5 to repeat the options, then use the transfer plugin to redirect to the same flow (essentially restarting the flow). You can find the transfer plugin here: github[dot]com/kmorrill/Transfer-for-OpenVBX

      Another option for this scenario is the restart plugin. I haven't used it, so I can't fully endorse the plugin. Here's the URL: github[dot]com/kressaty/OpenVBX-Plugin-Restart

      A fallback position for this scenario is to let the menu plugin repeat the options if one isn't selected. And, you can select how many times to repeat the menu before taking the last step.
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      • Profile picture of the author TwilioExperts
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        • Profile picture of the author qu4rk
          So I have the outbound plugin installed, but it only allows me to text 1 phone number. Is there anyway you can text your entire list?
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          • Profile picture of the author xlfutur1
            Originally Posted by qu4rk View Post

            So I have the outbound plugin installed, but it only allows me to text 1 phone number. Is there anyway you can text your entire list?
            The outbound plugin doesn't send to a list, the subscriptions plugin does (Chad Smith). Click to the right of the list, and under the SMS column (if there is not an icon there) and it will open up a small window to send to the whole list.

            Or set the biz owner up with permission to send to the list from their cell phone. Use the dispatch plugin and give the owner's cell phone permission to broadcast to the list. Works great.
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            • Profile picture of the author qu4rk
              Originally Posted by xlfutur1 View Post

              The outbound plugin doesn't send to a list, the subscriptions plugin does (Chad Smith). Click to the right of the list, and under the SMS column (if there is not an icon there) and it will open up a small window to send to the whole list.

              Or set the biz owner up with permission to send to the list from their cell phone. Use the dispatch plugin and give the owner's cell phone permission to broadcast to the list. Works great.
              Is there any way to schedule messages that will be sent to the list? Like send this Monday, that Tuesday, another Wednesday, etc.?
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  • Profile picture of the author xlfutur1
    Yes, I believe Chad's stacks plugin can do this. To be honest, I installed it a few months ago but never took the time to get it working since you have to run a cron job, etc., and it was too much hassle for me. I just set up openvbx for my clients to send to the list right from their cell phone. I do have another platform that was custom done for appt reminders, but the marketing flows with openvbx seem to be more popular with business owners from my experience. It does everything they want it to do.

    Keep in mind that you should really limit text marketing messages to 2-3 per month tops. No one wants to get marketing texts constantly. I tell my clients 2 per month is about right, and to just make those 2 messages compelling enough for people to take action. When the biz owner is in control and can send from their cell phone, they call the shots without having to deal with dashboards, etc.

    Sending only 2 per month helps figure out pricing as well. I charge monthly for a set amount of subscribers. At 1 cent per text, its easy to figure out pricing so the profit is there.
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  • Profile picture of the author Jay Rhome
    Can someone please tell me how to make OUTCALLS with OpenVBX or straight with Twilio, using one of our Twilio numbers? Ideally, I'd want to use my phone but customers would see the Twilio number. But it can be from my desktop if necessary.

    There is a "Call" button at the top left corner in OpenVBX, but it does nothing even though it says I'm connected. I've created a flow with "new call", and it does call, but hangs up after 2 seconds so I might be close...

    I've been searching for this for days. Twilio makes everything HARD. I finally figured how to set up a voicemail but had to find some codes to tweak in the OpenVBX forum to allow Twilio's voicemail to begin before my cellphone did. And on and on and on. DAYS wasted. If the price wasn't so low, I would have switched a long time ago.

    Prices=super low. Easy of use=ridiculously tough.

    And I know a little about programming - just a little but I guess more than most non-programmers. I can just imagine the hair pulling for non-techie users!
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    • Profile picture of the author kutu62
      @Jay Rhome

      Sounds like your browser isn't allowing the fly out to make calls. try another browser or disable pop up blockers.

      Open Vbx has worked fine for me with no errors - five minute install.
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      • Profile picture of the author leadsourceILG
        Who Can I PAY to make sure [set up manage, run etc.] my install is done correctly and Flow navigation to sms + direct call to clients can occur as desired?

        Willing to pay the capable Openvbx Pro to initiate and/or do this for me... thx
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  • Profile picture of the author CivilCitrus
    Where is a link to this "Chad Smith" and his magical OpenVBX plugins that make this simple?
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  • Profile picture of the author IWelcomesocialmedia
    Can anyone of you who know about Open VBX tell me what could possible be wrong with my open VBX voice message? I have added a voice recording but when i test it by dialling the number to see if it works. OPEN VBX is not storing the message. The message is being logged in Twilio but No Voice message in Open VBX?

    :confused: Not sure what is wrong :confused:

    I am not a teckie person so i am at my wits end with this one.

    Any help will be greatly appreciated.

    Thanks
    Claudine
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    • Profile picture of the author xlfutur1
      Originally Posted by Claudine Waskowycz View Post

      Can anyone of you who know about Open VBX tell me what could possible be wrong with my open VBX voice message? I have added a voice recording but when i test it by dialling the number to see if it works. OPEN VBX is not storing the message. The message is being logged in Twilio but No Voice message in Open VBX?

      :confused: Not sure what is wrong :confused:

      I am not a teckie person so i am at my wits end with this one.

      Any help will be greatly appreciated.

      Thanks
      Claudine
      I may be able to help you. Are you referring to your voicemail recording or a recording that someone hears when they call your Twilio number?
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      • Profile picture of the author IWelcomesocialmedia
        Hey that will be great if you can.

        Yes I am referring to your voicemail recording or a recording that someone hears when they call your Twilio number? When i check to see if the recording was saved ... there is no recording.

        Thanks in advance

        Claudine

        Originally Posted by Jay Rhome View Post

        Can someone please tell me how to make OUTCALLS with OpenVBX or straight with Twilio, using one of our Twilio numbers? Ideally, I'd want to use my phone but customers would see the Twilio number. But it can be from my desktop if necessary.

        There is a "Call" button at the top left corner in OpenVBX, but it does nothing even though it says I'm connected. I've created a flow with "new call", and it does call, but hangs up after 2 seconds so I might be close...

        I've been searching for this for days. Twilio makes everything HARD. I finally figured how to set up a voicemail but had to find some codes to tweak in the OpenVBX forum to allow Twilio's voicemail to begin before my cellphone did. And on and on and on. DAYS wasted. If the price wasn't so low, I would have switched a long time ago.

        Prices=super low. Easy of use=ridiculously tough.

        And I know a little about programming - just a little but I guess more than most non-programmers. I can just imagine the hair pulling for non-techie users!
        Originally Posted by xlfutur1 View Post

        I may be able to help you. Are you referring to your voicemail recording or a recording that someone hears when they call your Twilio number?
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  • Profile picture of the author redlegrich
    I played with OPenVBX and Twilio a while back. Very cool stuff, but I did not use it. Well now I have a need for it and tried working with it again. I had problems and reached out to a developer buddy of mine. He said he has an app he is creating to work with Twilio and Plivo that has the functionality of OpenVBX but without the complexity and issues of working with open source (mostly lack of support.

    He has the basics of an app that easily create the process flow of actions most of us small business and Internet marketers need.

    He is looking for some beta testers who are interested in a phone tracking system for marketers. You know, pull a phone number, forward it from a call, record the call (and transcribe it) and send an email. Also have all the call details to prove lead generation.

    If you are interested in getting in on a beta test please PM me. Very basic and straight forward drag and drop setup and fill in the blanks (for things like intro messages) for responses.
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