SMS Notifications
Set up text message alerts for permit changes with required opt-in consent for Twilio compliance.
SMS notifications provide real-time text message alerts when permits you're tracking experience changes. To comply with Twilio messaging regulations and TCPA requirements, Plotwise requires explicit opt-in consent before sending any SMS alerts.
SMS Opt-In Requirements
To receive SMS notifications from Plotwise, you must:
- Provide a phone number in E.164 international format (e.g.,
+14155551234) - Check the SMS consent checkbox on one of three opt-in surfaces
- Accept the terms regarding message frequency, STOP/HELP keywords, and data rates
Why Opt-In? Twilio (our SMS provider) requires documented consent for all text message recipients. This protects you from unwanted messages and ensures Plotwise complies with telecommunications regulations.
Three Opt-In Surfaces
Plotwise provides three places to opt in to SMS notifications:
1. Onboarding Profile Step
During the onboarding flow, you'll see an SMS opt-in checkbox:
Location: Onboarding → Profile Setup step
Consent language:
- Checkbox: "I authorize Plotwise to send SMS alerts about permit activity to the number provided"
- Disclosure: Covers STOP/HELP keywords, message frequency, rate disclaimers, and clarifies consent is not a purchase condition
When to use: If you want SMS notifications from the start, opt in during onboarding. You can always change this later in settings.
See Onboarding Walkthrough for details.
2. Marketing Contact Form
When requesting demos or updates from the marketing website:
Location: /contact page on marketing site
Consent language:
- Checkbox: "I agree to receive SMS updates from Plotwise"
- Supporting language: Message frequency, STOP/HELP instructions, rate disclosures
When to use: If you're a prospective customer wanting SMS updates about demos or product announcements.
3. Dashboard Notification Settings
In your account settings after logging in:
Location: Settings → Account → Notifications → SMS Alerts
Consent language:
- Toggle: "Receive SMS alerts about account activity"
- Description: Repeats compliance language (STOP/HELP, rates, consent disclaimer)
When to use: Enable or disable SMS notifications anytime after account creation. This is the most common place to manage SMS preferences.
Pro Tip: You can disable SMS notifications anytime by toggling off this setting. Your consent timestamp and source are removed immediately, and no further SMS messages will be sent.
Phone Number Requirements
Your phone number must be in E.164 international format:
- US Example:
+14155551234(country code + area code + number) - International Example:
+442071234567(UK number) - Requirements:
- Must include country code prefix (e.g.,
+1for US) - No spaces, dashes, or parentheses
- Only digits after the
+symbol
- Must include country code prefix (e.g.,
Invalid formats (will be rejected):
(415) 555-1234- contains parentheses and spaces415-555-1234- missing country code14155551234- missing+prefix
Update your phone number in Profile Settings.
SMS Message Format
SMS messages are concise (320 character limit) with a link to full details:
Example message:
Plotwise: Permit #2024-001234 status changed to Approved.
View details: https://plotwise.com/permits/sf/2024-001234
Message components:
- Sender: "Plotwise" (or configured sender name)
- Permit identifier: Permit number or project name
- Change summary: Brief description of what changed
- Link: Direct link to permit details page for full information
See lib/format-sms-message.ts:712 in the codebase for message formatting logic.
STOP and HELP Keywords
All Plotwise SMS messages support standard keywords:
STOP Keyword
Reply STOP to any Plotwise SMS to unsubscribe:
- Your SMS consent toggle is disabled immediately
- No further SMS messages will be sent
- Email notifications continue (if enabled)
- You can re-enable SMS anytime in notification settings
Example:
You: STOP
Plotwise: You have been unsubscribed from SMS alerts.
Visit app.plotwise.com/settings to re-enable.
HELP Keyword
Reply HELP for assistance:
Example:
You: HELP
Plotwise: Plotwise SMS alerts notify you about permit changes.
Reply STOP to unsubscribe. Visit app.plotwise.com/support for help.
Message Frequency & Rates
Message frequency: Varies based on permit activity
- Active permits may trigger multiple messages per day during busy periods
- Most users receive 5-20 messages per month
- You control frequency by selecting event scopes in Notification Preferences
Message & data rates: Standard messaging rates from your mobile carrier apply
- Plotwise does not charge for SMS notifications
- Check with your carrier about your plan's text message allowance
- Consider an unlimited texting plan if you track many active permits
Consent is not a purchase condition: You can use Plotwise without enabling SMS notifications. SMS is an optional enhancement to email notifications.
See SMS Opt-In Evidence for full compliance documentation that can be shared with Twilio.
Enabling SMS Notifications
To enable SMS notifications after account creation:
- Navigate to Settings → Account → Notifications
- Scroll to the SMS Alerts section
- Verify your phone number is set in Profile Settings
- Toggle Receive SMS alerts about account activity to ON
- Read the compliance disclosure
- Confirm the action
Your SMS consent is recorded with the current timestamp and source "account settings".
Disabling SMS Notifications
To disable SMS notifications:
- Navigate to Settings → Account → Notifications
- Scroll to the SMS Alerts section
- Toggle Receive SMS alerts about account activity to OFF
- Confirm the action
Your consent timestamp and source are cleared immediately, and no further SMS messages will be sent.
Pro Tip: If you're receiving too many SMS alerts, instead of disabling entirely, consider: - Adjusting event scopes to reduce notification frequency
- Using per-permit notification toggles to mute low-priority permits - Switching to email-only for less urgent permits