How to Create an EchoWord

Creating an EchoWord is simple and takes just a few minutes. Follow this step-by-step guide to create your first campaign EchoWord.

Step 1: Navigate to EchoWords

Go to your Campaign dashboard
Click on EchoWords in the campaign menu
Click the Create Campaign EchoWord button

You'll see the EchoWord creation form with an autoresponder preview panel on the right.

Step 2: Enter EchoWord Code

Enter a keyword code between 3-20 characters
Code must be unique within your campaign
Code will be automatically converted to uppercase
Spaces and special characters are removed
Examples: "JOIN", "SALE2024", "EVENT", "INFO"

Tip: Choose codes that are:

Easy to remember and type
Relevant to your campaign or purpose
Short enough to be convenient
Clear about what they do

Important: The EchoWord code cannot be changed after creation, so choose carefully.

Code Availability Check

As you type, the system checks if your code is available:

Checking - System is verifying availability
Available - Code is available and can be used
Taken - Code is already in use in this campaign

You can only save if the code is available.

Step 3: Set Status

Live - EchoWord is active and will process matches
Paused - EchoWord is inactive and won't process matches
Default is "Live"
You can toggle status later without deleting

Tip: Start with "Live" to activate immediately, or "Paused" if you want to set it up before going live.

Step 4: Select Phone Number (Optional)

Choose a specific campaign phone number for this EchoWord
If not selected, EchoWord works with all campaign phone numbers
Defaults to the primary campaign phone number
You can change this later

When to Use Specific Phone Numbers:

Different keywords for different phone numbers
Separate campaigns on different numbers
Testing on specific numbers

Step 5: Configure Actions

EchoWords can trigger automated actions when matched:

Autoresponder (Optional)

Select an autoresponder to send when the EchoWord is used
Autoresponder must belong to the same campaign
Preview appears on the right as you select
Can be changed or removed later

When to Use Autoresponders:

Welcome messages for new opt-ins
Information delivery (hours, locations, etc.)
Confirmation messages
Promotional content

Contact Groups (Optional)

Select contact groups to add contacts to when they use this EchoWord
Contacts are automatically added to selected groups
Multiple groups can be selected
Useful for segmenting your audience

When to Use Contact Groups:

Different keywords for different interests
Event-specific groups
Promotional segments
Geographic or demographic segmentation

Expiration (Optional)

Set an expiration date for time-limited campaigns
Optionally set an expiration time
Expired EchoWords won't process matches
Useful for promotions or events

When to Use Expiration:

Limited-time offers
Event registration deadlines
Seasonal campaigns
Promotional periods

Step 6: Preview Autoresponder

If you selected an autoresponder:

Preview appears on the right side
Shows how the message will look
Displays media attachments if included
Helps ensure the autoresponder is appropriate

Step 7: Save

Click Save to create your EchoWord
You'll see a success message
You'll be redirected to the EchoWords list
The EchoWord is now active (if status is "Live")

Next Steps

After creating your EchoWord:

Test It - Send the keyword to your campaign phone number to verify it works
Promote It - Share the keyword on your website, social media, or marketing materials
Monitor Usage - Track how many people use the keyword
Update as Needed - Edit status, actions, or expiration as your campaign evolves

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Too Long: Keep codes short and easy to type (3-20 characters)
Too Complex: Avoid codes that are hard to remember or type
Vague Codes: Use codes that clearly indicate their purpose
No Testing: Always test before promoting widely
Missing Actions: Consider what should happen when someone uses the keyword
Forgetting Expiration: Set expiration dates for time-limited campaigns

Tips for Choosing EchoWord Codes

Make It Memorable

Use words related to your campaign
Keep it short and simple
Avoid confusing combinations

Make It Clear

Recipients should understand what the keyword does
Use descriptive words when possible
Consider your audience's familiarity

Make It Easy to Type

Avoid complex spellings
Use common words or abbreviations
Consider mobile keyboard ease

Examples of Good Codes

JOIN - Simple and clear for opt-ins
SALE2024 - Descriptive for promotions
EVENT - Easy to remember for events
INFO - Clear purpose for information requests

Examples to Avoid

XK9P2M - Too complex and hard to remember
VERYLONGKEYWORD - Too long and inconvenient
JOINNOW - Could be confusing (two words)
123 - Too generic and not descriptive