What Happens Next
Congratulations! You've completed the onboarding process. Now let's understand what happens behind the scenes and when you can start sending SMS messages.
The Approval Process
Step 1: Campaign Registration (Automatic)
Once your subscription is active, your campaign is automatically:
Registered with TCR (The Campaign Registry)
- Your campaign details are submitted for compliance review
- Carriers review your campaign for approval
- This process typically takes 2-5 business days
Published to PUC partner (SMS Provider)
- Your campaign is set up with our SMS delivery provider
- Technical setup is completed
- SMS sending infrastructure is configured
Step 2: Carrier Approval
The Campaign Registry reviews your campaign and submits it to wireless carriers (AT&T, Verizon, T-Mobile, etc.) for approval. Carriers check:
- Campaign Compliance: Your campaign follows SMS compliance rules
- Message Content: Sample messages meet carrier guidelines
- Opt-in Process: Your opt-in process is clear and compliant
- Business Verification: Your brand information is verified
Step 3: Approval Notification
Once your campaign is approved:
- ✅ You'll receive an email notification
- ✅ Your campaign status will update to "Active"
- ✅ You can start sending SMS messages immediately
Timeline Expectations
Immediate (Within Minutes)
- ✅ Brand registration submitted
- ✅ Campaign created and saved
- ✅ Subscription activated
- ✅ Campaign submitted for approval
Short Term (Within Hours)
- ✅ Brand registered with TCR
- ✅ Brand set up with PUC partner
- ✅ Campaign published to TCR
- ✅ Campaign published to PUC partner
Approval Period (2-5 Business Days)
- ⏳ Campaign under carrier review
- ⏳ Compliance verification in progress
- ⏳ Waiting for carrier approval
Ready to Use (After Approval)
- ✅ Campaign approved by carriers
- ✅ Status changed to "Active"
- ✅ SMS sending enabled
- ✅ Ready to send your first message!
Understanding Campaign Status
Your campaign can have different statuses throughout the process:
Registration Status
- Pending: Campaign submitted, awaiting TCR registration
- Registered: Campaign registered with TCR, awaiting carrier approval
- Active: Campaign approved and ready to use
Provider Status
- Pending: Campaign submitted to PUC partner
- Published: Campaign set up with PUC partner
- Active: SMS sending enabled
What You Can Do While Waiting
Even while your campaign is pending approval, you can:
Set Up Your Account
- Add Phone Numbers: Purchase phone numbers for your campaign
- Create Contact Lists: Import or create contact lists
- Set Up Auto-Responders: Configure automated message responses
- Explore Features: Learn about other EchoTexting features
Prepare Your Campaign
- Review Message Templates: Prepare your message templates
- Plan Your First Campaign: Decide what messages you'll send first
- Test Your Opt-in Process: Make sure your opt-in process is clear
- Review Compliance: Ensure you understand SMS compliance rules
Access Support
- View Documentation: Read our guides and tutorials
- Contact Support: Reach out if you have questions
- Check Status: Monitor your campaign approval status
Monitoring Your Campaign Status
Dashboard View
Your campaign dashboard shows:
- Campaign Status: Current registration and approval status
- Subscription Status: Your active subscription information
- Brand Status: Your brand registration status
- Provider Status: PUC partner setup status
Status Messages
You'll see different messages based on your campaign's progress:
- "Campaign Registration in Progress": Your campaign is being reviewed
- "Campaign Active": Your campaign is approved and ready
- "Action Required": There's an issue that needs attention
Email Notifications
You'll receive email notifications for:
- Campaign approval
- Status changes
- Important updates
- Support requests
Common Scenarios
Scenario 1: Everything Goes Smoothly
- You complete onboarding
- Campaign is automatically published
- Campaign is approved within 2-5 business days
- You receive approval notification
- You start sending messages
Timeline: 2-5 business days from subscription setup
Scenario 2: Brand Setup Takes Longer
- You complete onboarding
- Brand registration is still processing
- You see "Brand setup is in progress" message
- Support team is notified automatically
- Brand setup completes
- Campaign publishing begins
- Campaign is approved
Timeline: Brand setup + 2-5 business days for approval
Scenario 3: Campaign Needs Revision
- You complete onboarding
- Campaign is submitted for approval
- Carrier requests changes or clarification
- Support team contacts you
- You make necessary changes
- Campaign is resubmitted
- Campaign is approved
Timeline: Varies based on required changes
Getting Help
If You Have Questions
- Check Documentation: Review our guides and FAQs
- Contact Support: Email [email protected]
- View Status: Check your dashboard for current status
If Something Goes Wrong
- Automatic Notifications: Our system automatically notifies support of issues
- Email Alerts: You'll receive email notifications if action is needed
- Dashboard Messages: Check your dashboard for status updates
- Support Team: Our team will reach out if assistance is needed
Best Practices While Waiting
Review Your Campaign Details
- Ensure all information is accurate
- Verify your sample messages are clear
- Check that your opt-in process is compliant
Prepare for Launch
- Plan your first messages
- Set up your contact lists
- Prepare your opt-in materials (signs, website, etc.)
Learn About Features
- Explore the dashboard
- Read about autoresponders
- Learn about contact management
- Understand credit system
Next Steps
Now that you understand what happens after onboarding:
- Monitor Your Dashboard: Check your campaign status regularly
- Set Up Phone Numbers: Learn about phone number setup
- Prepare Your First Campaign: Plan your initial messages
- Read the Documentation: Explore our guides and tutorials
Your campaign will be ready soon! In the meantime, feel free to explore the platform and prepare for your SMS marketing launch.