SMS Validation Card: Verify phone number collected prior to sending an SMS.

Created
Feb 5, 2024 8:50 PM
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SMS Validation Card: Ensuring Reliable Communication

When building a chatbot, one of the critical steps is verifying user-provided phone numbers. The SMS Validation Card is an essential tool in this process. It connects with a service to ensure the format and validity of the phone number before any SMS is sent. This step is crucial for maintaining effective communication and ensuring that your messages reach the intended recipient.

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How to Add and Configure an SMS Validation Card

Step 1: Navigate to the Authoring Tool

  • Access the authoring section of your Botco.ai dashboard where you craft the conversation flow.

Step 2: Incorporate the SMS Validation Card

  • In your authoring canvas, select the option to add a new card and choose 'SMS Validation' from the list.

Step 3: Input and Output Configuration

  • Specify the 'Input attribute' field with the variable that stores the user's phone number.
  • Set up 'Output attribute' to store the validated phone number or error message, which will be used in subsequent conversation steps.

Step 4: Define Validation Rules

  • Establish rules for different validation outcomes such as 'Success', 'Number Invalid', 'Number In Use', or 'Other Error'.
  • Link each rule to the corresponding block in your conversation flow, ensuring users are directed appropriately based on the validation result.

Step 5: Save Your Configuration

  • After setting up the validation rules and actions, save your settings to ensure the SMS Validation Card is ready to verify phone numbers as users interact with your chatbot.
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Benefits of Using the SMS Validation Card

  • Accuracy: By validating phone numbers, you minimize the risk of sending messages to incorrect or non-existent numbers, ensuring your resources are used efficiently.
  • User Experience: Proper validation prevents user frustration that can occur from non-delivered messages or errors in communication.
  • Compliance: It helps in complying with regulations by ensuring you only send messages to valid numbers, avoiding potential legal issues with communication laws.

By implementing the SMS Validation Card in your chatbot's authoring flow, you set the foundation for robust and reliable communication via SMS. It's a straightforward yet powerful way to ensure your chatbot is equipped for effective interaction with users.