SMS reaches a guest without an app, an internet connection, or a login, which makes it the channel that works when nothing else does: a delayed arrival, a door code, a change of room on the day.
Connecting a number is a request rather than a self-service switch, because how quickly you get one depends entirely on the country.
Requesting a number
Go to Settings > Channel Integrations, or open platform.bookboost.io/#/settings/channels directly.
Choose SMS.
Select Request. We come back to you with what is possible for your country and what, if anything, we need from you.
How long it takes depends on the country
Every country regulates SMS senders differently, and there are broadly three outcomes.
Straight through. In countries such as the United States, you request a number and it is connected directly.
Paperwork first. In countries such as Germany, the regulator requires additional information about your business before a number can be issued. We ask you for it and connect the number once it clears.
No guarantee. In some countries we cannot promise a number at all. Request one anyway and we will tell you where you stand rather than leaving you guessing.
Which of the three applies is worth finding out before you plan a campaign around SMS. See SMS country coverage.
What this does not do
It is not instant. Only some countries connect on request. Others take as long as the regulator takes.
It is not a secure channel. SMS is unencrypted and can be intercepted or spoofed, so do not send anything you would not put on a postcard: no payment details, no passport numbers, no passwords.
It does not carry formatting, images, or buttons. Plain text only, and links count towards the length.
One number per property. A number cannot be shared across properties.
What to do next
Check whether the countries your guests are in are covered before you build anything. See SMS country coverage.
Getting help
Open Help at the bottom of the left menu and choose Talk to Us, or email support@bookboost.io.