Whether you have an existing account with Twilio or need to start a new account, the instructions below will walk you through the process to enable your Loxo account with voice and/or SMS capabilities.
Twilio capabilities vary across each country, so if your business is located outside of the United States, please be sure to check with Twilio about availability in your market. You can visit Twilio's page here to view international phone number availability and capabilities.
Create a New Twilio Account
If you do not already have a Twilio account, the instructions below will explain how to start a new account.
Navigate to www.twilio.com
In the top navigation, click the 'Start' button. Currently, there is a free trial for new accounts, so you would click 'Start for free.'
Enter your information as prompted
First and Last Name
Email - this is the email that will be affiliated with your account
Password
Click 'Start your free trial.'
Verify your email to confirm your account.
Once your email has been verified and you gain access to your account, complete the questions if prompted.
You should answer according to your business needs. Loxo does not need you to customize any code.
The last step is to rename your Twilio account to reflect your business. By default, new accounts are listed as "My first Twilio account" or "My first Twilio project." To update the name on your Twilio account, go to 'Account' in the top right navigation bar. Click Account > General Settings.
A General settings page will open. Change the Account Name to reflect your company name, your email, or your name.
Note: if you do not update the name from "My first Twilio account/project," you will need to provide the Loxo Team with your Twilio Account SID in order to properly configure the integration.
Purchase a New Phone Number in Twilio
In order to utilize Loxo Calling, you will need to have a phone number associated with your Loxo account. The steps below explain how to purchase a phone number in Twilio, which you will then be able to use for communication from your Loxo account.
You will need to have a Twilio account to purchase a phone number. If you need to create a Twilio account, view the above instructions before proceeding with purchasing a phone number.
To purchase a number in Twilio:
Log in to your Twilio account and click 'Voice' on the left side panel of your home page.
If you don't see the 'Voice' option on the left, click 'Explore Products' from the menu on the left.
Select 'Voice' under "Programmable communications."
Click 'Get your first Twilio number'
Search for the number you'd like:
Enter the country,
Specify capabilities, and/or
Search by digits or phrases (such as an area code) to pinpoint a location
Find a number that matches the voice/SMS capabilities you desire within the results.
Click 'Buy' on the right-hand side to select the number.
Review and agree to Twilio's terms and conditions.
Click the blue Buy <<number>> button.
Click the blue Configure <<number>> button.
Click the Save button.
Integrate a Twilio Account with Loxo
Once you have created a Twilio account and purchased a phone number to integrate with your Loxo account, the next step is to provide access for Loxo to complete the link between your new number and your Loxo Account. Follow the steps below to invite the Loxo Support Team to help configure the integration:
Log in to your Twilio account and click 'Admin' in the top right corner.
Click on Account Management.
Toggle to Independent Users (if applicable).
Click "Invite user." Add support@loxo.co and provide Developer access.
Confirm with Loxo Support that this process is complete.
A Loxo team member will configure your integration within Loxo. Please allow time for processing.
Note: if you did not enter a custom name for your Twilio account, please reach out to Loxo Support (via email using support@loxo.co or using our Live Chat) to provide us with your Twilio Account SID. This can be found on your Twilio Account Dashboard.
Upgrade from a Trial to a Paid Twilio Account
Many people who create a new account on Twilio benefit from a brief free trial. If you created your account as part of a free trial, you will need to upgrade to a paid account to continue using Twilio services beyond the trial. The following steps explain how to upgrade your free trial to a paid Twilio account.
Log in to your Twilio account and click 'Billing' in the top right corner.
Select the 'Upgrade' option from the menu.
Enter your information to complete the form.
Your business address as prompted, based on your location.
Your tax-exempt status and information, if applicable.
Payment information and auto-recharge amount.
Follow the prompts to complete the upgrade of your account.
Twilio offers a pay-as-you-go service, meaning you can pre-fund the account with a certain budget, and then as you use your number for calls and texts, the interactions will be deducted from the account's pre-funded balance. You can set up auto-recharge to ensure the account always has funds, or you can add funds as needed.
Register Your US Phone Number for SMS Messaging
The Federal Communications Commission has been updating its policies and regulations to combat robocalls along with spam via SMS, MMS, Chat, and WhatsApp messaging channels. Major phone service providers, Tier 1 Carriers such as AT&T and Verizon, are taking further measures to ensure that their customers only receive desired communication with an aim to reduce spam and scam attempts. If you want to read more about the FCC's progression through regulatory standards, review the FCC website and call authentication.
You may have already begun to register your phone number with Twilio to become a registered and approved A2P communicator. If you have not, please read more below for guidance on the registration requirements and process.
Twilio's guidance on how to register to use A2P 10 DLC messaging.
Twilio's guidance on A2P 10 DLC Campaign Approval Requirements.
Example web-form opt-in language for reference.
Businesses Seeking Numbers Outside of the US
Loxo is able to integrate with phone numbers from a wide range of markets. To pursue what is available in markets outside of the US, please visit Twilio's site to ensure the best setup and most current availability for your needs.
Please note that to send SMS to phone numbers within the US, regulations require businesses to register their phone number for A2P SMS Messaging approval prior to sending any SMS Messaging.
Get Help from Twilio
Twilio has numerous resources to help resolve common inquiries. The best place to start is the Twilio Help Center, and you can submit a ticket for Twilio Support to review your issue. Both resources are linked below: