Overview
Cloom AI supports SMS messaging through Twilio and Infobip, allowing you to create intelligent text message workflows that can respond to customer inquiries automatically.Prerequisites
Before setting up SMS, you’ll need:- A Twilio or Infobip account
- A dedicated SMS number
- Your Cloom AI account with appropriate permissions
Phone Number Format
SMS numbers must be in E.164 format: ✅ Correct:+16673270565+442071234567+61412345678
+1 667 327 0565(contains spaces)(667) 327-0565(wrong format)6673270565(missing country code)
Always include the country code and remove any spaces, dashes, or parentheses.
Setting Up SMS with Twilio
Step 1: Configure Twilio Webhook
In your Twilio console:- Navigate to your phone number settings
- Find the Messaging section
- Set the webhook URL to:
https://api.cloom.ai/messaging/twilio-sms-webhook/ - Set the HTTP method to POST
- Save your changes
Step 2: Add Number to Cloom
Contact your Cloom AI representative to add your Twilio number to your account. Provide:- Your phone number in E.164 format
- Your project name
- Which workflow should handle messages to this number
Creating an SMS Node
In your Cloom AI workflow:- Click Create Agent Journey or Start & Integrate
- Select Incoming SMS as the start node type (if receiving messages)
- Or add an SMS node anywhere in your workflow (for sending messages)
SMS Template Editor
Message Content
Create your SMS message template: Name- Give your template a descriptive name (e.g., “Order Status Reply”)
- Write your SMS message content
- Keep it under 160 characters for single SMS
- Use variables to personalize:
{{customer_name}}
Example SMS
Character Count
The editor shows your character count:- 127/160 - Within single SMS limit ✅
- 180/160 - Will send as 2 messages ⚠️
SMS Routing
SMS routing works differently than voice:Automatic Follow-ups
Unlike voice calls, SMS bots will automatically ask follow-up questions until they have all required information. Example Flow:Mandatory Variables
Configure which variables must be collected before proceeding:- Navigate to the Routes tab
- Select your route
- Add variables under Mandatory Variables
- The AI will ask for any missing variables automatically
Testing Your SMS
To test your SMS workflow:- Ensure your workflow is activated (toggle in top left)
- Click Send Test in the SMS Template Editor
- Enter your phone number
- Click Send Test SMS
- Reply to the message to test the conversation flow
Best Practices
Keep Messages Concise
Keep Messages Concise
SMS is a brief medium. Get to the point quickly and avoid lengthy explanations.
Use Clear CTAs
Use Clear CTAs
Tell users exactly what to do next: “Reply with your order number” or “Text STOP to unsubscribe”
Brand Your Messages
Brand Your Messages
End messages with your brand name or signature (e.g., ”- Elegi+”)
Respect Opt-Outs
Respect Opt-Outs
Always honor unsubscribe requests and comply with SMS regulations in your region
Test Thoroughly
Test Thoroughly
Send test messages to multiple devices and carriers before going live
Viewing SMS Logs
To view SMS conversation history:- Navigate to your workflow
- Click the menu in the top right
- Select SMS Logs (if available)
Compliance & Regulations
Troubleshooting
Messages Not Sending
If SMS messages aren’t sending:- Verify the phone number format (E.164)
- Check that the Twilio webhook is correctly configured
- Ensure your Twilio account has sufficient credits
- Confirm the workflow is activated
Not Receiving Replies
If you’re not receiving customer replies:- Verify the webhook URL is correct
- Check Twilio’s debugger for error messages
- Ensure the phone number is properly configured in Cloom
Variables Not Extracting
If variables aren’t being extracted:- Review your routing instructions for clarity
- Check SMS logs to see the AI’s responses
- Ensure variable names match your template usage