What is Text to Join and Why Use It?
Text to join means people send a short message. They send it to a special phone number. This message has a keyword. For example, they might text "JOIN" or "NEWS." When they send this, they get added to your list. It is very fast and simple. Many people always have their phones. So, texting is a natural way for them.
Using text to join has many good reasons. First, it is very convenient for everyone. People do not need to fill out long forms. They do not even need to open a web browser. Second, it works everywhere. You can put your "text to join" number on posters. You can share it at events. You can even say it on the radio. Therefore, it reaches many people. This method helps your list grow faster. It also helps you connect with more potential customers.
Getting Ready: What You Need Before You Start
Before setting up text to join, you need a few things. First, you need a Mailchimp account. If you do not have one, it is easy to sign up. Mailchimp is a popular tool. It helps you send emails to many people. Next, you will need an email list inside Mailchimp. This is where your new subscribers will go. So, make sure you create an email list. You can call it "My Newsletter List" or something similar.
Furthermore, you will need a special service. This service helps send and receive text messages. Mailchimp itself does not directly handle SMS texts. So, you will use a tool that connects to Mailchimp. Some popular tools are Twilio or Zapier. These tools act like bridges. They take the text message and tell Mailchimp to add a new person. Therefore, pick a service that fits your needs. You should also think about the cost.
Step-by-Step: How to Set Up Text to Join with Mailchimp
Setting up text to join involves a few clear steps. It might seem a bit tricky at first. However, if you follow these steps, it will be easy. Remember, we are using another service. This service will help with the text messages. Let's start with the first part. You need to pick a text messaging service.
Choosing Your SMS Gateway Service
Your first step is to pick an SMS gateway. As mentioned, Twilio is a very good choice. It is widely used and reliable. Zapier is also an option. Zapier helps connect many different apps. It can link your text messages to Mailchimp. Research a few options. Look at their pricing plans. Check if they are easy to use. Once you pick one, sign up for an account.
After signing up, you will get a special phone number. This number is for your texts. People will send their keywords to this number. You might also need an API key. This key helps your services talk to each other. Keep this information safe. You will need it in the next steps. Therefore, choose wisely and prepare your account.
Connecting Your SMS Service to Mailchimp (Using Zapier as an example)
Now, let's connect everything. We will use Zapier as an example. First, log in to your Zapier account. You will create something called a "Zap." A Zap is like a recipe. It tells two apps what to do. The first part of the Zap is the "trigger." This is what starts the action.
Your trigger will be "New Incoming SMS" from your SMS service. For instance, if you chose Twilio, you would select Twilio. Then, you would choose "New SMS." You will set up your keyword here. This is the word people will text. Like "JOIN" or "SUBSCRIBE." So, when someone texts this word, the Zap begins. This makes the connection strong.
Creating the Action: Adding Subscribers to Mailchimp
The second part of the Zap is the "action." This is what happens after the trigger. Your action will be "Add Subscriber to Mailchimp." You will choose Mailchimp as the app. Then, select "Add Subscriber." Now, you need to tell Mailchimp which list to use. Pick the email list you created earlier. For example, "My Newsletter List."
Next, you will map the information. The SMS service provides the phone number. However, Mailchimp needs an email address. This is a crucial point. You cannot add a subscriber to Mailchimp with only a phone number. People need to provide their email. So, you have a few options.
Addressing the Email Challenge (Important Nuance):
Since Mailchimp primarily uses email for subscribers, you have a design choice.
Introduce SMS marketing, its benefits over email, and If you want to know telemarketing data more about phone number data For more information, you can visit our website: how platforms like Telemarketing Data offer powerful tools similar to Mailchimp.
Option 1: Two-Step Process.
When someone texts your keyword, your SMS service can reply automatically. The reply asks for their email address. For example: "Thanks for texting! Please reply with your email address to complete your subscription." When they reply with their email, then your Zap can trigger again. This second trigger captures their email. Then, it adds them to Mailchimp. This is a common and effective way.
Option 2: Directing to a Form.

When someone texts, your SMS service sends them a link. This link goes to a simple Mailchimp signup form. This form can be very short. It only asks for an email. Once they fill it out, they are on your list. This adds a step for the user. However, it is very clear.
Option 3: Using a Third-Party Tool with Direct Email Integration.
Some specialized SMS marketing platforms can handle this. They might store the phone number. Then, they can prompt the user for an email. Or they might have direct Mailchimp integration. This is often a more advanced solution. It may cost more too. So, consider your budget.
Finishing the Zap (Assuming a Two-Step or Form approach):
If you use the two-step approach, your Zap will be more complex. It might need two Zaps. Or it might use Zapier's multi-step features. The goal is to get that email. Once you have the email, you will map it. You will tell Zapier that the email from the text message goes to the email field in Mailchimp.
Finally, turn on your Zap. Test it thoroughly. Send a test text yourself. See if you get added to your Mailchimp list. Check for any errors. Make sure everything works smoothly. This ensures a good user experience.
Promoting Your Text to Join Option
Now that your system is set up, you need to tell people about it. Make sure your "text to join" option is visible. Put it everywhere you can. Print it on your business cards. Add it to your website. Share it on your social media posts. For example, "Text NEWS to 555-1234 to get our updates!"
You can also announce it at events. Tell people clearly how to join. Make it sound exciting. Explain what they will get by joining. Will they get special discounts? Early access to news? Make it clear and simple. The more places you promote it, the more people will see it. This helps your list grow quickly.
Benefits of Using Text to Join for Mailchimp Growth
Using text to join is very powerful. It helps you grow your email list in new ways. First, it reaches people where they are. Almost everyone has a mobile phone. They are often checking their texts. So, you are meeting them on their preferred device. This increases engagement.
Second, it is very quick for the user. Sending a text takes only a few seconds. This low effort makes people more likely to join. They do not have to stop what they are doing. This leads to more sign-ups. Therefore, you will see your list expand faster. It is a modern way to connect.
Third, it builds a responsive list. People who text to join are often very interested. They took an active step. This means they are more likely to open your emails. They are also more likely to click on your links. This gives you a better quality list. So, your marketing efforts will be more effective.
Tips for Success and Common Mistakes to Avoid
To make your text to join successful, keep some tips in mind. First, make your keyword simple. Easy to remember keywords work best. Like "JOIN" or "DEALS." Do not use long or complex words. Second, always tell people what they will get. Be clear about the benefits of joining your list.
Also, tell them how often you will email them. Do not surprise them with too many emails. This can lead to people unsubscribing. Make your first welcome email special. Give them something valuable. Maybe a free guide or a discount code. This sets a good tone.
Avoid common mistakes. Do not forget to test your system. Test it many times. Make sure every step works. Do not spam people with texts. Only use texts for joining. Send your main content through email. Respect their privacy. Always offer a clear way to unsubscribe. This builds trust with your audience.