Opt Out of Messages
You should always allow people to opt out of receiving bulk emails or text messages from the Platform.
How do you know whether you can send messages to an individual? On the Contact record, under the Preferences - Communication section, there are two relevant fields: Bulk Email Opt Out and Texting Opt In Type. If you add the necessary webhook, the Platform can automatically set Texting Opt In Type on a contact's record when they opt out or opt in:
- To opt out, individuals can reply to the text message they receive with an opt-out keyword (Stop, Stopall, Unsubscribe, Cancel, End, or Quit). As soon as the opt-out reply is received, the Texting Opt In Type field is set to Opted Out.
- To opt back in at any time, they can reply or send a new text to your organization's number with an opt-in keyword (Start, Yes, or Unstop). This sets Texting Opt In Type to either Single Opt-In or Double Opt-In depending on your texting opt-in process.Important: Opt out and opt in replies are ONLY recorded in the Platform if you set up inbound messages. See Add a Webhook for Inbound Messages for information on how to add the necessary webhook so your audience can opt out.
Be aware that if any outbound text message responds to MinistryPlatform with Error Code 21610 (meaning the recipient has opted out), the Platform will look up that Contact and change the Texting Opt In Type field to Opted Out.
For authenticated users to opt out of bulk communication, they can click My Profile in the Login Widget and select Do not send me bulk email messages. They can also do this through their user profile. For authenticated users to opt out of emails related to My Subscriptions, they can go to the widget and select Do not send me bulk email messages.
Note: These settings do not affect notifications for views. Users who opt out will still receive notifications that are set up to go to them.
Including Bulk Opt Outs
There's an option on the Advanced tab of the New Message Tool to Include recipients who have opted out of bulk email (for emails) or Also send this message to recipients who have opted out of receiving texts (for text messages). Only users with permission via their security role can use this option. If you select this checkbox, you can send to contacts who have opted out of bulk email. By default, this option is cleared and messages do not send to those who opted out.
CAUTION: This feature should only be used in emergency situations where it's critical to get information to people quickly via email or text message, including those who have asked not to be messaged.