How to Set Up the Opt-In API
Connect your external lead sources to Smarter Contact in a few simple steps. Once active, any prospect who submits your form will automatically receive a compliant opt-in SMS and be routed directly to your Opt-in queue.
Before You Begin
To ensure a smooth setup process, please confirm you have the following in place:
- An eligible plan: This feature is available on Pro, Elite and and Committed Use Plans. It is not available on the Starter plan or during trial periods.
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An approved number: You must have at least one fully approved messaging phone number active in your account.
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A lead source: Have your integration tool (like Zapier or Make) or direct lead source (like Facebook Lead Ads, Google Forms, or a website HTML form) ready to configure.
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Required form fields: Your form must collect three required data points: First Name, Last Name, and Phone Number.
Step-by-Step Configuration
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Locate the Integrations menu: In your Smarter Contact dashboard, navigate to Workflows > Integrations.
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Generate the connection: Click + Add opt-in API, then click Activate.
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Copy your endpoint: Click the Copy URL button to save your unique Opt-In API link to your clipboard.
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Connect your tool: Paste this URL into your integration platform (Zapier, Make, Facebook Lead Ads, etc.). If you are building a custom website form, use this link as your form's action URL.
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Map your data fields: Tell your integration tool how to read your form data. You must correctly map your form's fields to the Smarter Contact required fields: First Name, Last Name, and Phone Number.
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Save and publish: Save your integration settings to set the connection live.
What to Expect After Activation
Once your integration is published and running:
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Your unique Opt-In API URL remains active and ready to receive data.
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Every new contact submitted through your connected form is automatically organized into the Opt-in queue folder on your Contacts page.
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The system immediately sends the standardized opt-in text message to each new contact.
Important Notes
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Phone Number Requirement: The "Activate" button will be disabled if you do not have an approved messaging phone number. Secure an approved number first, then return to this setup.
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Single Connection: You can only generate one Opt-In API integration per Smarter Contact account.
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Security: Treat your Opt-In API URL like a password. Keep it secure and never share it publicly, as anyone with the link can push data into your account.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
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Contacts aren't appearing in the Opt-in queue: Double-check your field mapping. Ensure your form or integration tool is successfully capturing and sending all three required fields (First Name, Last Name, and Phone Number).
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The integration is active, but leads have stopped coming through: Verify that your lead form is still pointing to the correct API URL within your integration tool.
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Activation fails: Refresh the page and try the activation step again. If the issue persists, please reach out to our support team for assistance.
Next Steps
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[Managing Contacts in the Opt-in Queue]: Now that your API is active, learn how to assign your incoming leads to campaign groups.
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[Managing Your Opt-In API Integration]: Learn how to temporarily deactivate your integration or regenerate your API URL for security.