UpdatedMay 24, 2026

Adding a New Phone Number:
Campaign vs 1-to-1, Area Code Selection, and 10DLC

Every TextingOnly feature — SmartLinks, Lead Collectors, bulk campaigns, OTTO automation — requires an active phone number. Here’s how to add one, choose the right type, and start the 10DLC registration process immediately.

NumbersPhone Numbers10DLCSetup

Do This FirstAdd a number before building anything else. 10DLC registration takes 5–15 business days — start it the moment you add a Campaign number so approval doesn’t delay your launch.

Type MattersCampaign numbers power Lead Collectors, OTTO, and bulk sends. 1-to-1 numbers are for direct rep-to-contact conversations only. Most accounts need at least one Campaign number.

Area Code StrategyChoose an area code that matches your primary market. Local numbers have higher open and reply rates than toll-free or out-of-state numbers — carriers trust them more.

Numbers are the infrastructure layer beneath everything. A collector without an assigned number doesn’t receive inbound texts. A campaign without a registered number has delivery risk. Get this right first.

Adding a Number

Go to Numbers → Add Number

From the main navigation — or within a subgroup (Agency plan)

Select the number type: Campaign or 1-to-1

Campaign for collectors and bulk sends. 1-to-1 for direct rep conversations. When in doubt — Campaign.

Search for an available number by area code

Enter the area code for your primary market. Select from available numbers — local numbers are available for any US city or region.

Complete the purchase — number is active immediately

The number is now available to assign to collectors and campaigns. But outbound sends require 10DLC first.

✓

Start 10DLC registration immediately

Go to Numbers → select the number → 10DLC Registration. Submit Brand and Campaign registration now — the 5–15 day window starts from submission, not from when you’re ready to send.

Assigning the Number to a Collector

A number must be assigned to a Lead Collector before inbound texts are received. Go to the collector → Options & Details → Phone Number → select your new number. The collector goes live immediately — contacts who tap your SmartLink will reach OTTO on that number.

⚠️ 10DLC for outbound

Inbound reception works as soon as a number is assigned to a collector. Outbound sends (bulk campaigns, reply automations) require active 10DLC registration. Start registration immediately and use the approval window to build and test your collector flow.

Go Deeper

📖 Related Insight

The Evolution of Virtual Localization: Local SMS Numbers

Why local area codes outperform toll-free numbers — trust signals, open rates, and how to manage a multi-market number strategy from one dashboard.

Read the Insight →

▶ Next Step

10DLC Registration Guide

Start 10DLC registration immediately after adding a Campaign number. Here’s what it is, what TextingOnly handles, and what you need to provide.

Read the KB Article →

🏢 Related KB

1-to-1 Numbers vs Campaign Numbers

The full breakdown of what each number type can and can’t do — and which one you need for each TextingOnly feature.

Read the Playbook →

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a phone number to use TextingOnly?

Yes. Every feature — SmartLinks, collectors, bulk campaigns, and OTTO — requires an active phone number.

What’s the difference between Campaign and 1-to-1 numbers?

Campaign numbers power collectors and bulk sends; 1-to-1 numbers are for direct rep conversations. You choose the type when adding the number.

How do I make a new number receive inbound texts?

Assign it to a Lead Collector under the collector’s Options & Details → Phone Number; it goes live immediately.

Have a Question?

Adding a New Phone Number:Campaign vs 1-to-1, Area Code Selection, and 10DLC

Adding a Number

Assigning the Number to a Collector

Frequently Asked Questions

Adding a New Phone Number:
Campaign vs 1-to-1, Area Code Selection, and 10DLC