Setting Up Your Communication Channels in UnityBuilder

Let's establish your communication infrastructure so you can start reaching your audience effectively. Here's how to set up both email and SMS in UnityBuilder:

Email Setup

Step 1: Connect Your Email Service

1. Log into your UnityBuilder account

2. Go to "Settings" (usually in the bottom left corner)

3. Look for "Email Settings" or "Email Integration"

4. Click "Connect Email Service" or similar option

5. Choose your email provider (Gmail, Outlook, custom SMTP, etc.)

6. Enter your email credentials when prompted

7. Click "Connect" or "Save"

Step 2: Verify Your Domain (Important for Deliverability)

1. In Email Settings, look for "Domain Verification" or "Sender Settings"

2. Click "Add Domain" or "Verify Domain"

3. Enter your website domain (e.g., yourinfluencerbrand.com)

4. UnityBuilder will provide DNS records (TXT records) that you need to add to your domain

5. Log into your domain provider (GoDaddy, Namecheap, etc.)

6. Navigate to DNS settings for your domain

7. Add the TXT records exactly as provided by UnityBuilder

8. Return to UnityBuidler and click "Verify" or "Check Status"

9. Wait for verification to complete (can take 24-48 hours)

Step 3: Create Your First Email Template

1. Navigate to "Templates" or "Email Templates"

2. Click "Create Template" or "+ New Template"

3. Choose a blank template or select a pre-designed template

4. Add your logo and brand colors at the top

5. Write a compelling subject line

6. Create a simple welcome message introducing yourself

7. Include links to your social profiles

8. Add a clear call-to-action (follow on other platforms, check out content, etc.)

9. Save your template with a descriptive name like "Welcome Email"

SMS Setup

Step 1: Set Up SMS Service

1. In Settings, look for "SMS Settings" or "SMS Integration"

2. Click "Set Up SMS" or similar option

3. Choose a phone number:

   • Select your country/area code

   • Choose between a dedicated number or shared shortcode

4. Complete any verification steps required

5. Add billing information if prompted

6. Click "Activate" or "Complete Setup"

Step 2: Configure SMS Settings

1. Set up an auto-response for new SMS subscribers

2. Configure opt-out messages

3. Set business hours for SMS sending (to avoid messaging at inappropriate times)

4. Enable "Two-Way Messaging" if you plan to have conversations

Step 3: Create Your First SMS Template

1. Go to "Templates" or "SMS Templates"

2. Click "Create Template" or "+ New Template"

3. Write a brief welcome message (keep it under 160 characters for a single SMS)

4. Include your name/brand

5. Add a clear purpose or next step

6. Save the template as "SMS Welcome"

Testing Your Communication Channels

Test Email Delivery

1. Go to "Campaigns" or "Broadcasts"

2. Select "Email Campaign" or similar

3. Choose yourself as the recipient

4. Select your welcome template

5. Send a test email to yourself

6. Check that it arrives in your inbox (not spam)

7. Verify all links work correctly

Test SMS Delivery

1. Create a test SMS broadcast

2. Send it to your own phone number

3. Verify receipt and check that any links work properly

Compliance Setup

Email Compliance

1. Add your physical address to email templates (required by law)

2. Ensure unsubscribe links are working

3. Set up proper opt-in confirmation processes

SMS Compliance

1. Set up proper opt-in confirmation messages

2. Ensure STOP/HELP commands work correctly

3. Verify that your welcome message includes frequency and opt-out instructions

Next Steps

Once your communication channels are established:

1. Create a simple automated sequence that welcomes new subscribers

2. Schedule your first content-focused broadcast

3. Begin tracking open rates and engagement to establish your baseline metrics