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How to Set Up Your Account, List, Keywords & Compliance Essentials
How to Set Up Your Account, List, Keywords & Compliance Essentials

Learn how to configure your Tatango account, upload your subscriber list, and ensure you're following compliance best practices.

Judd Bobin avatar
Written by Judd Bobin
Updated today

Get Set Up & Ready to Launch

Before you can start sending text messages, you’ll need to complete a few simple setup steps to ensure your account is configured correctly, your subscriber list is ready, and you’re following compliance regulations.

This article will walk you through the essentials.

Step 1: Set Up Your Account

Start by making sure your account settings are complete and accurate.

  1. Log in to your Tatango account → Login

  2. Go to My Account > Account Settings

  3. Update your Personal Information

  4. Set your Time Zone and enable Two-Factor Authentication (recommended)

  5. Add additional users under Users & Permissions

User Permission Levels:

  • Admin – Full access, including billing and account settings.

  • Manager – Can manage campaigns, but cannot access users, billing, or API settings.

  • Limited Manager – Can manage only campaigns assigned to them, no access to account settings.

Step 2: Upload Your Subscriber List

To send messages, you’ll need a list of subscribers who have opted in to receive your text messages.

How to upload your list:

  1. Prepare your subscriber list as a CSV file

    1. Include at minimum: phone number, first name, last name (optional), email (optional)

  2. Ensure your list only includes subscribers who have given consent to receive messages

  3. Go to Subscribers > Import > Select Import

  4. Follow the on-screen instructions to map fields and upload your list

Resources:

Step 3: Add Your First Keyword

Keywords make it easy for supporters to opt in to your text messages. When someone texts your keyword to your short code, they’ll be automatically added to your subscriber list. You can create one or multiple keywords to grow your list and track different campaigns.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Adding Keywords:

  1. Select Your List

    • Log in to your Tatango account and navigate to your dashboard.

    • Click on the list name or select the Manage button for the list you wish to modify.

  2. Configure Keywords

    • Click Settings in the right-hand menu, then select Mobile Opt-In from the dropdown.

    • Click the + icon next to your current keyword to add a new keyword.

    • Enter your new keyword in the open field. Repeat this process to add multiple keywords.

  3. Save Your Changes

    • Once you've added all desired keywords, click Save Changes at the bottom of the screen to apply your updates.

Why use keywords?

  • Quickly grow your subscriber list at events, online, or during campaigns

  • Track where subscribers are opting in from (e.g., social media, website, in-person events)

  • Make it easy for supporters to join your list with a simple text message

For example, Text SUCCESS to 800-800 for product updates, tips, and tricks.

By participating, you agree to the terms & privacy policy for recurring autodialed marketing messages from Tatango to the phone number you provide. No consent required to buy. Msg&data rates may apply.

Step 4: Review Compliance Essentials

Text message marketing is regulated. It’s important to understand and follow compliance best practices to protect your organization and maintain trust with your supporters.

Key compliance guidelines:

  • Consent: You must have explicit opt-in consent from every subscriber

  • Opt-Out Language: Every message must include clear instructions to opt out. We append this to every message.

  • Proper Identification: Include your organization’s name at the beginning of every message

  • Respect Messaging Rules: Follow TCPA, carrier, and country-specific guidelines


What’s Next

Once your account is set up and your subscriber list is ready, you’re ready to start messaging.

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