View source for Managing Conversations in Nova Textly

The '''Conversations''' section is where you can view, send, and manage text messages with your contacts. This guide walks you through signing in, selecting the correct texting number, starting conversations, managing message history, and using conversation features.

== Sign In to Nova Textly ==
Sign in to Nova Textly using your account credentials.

If you are having trouble signing in or do not have access to Nova Textly, please review our guide [https://wiki.vestednetworks.com/index.php?title=Nova_Textly_Overview&veaction=edit here].

== Select the Correct SMS Number ==
If you have access to multiple SMS numbers, make sure you select the correct number before sending or receiving messages.

# After signing in, locate the '''number drop-down menu''' in the top-left corner of the screen.
# Click the drop-down and select the SMS number you want to use.
# Once the correct number is selected, click '''Conversations'''.

<blockquote>'''Important:''' Always confirm that you are using the correct SMS number before starting a conversation or sending a message.</blockquote>

== Conversations Overview ==
The '''Conversations''' page is where you will spend most of your time communicating with your contacts.

Active conversations are displayed on the left side of the screen. Select a conversation from the list to view the message history and continue communicating with the contact.

=== Types of Messages ===
There are three types of messages you may see in a conversation:

'''Inbound Messages'''

Messages received from your contact are displayed on the '''left side''' with a '''light gray background'''.

'''Outbound Messages'''

Messages sent from your account are displayed on the '''right side''' with a '''dark gray background'''.

== Opt-In Status ==
Each contact has an '''opt-in status''', which determines whether certain automated texting features can be used for that contact.

A contact's opt-in status affects automated features including:

* Blasts and Contact Lists
* Drip Campaigns
* Reminders
* Other automated messaging features

=== When a Contact Opts Out ===
A contact is automatically marked as '''opted out''' when they reply with one of the following keywords:

* STOP
* END
* QUIT
* CANCEL
* UNSUBSCRIBE
* OPTOUT

=== When a Contact Opts Back In ===
A contact can be marked as opted in when they reply with one of the following keywords:

* START
* UNSTOP
* SUBSCRIBE
* OPTIN

=== Manually Opting Out a Contact ===
You can also manually opt a contact out:

# Open the contact's details.
# Check the '''Opted Out''' checkbox.
# Click '''Update Contact Details'''.

<blockquote>'''Important:''' Depending on your carrier, you may still be able to send transactional or conversational (non-automated) messages to a contact who has opted out. However, when a contact opts out using an opt-out keyword, their carrier may block future messages, and messages may not be delivered.</blockquote>

== Consent Message Status ==
A '''consent message''' provides the recipient with information about who is contacting them, why they are being contacted, and how they can opt out of future messages. For example, a consent message may instruct the recipient to '''reply STOP to unsubscribe'''.

Some organizations require a consent message before users can communicate with certain contacts. This requirement is configured by the account administrator at the organization level.

If consent messages are required for your account, the contact's '''consent message status''' will appear next to their name in the active conversation.

=== Sending a Message to a New Contact ===
When you send a message to a new contact—or to a contact who has not yet received the required consent message—the app will send the consent message before your intended message.

The recipient can then acknowledge the message or opt out of future communications.

Once the consent message has been sent, an indicator will appear in the contact details and conversation view showing the contact's consent message status.

=== Starting a New Conversation ===
You can start a new conversation from the '''New Conversation''' button in the top-right corner of the app.

You can either enter a phone number manually or select an existing contact from your address book.

'''Send to a Phone Number'''

# Click '''New Conversation'''.
# Enter the phone number in the '''Send to Phone Number''' field.
# Click '''Start Conversation'''.
# Enter and send your message.

'''Choose an Existing Contact'''

# Click '''New Conversation'''.
# Search for the contact or scroll through your address book.
# Select the contact.
# Enter and send your message.

== Archiving Conversations ==
We recommend archiving inactive conversations to help maintain the best possible performance and user experience.
When you archive a conversation:

* The conversation is removed from the active conversation list.
* All message history is retained.
* The conversation can still appear in search results.

<blockquote>'''Note:''' There is currently no dedicated view for browsing all archived conversations. Archived conversations can still be located through search.</blockquote>

=== Archive Conversations in Bulk ===
If you have multiple inactive conversations to archive, you can archive them in bulk.

# Select the checkbox next to each conversation you want to archive.
# To select all conversations, use the checkbox at the top of the conversation list.
# Click the '''Archive''' button in the top-right corner of the list.

=== Archive an Individual Conversation ===
To archive a single conversation:

# Open or locate the conversation.
# Click the '''Action''' drop-down menu.
# Select '''Archive'''.

== Deleting a Conversation ==
You can permanently delete an individual conversation and its message history.

# Locate the conversation.
# Click the '''Action''' drop-down menu.
# Select '''Delete'''.
# Confirm that you want to delete the message history.

<blockquote>'''Warning:''' Deleting a conversation permanently removes all messages associated with it. '''This action cannot be undone'''

'''Notice:''' Your administrator may disable the Delete option depending on your account type or organization settings.</blockquote>

== Conversation Features ==

=== Export Message History ===
You can export the message history from an individual conversation.

# Open the conversation you want to export.
# Select '''Export Messages'''.
# Choose a '''Start Date''' and '''End Date'''.
# Select an export format:
#* '''CSV'''
#* '''HTML'''
# Click '''Export'''.

<blockquote>'''Note:''' The start and end dates must be within '''7 days''' of each other.</blockquote>

=== Sending MMS Messages ===
The Text App supports sending and receiving '''MMS messages''', including pictures and videos.

MMS file support may vary depending on the recipient's carrier.

====== Send an MMS ======

# Open the conversation.
# In the message composer, click the '''camera icon'''.
# Select the picture or video you want to attach.
# Send the message.

<blockquote>'''Note:''' MMS support is currently limited to pictures and videos. Additional file types may be supported in the future, and available file types can vary by carrier.</blockquote>


<code>If you have any questions about this process, or if you need assistance, please reach out to our Support Team by dialing HELP(4357) on your desk phone, calling (972) 924-6488, or emailing help@vestednetworks.com.</code>