How to Set SMS Marketing Permissions for Your Contacts

Before you can send SMS messages through Kajabi, each contact must have an SMS marketing permission status assigned. Kajabi gives you full control over how contacts are opted in — whether you’re importing them, adding them manually, or editing an existing contact.

In this article:

• Understanding SMS Marketing Permissions
• Option 1: When Adding a Single Contact
• Option 2: When Importing a CSV File
• Option 3: When Editing an Existing Contact
• Best Practices

Understanding SMS Marketing Permissions

Every time you add or update a contact’s phone number in Kajabi, you’ll be asked to choose one of the following SMS Marketing Statuses:

1. Do Not Subscribe
   
   
   • Use this if the contact should not receive SMS marketing messages.
   • Example: You’re adding a customer but only intend to email them.
     
     
2. Send an Opt-In Text
   
   
   • This sends a double opt-in message asking the contact to confirm their SMS subscription.
   • Use this if you’re collecting new consent via Kajabi.
     
     
3. Previously Opted-In
   
   
   • Use this if you’ve already obtained explicit consent to send marketing SMS via another platform or offline process.
   • No opt-in message will be sent.

Here are three ways to set SMS marketing permissions for a contact and how to choose the right option for your use case!

Option 1: When Adding a Single Contact

1. Go to Contacts > All Contacts.
   
   
2. Click Add Contacts > Add Single Contact.
   
   
3. Enter the contact’s details, including:
   
   
   • Name, Email, and Mobile Phone Number.
     
     
4. Scroll down and select the appropriate SMS Marketing Status.
   
   
5. Click Save Contact:

Option 2: When Importing a CSV File

1. Go to Contacts > All Contacts.
   
   
2. Click Add Contacts > Import CSV.
   
   
3. Choose Upload File or Copy and Paste from File.

Ensure your CSV includes:

• Email Address (required)
• Mobile Phone Number (include + and country code, e.g., +15555551234):

During the import flow, you’ll be asked to choose a default SMS marketing status for the entire import:

Complete the mapping and click Import.

1. Go to Contacts > All Contacts.
2. Click Add Contacts, then select Import CSV.
3. Choose between:
   • Upload File, or
   • Copy and Paste from a File

Here is a more detailed guide on Importing Contacts

Option 3: When Editing an Existing Contact

1. Go to Contacts and open the contact’s full profile.
   
   
2. Click Edit Details.
   
   
3. Update or add the Mobile Phone Number.
   
   
4. Once a number is added or changed, you’ll be prompted to set the SMS Marketing Status.
   
   
5. Save your changes.

Best Practices

• Always collect proper consent before using the “Previously Opted-In” status.
• Use double opt-in when you’re unsure if the contact has already agreed to SMS marketing.
• Include the international format for phone numbers (e.g., +1 for U.S.).

Still need help?

Reach out to our support team at support@kajabi.com and we’ll walk you through it.