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Twilio SMS to Caller App - Automated Post-Call Messaging
Overview
The Twilio SMS to Caller app is a post-call application that automatically sends SMS messages to the calling party after their call completes. This powerful engagement tool enables satisfaction surveys, appointment confirmations, follow-up information, and service notifications - all triggered automatically based on your call routing policies.
Why Use This App
- Boost Customer Engagement: Automatically follow up with callers via SMS
- Gather Feedback: Send satisfaction surveys with configurable sampling rates
- Reduce Call Volume: Provide information via SMS instead of keeping callers on hold
Key Features
- Smart Sampling: Send to all callers or a random percentage (1-100%)
- Template Variables: Personalize messages with call data
- International Support: Send SMS to any SMS-capable number
Prerequisites
Before configuring the Twilio SMS to Caller app:
- Call Telemetry Appliance: Version 0.7.0 or later. Deployment Guide
- Call Telemetry Premium or Demo License
- Cisco CallManager 8.5+: Configured with CURRI API Integration. Setup Guide
- Configured External Call Control Profile - Your route patterns must be enabled for Call Telemetry inspection
- Twilio Account: Organization must have Twilio credentials configured in Call Telemetry
- SMS-Capable Number: Valid Twilio phone number for sending messages
Configuration Steps
Step 1: Create the SMS App
Navigate to Policies → Apps → Post Call Apps → Select Twilio SMS to Caller → Click Create App
Step 2: Configure Message Settings
Fill in the app configuration:
- App Name - "Customer Survey SMS" or "Appointment Confirmation"
- Description - Brief description of the SMS purpose
- App Order - Execution order (10-100) when multiple post-call apps are configured
- Message Text - Your SMS content with optional template variables (160 char recommended)
- Trigger Percentage - 1-100% (percentage of calls that receive SMS)
Step 3: Compose Your Message
Use template variables to personalize messages:
Thanks for calling! Rate your experience 1-5.
Called: {{ event.called_number }}
Time: {{ event.inserted_at }}
Available Template Variables
Call Event Data
{{ event.calling_number }}
- Calling party number (SMS recipient){{ event.called_number }}
- Number they called{{ event.calling_devicename }}
- Device name (e.g., SEP123456789ABC){{ event.trigger_point_type }}
- Where call was intercepted{{ event.inserted_at }}
- Event timestamp
Data from Other Apps
{{ app_data.[app-name].data.field }}
- Access data from previous apps- Example:
{{ app_data.phone-discovery.data.phone.extension }}
- Caller's extension
Trigger Percentage Explained
The trigger percentage controls SMS sampling:
- 100% - Every caller receives an SMS
- 50% - Random 50% of callers receive SMS
- 25% - 1 in 4 callers receive SMS
- 10% - Light sampling for ongoing surveys
- 0% - Temporarily disable without deleting
Perfect for A/B testing messages or controlling survey volume.
Common Use Cases
Customer Satisfaction Survey
How was your support call today?
Reply 1-5 (5=Excellent)
Trigger: 30% for ongoing feedback
Appointment Confirmation
Appointment confirmed!
We'll see you tomorrow at 2 PM.
Questions? Call back anytime.
Trigger: 100% for all appointment calls
Call Reference
Thanks for calling {{ event.called_number }}
Save this number for future reference.
Visit our FAQ: company.com/help
Trigger: 100% for support calls
Sales Follow-up
Thanks for your interest!
Check your email for product info.
Special offer: company.com/save20
Trigger: 100% for sales inquiries
Testing Your SMS App
Step 1: Configure Test Number
When creating the app, use the optional test number field to send initial tests without affecting real callers.
Step 2: Use Call Test
- Go to Policies → Call Test
- Enter test calling and called numbers
- Select the policy with your SMS app
- Click Run Test
- Check the results for SMS delivery status
Step 3: Start with Low Percentage
Begin with 5-10% trigger rate to validate:
- Message formatting
- Template variable replacement
- Delivery success
- Customer response
Compliance and Best Practices
TCPA Compliance
- This app is intended for post-call engagement only, not for unsolicited marketing.
- Ensure recipients have consented to receive SMS messages
- You may investigate using Twilio service to manage opt-outs and compliance
Message Guidelines
- Keep under 160 characters for single SMS
- Test with various phone number formats
- Use professional, clear language
- Include actionable next steps
Timing Considerations
- Messages send immediately after call ends
- Consider recipient time zones
- Respect quiet hours (configure in policy rules)
Troubleshooting
Testing Your Configuration
- Use the Test Number field when creating the app to send test messages
- Check the app execution logs in Call Test results
- Verify your organization has Twilio credentials configured
- Ensure the Twilio phone number is properly configured
Common Issues
If SMS messages aren't being sent:
- Verify Twilio credentials are configured for your organization
- Check that the trigger percentage is set above 0%
- Ensure the calling number is SMS-capable (not a landline)
- Review the app execution results in the Call Test logs
Output Data Structure
The SMS app returns execution results:
json
{
"result": "success",
"stage": "App TwilioSMS SendMessageToCaller",
"data": {},
"debug": {},
"message": "Twilio Response: code 201",
"provider_message": "Twilio Response: code 201"
}
A successful response indicates the SMS was accepted by Twilio for delivery.
See Also
- Understanding Call Apps - Complete guide to Call Apps
- Post-Call Apps Overview - Learn about post-call processing
- Configuration Guide - Setting up Call Telemetry policies
- Send a Message via Twilio SMS - Send to a list of admin numbers (different app)