SMS lets your business send and receive texts via a verified business number, with AI Chat agents handling messages and logging interactions in Distance.
Introduction
Setting up SMS enables direct, real-time communication with customers on a familiar channel. Incoming and outgoing messages are routed through your AI Chat agent, ensuring conversations are captured, tracked, and accessible in Distance. You can manage responses, assign follow-ups, and maintain a consistent communication experience across all customer touchpoints.
Why use SMS?
Direct communication. Reach customers quickly using a channel they actively check.
Faster response. Texts are often read and replied to sooner than emails.
Centralized inbox. SMS messages appear alongside chat, email, and social channels in Distance for easier management.
Included with your plan. SMS setup is available as part of your subscription, with no additional configuration fees.
How to set up SMS on Distance
Apply for a business phone number
Go to Channels.
On the Connect channels page, locate the Connect your telephony section.
Click Connect a business number.
On the screen titled “Let’s get you set up with your business phone number”, click Start verification.
This business phone number will be used for SMS messaging and inbound phone calls handled by your AI Voice agent. Once setup is complete, the number can be assigned to your AI Voice agent to receive calls, while also enabling SMS conversations in Distance.
