---
schema_version: "1"
id: 2ebefdb8ad9d74d7be07dfb739d538e8ee3df4655b73c0cde534d4a354013bb0
title: Get Started in MobileConnect
collection: admin
version: current
locale: en-us
portal_url: https://docs.salesforce.com/admin/current/en-us/mktg/264-0-0/mc_moc_getting_started_with_mobileconnect.md
canonical_url: https://help.salesforce.com/s/articleView?id=mktg.mc_moc_getting_started_with_mobileconnect.htm&release=264.0.0&type=5
source_site: help.salesforce.com
content_type: documentation
content_hash: 5499f766c914762d0d384e03afafe159d51cb8c3078ae4327d57df11fb78d0f2
description: A list of essential tasks to help you get started using MobileConnect.
products:
  - Marketing
  - Marketing Cloud Engagement
release: "264"
---
# Get Started in MobileConnect

A list of essential tasks to help you get started using MobileConnect.

1. Prepare a list of contacts: Prepare a list of contacts in a .csv file with at least these fields: the mobile number, the two-letter country code, and the unique contact key, which is usually the mobile number. You can also include first name, last name, and any other fields you need.
2. Import contacts: Import the .csv file into MobileConnect. If you want to group the contacts, you can create a list when you import, or you can import into all contacts without creating a list.
3. Create HELP keywords: Every MobileConnect account must have a HELP keyword so that people sending to or receiving messages from the account can request assistance. An admin must create the HELP keywords.
4. Review default STOP keywords: MobileConnect recognizes these keywords as immediate requests for global unsubscription: STOP, QUIT, CANCEL, END, UNSUBSCRIBE. An admin can also create custom STOP keywords.
5. Create a new keyword for your message: A keyword for a message is the indicator used to conduct SMS and MMS exchanges between your account and mobile devices.
6. Create and send a message: To create and send your message, select one of the message templates.

- **[Understanding SMS Codes](https://help.salesforce.com/s/articleView?id=mktg.mc_moc_sms_codes.htm&release=264.0.0&type=5)**  
    To optimize deliverability and cost, use the correct sender ID for your campaigns based on your country's regulations. For international SMS service, use an international long code in transactional alerts and provide a separate opt-out option through a web form or call center.
- **[MobileConnect Guides for SMS Sending](https://help.salesforce.com/s/articleView?id=mktg.mc_moc_mobileconnect_enablement_guides.htm&release=264.0.0&type=5)**  
    Review the MobileConnect SMS sending guidelines and restrictions for your country. The information provided does not, and is not intended to, constitute legal advice. Instead, all information is for general informational purposes only. Consult your own independent legal counsel for guidance on your MobileConnect use cases and applicable legal and industry requirements.
- **[SMS Marketing Best Practices](https://help.salesforce.com/s/articleView?id=mktg.mc_moc_sms_best_practices.htm&release=264.0.0&type=5)**  
    SMS is a great way to market your business. To drive success, plan early, comply with regulations, and focus on delivering a trustworthy, personalized experience that protects your brand’s reputation.

#### See Also

- [Create Messages in MobileConnect](https://help.salesforce.com/s/articleView?id=mktg.mc_moc_creating_a_new_message_in_mobileconnect.htm&release=264.0.0&type=5 "Use one of the templates in Marketing Cloud Engagement.")
- [Manage Messages](https://help.salesforce.com/s/articleView?id=mktg.mc_moc_reviewing_message_activity_in_mobileconnect.htm&release=264.0.0&type=5 "Review message activity in MobileConnect to determine which contacts received your message, where any errors occurred, and what changes to make to improve the effectiveness of your campaigns. Message activity includes a summary of successful sends, sends with errors, and other information.")
- [Import and Manage Contacts](https://help.salesforce.com/s/articleView?id=mktg.mc_moc_contacts.htm&release=264.0.0&type=5 "Use contacts in Marketing Cloud Engagement to view and interact with MobileConnect-related contact information.")
- [Use Cases](https://help.salesforce.com/s/articleView?id=mktg.mc_moc_use_cases.htm&release=264.0.0&type=5 "Use cases are things you can do in MobileConnect to expand its functionality and the reach of your messages.")
- [Message Content Considerations](https://help.salesforce.com/s/articleView?id=mktg.mc_moc_message_content_considerations.htm&release=264.0.0&type=5 "Some content considerations to keep in mind are character sets and character limits in MobileConnect.")