Onboarding: How to Get Started With Dispensary Text Messaging on Blackleaf

This step-by-step onboarding guide shows dispensaries how to set up text messaging on Blackleaf, from signing up and registering with carriers to uploading contacts and launching their first compliant SMS campaign.

Dispensary text messaging requires more than simply sending messages. Carriers require registration, customers expect compliance, and deliverability depends on how everything is set up from the start.

This onboarding guide walks you through the complete Blackleaf setup process, from signing up to launching your first SMS campaign, so you can confidently send compliant messages that actually get delivered.

Quick Jump

Step 1: Sign Up for Blackleaf

Begin by creating your Blackleaf account.

To sign up, browse to https://blackleaf.io/signup/ and complete the signup form.

Once submitted, you’ll gain access to your Blackleaf dashboard and we’ll begin preparing your account for carrier registration.

Register for texting steps in Blackleaf

Step 2: Add Payment Information

Blackleaf uses a prepaid balance to send messages. Adding payment information ensures your campaigns can run without interruption.

To add payment information, click the Balance link in the top-left corner of the dashboard.

From there, you can add a payment method and view your current balance and usage.

Add payment information in Blackleaf

You can review billing history, balances, and payment settings at any time.

View billing settings and history in Blackleaf

Step 3: Enable Auto Reload (Recommended)

Auto reload automatically adds funds to your account when your balance falls below a set amount. This prevents campaigns from stopping mid-send.

To enable auto reload, click Billing in the left navigation.

From your billing settings, configure your reload threshold and reload amount.

Enable auto payment reload in Blackleaf

Step 4: Submit Your 10DLC Brand Registration

All business text messaging in the U.S. requires A2P 10DLC registration. Blackleaf submits this registration to carriers on your behalf.

To begin, click Register Now inside your dashboard and complete the registration steps.

The registration process includes:

  • Uploading your business logo
  • Depositing initial messaging funds
  • Selecting or confirming your sending domain
  • Submitting your brand registration to carriers
Submit 10DLC registration in Blackleaf

During registration, Blackleaf will:

  • Configure your sending phone numbers
  • Allow you to choose a preferred sending area code
  • Create an age-gated landing page website
  • Recommend compliant domains (you may choose your own if available)
Texting registration steps overview

Step 5: Upload Your Contacts

Once registration is submitted, you can upload your contact list.

To upload contacts, click Contacts in the left navigation, then select Upload CSV in the top-right corner.

Your CSV file must include a phone column. You may also include fields such as first name, last name, email, or date of birth.

Upload contacts CSV in Blackleaf

During import, you can map each column to the fields you want to store.

Import contacts CSV field mapping

Step 6: Create Your First Campaign

After your contacts are uploaded, you’re ready to create your first SMS campaign.

To create a campaign, click Campaigns in the left navigation and select New Campaign.

Select an Audience

Select audience for SMS campaign

Create a Compliant Text Message

Your text message should be short, clear, and compliant. Blackleaf validates messages before sending.

Design compliant SMS message

Create a Landing Page for Sales or Promotions

Promotional content is hosted on an age-gated landing page instead of directly in the text message.

Create campaign landing page

Test the Message Before Sending

Always test your campaign before launching to confirm formatting, links, and carrier behavior.

Test SMS message before sending

Launch and Monitor the Campaign

Once live, Blackleaf provides detailed campaign visibility, including:

  • Carrier sends, failures, delivered, and unconfirmed
  • Opt-outs and customer replies
  • Message link clicks
  • Landing page views after the age gate

Final Takeaway

Blackleaf was built to make dispensary text messaging compliant, predictable, and easy to operate.

By handling registration, routing, landing pages, and validation, the platform removes the friction that causes most SMS programs to fail.

Follow these steps and you’ll be able to confidently launch and manage high-performing text campaigns.