Create Contact Groups (Group Lists)

Create Contact Groups (Group Lists)

Group Lists help you organize contacts into targeted groups (for example: September Birthdays, Active Patients, New Leads) so you can send bulk SMS messages faster and stay consistent with follow-ups. This guide covers how to create a list, add contacts, send a bulk text, and follow best practices to keep messaging compliant and effective.

Before you start (recommended)

• Make sure your contacts have opted in to receive messages.

• Include a clear opt-out option when applicable: “Reply STOP to unsubscribe.”

• Avoid sending repeated messages too frequently.

Create a Group List

1. Log in to your Zonitel Office Portal.
2. In the left sidebar, expand Conversations and click Group Messages.
3. Open the Contact Lists tab. The table shows Name, Description, Contacts, and Actions for each list.
4. Click New Contact List.
5. Enter a List Name * (examples: Clients - Promotions, Appointments - Follow-ups, September Birthdays). You can also add an optional Description.
6. Click Create list (or Cancel to discard).

Add contacts to your Group List

Option A: Add from an individual contact

1. In the left sidebar, click Contacts.
2. Find the contact you want to update and click Edit in the Actions column.
3. Open the Group Lists tab (next to History, Address, Notes, Appointments, and Custom Fields).
4. Select the list or lists you want to add the contact to.
5. Click Save.

Option B: Add multiple contacts 

1. Go to Conversations → Group Messages and open the Contact Lists tab.
2. Find your list and open it from the Actions column.
3. Add contacts from your existing contact list, or create new ones.
4. To load many contacts at once, use Import From File (CSV, XLS, or XLSX). Use the example template provided so your columns map correctly.

What else you’ll find in Group Messages

The Group Messages screen also shows your Remaining Text Messages and whether Auto Purchase is on, plus these tabs:

• Sent Messages — delivery status, segments, successes and failures for each campaign
• Contact Lists — create and manage your lists (including the built-in All contacts list)
• Contacts — the contacts available for group messaging
• Opted-Out (Unsubscribed) — numbers that replied STOP; check this list before sending
• Order History — your message credit purchases

Best practices

• Keep lists clean: remove invalid numbers and any contacts who opted out (STOP).

• Organize lists by purpose: Promotions, Reminders, Follow-ups, VIP Customers.

• Don’t over-message—spacing messages reduces complaints and improves deliverability.

FAQ

Q: Can I reuse a Group List for different campaigns?
A: Yes. You can reuse Group Lists for different messages and outreach goals.

Q: Can I remove a contact from a list without deleting the contact?
A: Yes. Removing them from a Group List does not delete the contact from your account.

Q: What happens if someone replies STOP?
A: You should not message that number again. If you need help verifying your opt-out handling, support can help confirm your settings and workflow.

Need help?

Call/Text/WhatsApp: (833) 966-4835
Email: info@zonitel.com