New Webhook Integration Update and Setup Method: Turning Texts into Free Messenger Notifications

As mobile messenger services like Slack and Discord have become essential tools for small businesses, co-workers, and families, the demand to check text messages on these messengers has grown significantly.

To meet this need, the SMS Forwarder app has updated its HTTP Webhook integration feature.

Through this update, you can automatically forward text messages received on a single smartphone to various chat channels such as Slack, Discord, and Telegram in real-time, free and unlimitedly.

In this post, we will explain everything from the basic concept of a Webhook to the step-by-step connection settings and security guidelines.

1. What is a Webhook? (Easy to Understand)

The word Webhook might sound unfamiliar and difficult. To put it simply, a Webhook is a "real-time delivery service that ships information to a designated address when an event occurs."

Previously, to check text messages received on a phone, you had to open the messaging app and copy-paste them manually, or use your cellular plan to forward the text to another phone number.

In contrast, if you set up a Webhook, the SMS Forwarder app immediately ships the text message contents to a designated messenger address (Webhook URL) via the internet as soon as a text arrives on your phone.

Even if you are not a developer, you can complete the integration simply by pasting the address into the address field in the app, like plugging a microphone jack, without writing a single line of code.

"Cost reduction is just as important for small businesses as increasing sales. Webhook integration, which costs 0 won even if you send unlimited text messages, is the best solution to ease the monthly burden of communication fees."

2. Generating Webhook URLs for Major Messengers

To receive notifications in your chat room, you must first get a unique Webhook URL from the messenger app. We will introduce the creation method for Slack and Discord, which are most widely used by small businesses and groups.

① Slack Integration

Slack is a representative collaboration tool used by many companies and small businesses worldwide. To receive texts in a Slack chat room, follow the steps below.

Access Webhook Generation Page: Log into the Slack API Website on a PC browser and select "Create an Active Webhook" or "Create an App".
Select App Name and Workspace: Enter an app name (e.g., "SMS Delivery Integration") and select the Slack workspace where you want to send notifications.
Activate Webhooks: Go to the settings menu, find "Incoming Webhooks", and switch the toggle to "On".
Choose Channel and Add Webhook: Click the "Add New Webhook to Workspace" button at the bottom of the screen, select the Slack channel (e.g., #store-alerts, #card-payments) where you want to receive texts, and grant authorization.
Copy URL: Click the Copy button next to the generated Webhook URL (a long address starting with https://hooks.slack.com/services/...) to copy it.

② Discord Integration

Discord, widely used not only in gaming communities but also in small business groups and clubs, is even simpler to set up.

Enter Channel Settings: Go to the channel where you want to receive alerts on the PC or mobile Discord app, and click the gear icon [Edit Channel] next to the channel name.
Select Integration: Click the [Integrations] tab from the left menu list.
Create Webhook: Click the [Create Webhook] button.
Edit Webhook and Set Name: Specify a name for the created webhook and verify that the target channel is correct.
Copy URL: Click the [Copy Webhook URL] button to temporarily save the address to your clipboard.

3. Registering the Copied Webhook URL in the App

Once you have copied the Webhook URL from the messenger, it is time to register it in the SMS Forwarder app on your smartphone.

Run the SMS Forwarder app on your smartphone.
Add a new filter or select an existing filter to enter the edit screen.
Under the target information settings, check the "Webhook Transfer" option instead of the general phone number input field.
Paste the copied Webhook URL into the address input box.
Run Test Transfer: Press the 'Test Transfer' button in the app and check if a mock test message is instantly delivered to your Slack or Discord channel.
Once confirmed, save the settings to complete the process.

4. SMB Operation Efficiency and Cost Reduction Scenarios

What practical benefits can small business owners and self-employed individuals get through this simple Webhook integration?

Unlimited Free Sending: If you forward texts to another phone number, sending 1,000 texts a month would result in tens of thousands of won in additional telecom fees. However, forwarding via Webhooks uses the internet, so there are no additional transfer fees at all.
Simultaneous Propagation: Whether you have 3 partners or 10 employees, inviting everyone to a single chat room allows them to see incoming text alerts simultaneously in real-time. There is no need to make calls or pass screenshots, accelerating store operations.
History Management and Searchability: Since text history is saved in Slack or Discord channels, you can search for a specific deposit text or card approval text anytime using the search feature in the messenger.

5. Security Guide and Safe Webhook Usage

Webhook URLs are unique keys that grant permission to post messages directly to your messenger channels. If a Webhook URL is leaked to the public, malicious third parties can spam your chat rooms. Therefore, you must follow the security guidelines below.

Keep Webhook URLs Secret: Never share Webhook URLs on public bulletin boards, GitHub, or open chat rooms.
Periodically Re-generate and Revoke: If you suspect a leak, delete the webhook app or URL from the Slack/Discord settings immediately and generate a new one.
Apply Sender Filters: In the SMS Forwarder app, set up rules so that only texts from authenticated sender numbers (e.g., official bank/card representative numbers) are forwarded, preventing unintended information leakage.

Integrating Webhook notifications will dramatically improve store operations and team collaboration. If you want to know the basic setup methods of the app first, please read Complete Guide to SMS Auto-Forwarding App.