Going Live
Understand the difference between test and live mode, and prepare your community for launch.
Test Mode vs. Live Mode
Every Stoked community starts in test mode. Test mode gives you a safe environment to configure your community, set up advocates, and verify that everything works before real prospects interact with your community.
Once your community is switched to live mode, all restrictions are removed and your community is fully operational for real-world use.
What Is Restricted in Test Mode
In test mode, SMS messaging is limited to an allow-list of approved phone numbers. This means:
- Only phone numbers on the allow list receive SMS notifications
- Conversations, introductions, and message notifications are blocked for numbers not on the list
- This restriction applies to both advocate and prospect SMS notifications
All other features work normally in test mode. You can configure settings, add advocates, customize templates, and test the full admin experience without worrying about messages reaching real users.
Pre-Launch Checklist
Before requesting to go live, verify that your community is fully configured.
Branding and Site Configuration
- Confirm your community name and brand name are correct
- Upload your logo and set brand colors in Settings > Branding
- Set up your embed code or widget on your website
Message Templates
- Review and customize all SMS and email templates in Settings > Message Templates
- Send test messages to verify formatting and merge variables
Advocates
- Import or add your initial advocates with correct contact information and locations
- Confirm advocate tags and pin colors display as expected on the map
- Test the advocate onboarding flow end to end
Conversations and Introductions
- Start a test conversation to verify the full messaging flow
- Create a test introduction to confirm the email link works
Features and Settings
- Enable or disable optional features (applications, wallets, testimonials) in Settings > Features
- Configure FAQ content and library items if applicable
How to Go Live
Admins cannot switch a community from test to live mode on their own. The Stoked team handles this transition to ensure everything is properly configured.
To go live, contact the Stoked team at stoked-help@stokedhq.com. Include your community name and confirm that you have completed the pre-launch checklist above. The team will review your setup and activate live mode for you.
What Changes When Your Community Goes Live
When your community is switched to live mode:
- SMS restrictions are removed - messages are delivered to all advocates and prospects, not just allow-listed numbers
- Your community is production-ready - real prospects can start conversations and receive SMS notifications
- All configured features are active - everything you set up in test mode carries over without changes