Crossing the boundaries of personal conversations, text messages now become a key tool in business communications. If you are running a small business, a big-scale business, or a startup, SMS marketing can be a pivotal tool to engage your customers in a better way. However, to get the most out of your business text messages, you need to know about certain security components. Know more about the upcoming lines.
Explore Security and Compliance in Business Text Messaging
For user data protection, businesses need to follow different security measures like encryption, secure data storage, regular security audits, etc. These practices make sure customer interactions are in safe hands and safe from unauthorized access and breaches.
Businesses that are using SMS or MMS services need to comply with data privacy laws and regulations, the Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA), for instance, which mandates obtaining consent before sending any kind of promotional messages.
Steps to Keep Your Business Texts Compliant
Verify Your Number First
Start by registering or verifying your business number. It’s the foundation of credibility and ensures customers trust your messages. Plus, it keeps your texts from being flagged as spam.
Secure Clear Consent
Always obtain explicit, written permission from your audience before hitting “send.” This consent opens the door for sending promotional, informational, or interactive messages without crossing any lines.
Set Clear Expectations from the Start
Follow-up consent with a quick confirmation text. Then, introduce your subscribers to your messaging style with a warm welcome. Let them know exactly what kind of updates, offers, or information to expect.
Simplify Access to Support
Make assistance effortless. Whether it’s a contact number, email, or simply replying “HELP,” ensure your subscribers can reach you whenever they need guidance.
Offer an Easy Exit Option
Empower your audience to opt-out whenever they choose. Allow them to unsubscribe by replying “STOP,” and send a confirmation once they’re removed from the list. Transparency builds trust.
Time Your Messages Thoughtfully
Stick to appropriate business hours for your region. In the U.S., that’s 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. Some states have additional rules, so double-check the local timing regulations to stay compliant.
Send Texts in Moderation
Avoid overloading inboxes. States often cap the number of messages you can send within specific timeframes, so stay mindful to keep subscribers engaged, not annoyed.
Steer Clear of Prohibited Content
Certain topics are off-limits. In the U.S., this includes content about hate speech, violence, profanity, firearms, tobacco, cannabis, and misleading claims. Sticking to the rules is useful for keeping your business on the right side of the law.
Know the Local Laws
Rules for business texting can vary from one state to another. Do your homework to ensure you’re following the laws in every area where your subscribers live.
10DLC Update: A Key Change in Text Messaging Compliance
Starting December 1, 2024, unregistered 10-digit long code (10DLC) messaging will no longer be allowed in the United States. If your business uses unregistered 10DLC numbers for texting, it’s time to take the measures. Ignoring this deadline after post-December 1, any unregistered 10DLC traffic will be blocked. To prevent your business from blocking, know the ways to register your business from here.
How to Register Your 10DLC Traffic
You need to follow some steps to complete your 10DLC traffic completion. Here are the steps to follow.
Register Your Brand
This initial step involves verifying your business with The Campaign Registry (TCR). By doing so, you prove to carriers that your messaging is legitimate, and not a source of spam.
Register Your Campaigns
For each specific use case—whether it’s for alerts, promotions, or customer communications—you’ll need to register a distinct campaign. This helps carriers understand the intent of your messages, reducing the likelihood of them being blocked.
Wrapping up
Each campaign like this one comes with its own set of guidelines that must be followed. Following this guideline is manageable only when you have the right knowledge. If it lacks the process might seem complex and that’s where RevText, your trusted message marketing partner comes to the scene. Choose us and simplify all the processes for business messages and make your business compliant with the new-age security rules.
