8 Steps for Creating a 10DLC SMS Campaign

Struggling to get your SMS messages delivered reliably? The secret might lie in one acronym: 10DLC. Let’s break down how it works.

Text (SMS) campaigns are one of the most effective ways to connect with your audience, but they require careful planning and compliance with regulations. One key compliance element is the use of 10DLC, which stands for 10-digit long codes. Let’s learn the essential steps to create a compliant and successful 10DLC SMS campaign for your business.

Why is 10DLC compliance important?

  • Registration: Businesses are required to register their brand and each individual messaging campaign with The Campaign Registry (TCR).  https://www.campaignregistry.com/
  • Opt-in Verification: Businesses must prove that recipients have explicitly opted in to receive text messages.
  • Content Restrictions: Certain types of content, like those related to payday loans or third-party collections, are prohibited under 10DLC regulations.
  • Fees: Non-compliant messaging can result in higher per-message fees from carriers.

Benefits of 10DLC Compliance:

  • Consumer Protection: By requiring registration and opt-in, 10DLC helps reduce spam and fraudulent text messages.
  • Delivery Reliability: Carriers may filter or block messages from unregistered senders, impacting delivery rates.
  • Brand Reputation: Following 10DLC regulations shows your commitment to responsible messaging, which helps build trust and enhances your business’s reputation.*

Step 1: Understand 10DLC Requirements

To start, it’s essential to understand what 10DLC is and why it matters:

  • What is 10DLC? A 10-digit long code used for business SMS messaging. It’s designed for higher deliverability and compliance with carrier regulations.
  • Why is it necessary? Ensures your messages are delivered reliably and meet industry standards, avoiding penalties and maintaining trust with your audience.

Step 2: Clearly explain what your texts will be about

Carriers require a clear description of how you’ll use your SMS campaign. Here’s how to define it:

  • Identify your campaign’s purpose: Examples include customer service updates, appointment reminders, or marketing promotions.
  • Write a concise campaign description: Be specific. For example, “Appointment reminders sent weekly to clients.”

Step 3: Always ask for Consent

FIVE75 Private Policy png

Consent is a critical part of any SMS campaign. Make sure to:

  • Obtain proper opt-in consent: This can be done through verbal agreements, written consent, or online forms.
  • Examples of opt-in processes:
    • Adding a checkbox for SMS consent during online registration.
    • Collecting verbal consent during phone calls with a confirmation text.

Step 4: Be Transparent with a Privacy Policy

Transparency builds trust. Your privacy policy should:

  • Outline how data will be used: Clearly state what information you collect and its purpose.
  • Highlight user rights: Explain how users can access, update, or delete their data.
  • Provide easy access: Link the policy on your website or include it in your SMS campaign materials.

Step 5: SMS Disclosure and give an Opt-out

Disclosures help set expectations for your SMS campaign. They should include:

  • Frequency of messages: How often users will receive texts.
  • Potential carrier fees: Notify users that message and data rates may apply.
  • Opt-out instructions: For example, “Reply STOP to unsubscribe.”

Step 6: You’ll need Provide Sample SMS Messages

Crafting compliant messages is crucial for approval and engagement. Follow these guidelines:

  • Include your brand name: Example: “Hi [Name], thanks for joining [Your Business].”
  • Provide opt-out instructions: Example: “Reply STOP to unsubscribe.”
  • Be concise and clear: Here is an example I submitted “Hi, this is Jordan from FIVE75ALIVE. Thank you for reaching out! We’re here to assist with your questions about our offerings. Feel free to reply with your availability to continue the conversation. Reply STOP to cancel.”

Step 7: Submit for Approval and wait

Before sending any messages, your campaign must be approved by carriers (this may take from 1-2 weeks) 

Ensure compliance: Double-check that all requirements, including consent, disclosures, and message samples, are met.

  • Submit necessary documentation: This includes your campaign description, sample messages, and proof of consent.

Step 8: Monitor and Optimize Your Campaign

Once your campaign is live, track its performance:

  • Monitor key metrics: Keep an eye on delivery rates, engagement rates, and opt-out percentages to gauge success.
  • Leverage analytics tools: Use SMS platform dashboards or third-party tools, such as Google Analytics, Hubspot or Salesforce to analyze trends, test different approaches, and segment your audience for better results.
  • Refine your strategy: Make adjustments based on the data to improve performance and engagement.

Once your campaign is live, track its performance:

  • Monitor key metrics: Delivery rates, engagement rates, and opt-out percentages.
  • Use analytics tools: Many SMS platforms offer dashboards to help you optimize your campaigns.
  • Adjust based on feedback: Refine your messages and frequency as needed to improve results.

 

Setting up a 10DLC SMS campaign might feel a bit overwhelming at first, but it doesn’t have to be. By following these steps, you’ll ensure compliance and build stronger connections with your audience. A thoughtful, well-executed campaign not only drives results but also shows your customers that you value their trust. Take it one step at a time, and you’ll be on your way to creating impactful SMS communications that make a difference.

Ready to start your 10DLC SMS campaign? Follow these steps to ensure success or contact us for tools and resources to help you get started!