10DLC Do’s and Don’ts

Jul 15, 2022 | 10DLC

10DLC is the new standard used in A2P SMS marketing. Brands, businesses, or campaigns that require high-volume messaging capabilities use 10DLC to reach the desired market. However, with the recent shifts in 10DLC regulations, companies need to ensure compliance with these new restrictions.

The Do’s and Don’t of 10DLC

In navigating the A2P traffic, here are some do’s and don’ts to improve your SMS marketing strategy.

Do: Know What Triggers Spam Texts

Marketing campaigns are useless if they don’t reach their intended audience. In a similar vein, marketing messages using 10DLC are not effective if they’re not delivered. Always check if your messages are delivered and not forwarded to a spam folder. Here are some don’ts to prevent this from happening:

Don’t put links at the end of your message
Don’t send unprofessional or robot-sounding messages
Don’t send grammatically incorrect messages
Don’t repeatedly send the same mass messages multiple times to many groups
Don’t include shortened links

Don’t: Send Incorrect Mass Text Messages

Sending the same mass text messages many times can end up in spam. But sending unwanted mass text messages can get you blocked. And doing this repeatedly can affect your delivery rate and prevent your messages from reaching customers.

Do: Write Texts Messages Customers Love

No customer would appreciate a text that’s rude or inappropriate. You don’t have to be a complete professional all the time. But people appreciate receiving a friendly and personal text. So try to personalize your messages so they can feel more connected and encouraged. In doing this, think about the value your brand could bring to them.

Don’t: Ignore Noncompliance Penalties

SMS marketing with 10DLCs is regulated. Recent rules allow U.S. carriers to impose fines and surcharges on every violation of noncomplying companies.

Here are some violations of companies that don’t comply with 10DLC guidelines that can cause penalties:

Snowshoeing
Recycling numbers
Spamming
Phishing
Messages with SHAFT content (Sex, Hate, Alcohol, Firearms, Tobacco)

Do: Register Your Brand in 10DLC

A2P communication using 10DLC is moving toward innovative approaches to better connect businesses and customers. If you’re marketing for increased market reach, registering with 10DLC can close the gap between business-market boundaries.

Failing to register your brand while using long codes in A2P can cause unnecessary costs. It can also affect your delivery rates, filtering, and throughput.

Don’t: Send Unwanted Messages

To avoid being marked as spammed or listed as blocked, only send messages to customers who want your texts. Abusing your ability to send mass messages violates the guidelines regulating A2P texting. A customer who has taken an interest in products or services related to your message marketing campaign most likely wants your text. Others may not appreciate regular contact as much.

Do: Read the CTIA Guidelines

How you construct your message should not violate the CTIA guidelines stated in the Messaging Principles and Best Practices (MPBP). Since 10DLC is designated for A2P traffic, it should also maintain harmony in wireless messaging environments.

Take The Leap and Register Your Brand

The key to a wider consumer reach is to take that leap of faith and proceed to the 3-step 10DLC registration process. If you need help, an API can do the work of fulfilling your requirements, so you don’t have to stress about it. Register now for free!