As more and more businesses have shifted towards digital communication channels, SMS (Short Message Service) has become a popular way for companies to engage with their customers. SMS messaging is effective because it is quick, easy to use, and provides an instant connection to the customer.
However, with the rise of SMS spam and fraudulent activity, the industry has responded by implementing new regulations to ensure SMS remains a trusted communication channel. One of these regulations is the use of 10DLC (10 Digit Long Code) registration.
In this article, we will explore what 10DLC registration is, why it is necessary, and how businesses can get started with 10DLC registration.
What is 10DLC?
10DLC is a type of long code that is used for SMS messaging. It is a 10-digit phone number that can be used for one-to-one messaging and mass messaging. Unlike short codes, which are shorter 5-6 digit codes that are typically used for marketing campaigns, 10DLC can be used for a variety of purposes, including customer service, appointment reminders, and transactional messages.
Why is 10DLC registration necessary?
10DLC registration is necessary to prevent spam and fraudulent activity in the SMS messaging space. As SMS has become more popular, so too have the number of unwanted or unsolicited messages sent to consumers. This can lead to a negative user experience and can damage the reputation of legitimate businesses that use SMS messaging for legitimate purposes.
To combat this, carriers and industry regulators have implemented 10DLC registration requirements to ensure that businesses using SMS messaging are legitimate and have a verified identity. This helps to ensure that messages sent using 10DLC are relevant and useful to the consumer.
How can businesses get started with 10DLC registration?
To get started with 10DLC registration, businesses will need to follow a few steps:
- Choose a trusted partner: Businesses will need to choose a trusted partner that is authorized by the carriers to register and manage 10DLC messaging campaigns.
- Gather documentation: Businesses will need to provide documentation to verify their identity and legitimacy, such as business licenses, tax IDs, and proof of ownership of the phone number used for 10DLC.
- Register and pay: Businesses will need to register their 10DLC messaging campaign with the carrier and pay any necessary fees.
- Comply with regulations: Businesses will need to comply with all regulations related to 10DLC messaging, such as message content restrictions and opt-out requirements.
- Monitor and maintain: Businesses will need to monitor and maintain their 10DLC messaging campaign to ensure compliance and optimize performance.
How 10DLC Registration Benefits for Businesses
While the registration process can be seen as an additional hurdle for businesses, it actually offers many benefits that can improve a company’s communication strategy.
1. Improved Deliverability
One of the main benefits of 10DLC registration is improved message deliverability. With 10DLC, businesses can send messages with a higher throughput, meaning that messages will be delivered more quickly and reliably to customers. This is especially important for time-sensitive messages, such as appointment reminders or urgent updates.
2. Reduced Costs
Another benefit of 10DLC registration is reduced costs. 10DLC is typically less expensive than short codes, which are commonly used for SMS marketing campaigns. Additionally, with 10DLC, businesses only pay for the messages that are actually delivered, rather than for every message sent.
3. Increased Trust
10DLC registration can also increase the trust customers have in a business. Since 10DLC is designed to reduce spam, customers are more likely to view messages from 10DLC numbers as legitimate and trustworthy. This can lead to higher engagement rates and increased customer loyalty.
4. Improved Branding
Businesses can also improve their branding with 10DLC registration. With 10DLC, businesses can choose a custom name or brand to display as the sender of their messages. This can help to increase brand recognition and make messages more personalized for customers.
5. Enhanced Analytics
Finally, 10DLC registration can provide businesses with enhanced analytics. By using 10DLC, businesses can track the success of their SMS campaigns in real-time, including delivery rates, open rates, click-through rates, and more. This information can be used to improve future campaigns and optimize messaging strategies.
6. Increased Compliance
With 10DLC registration, businesses must follow strict guidelines and best practices for sending SMS messages. This can include obtaining explicit consent from customers, including opt-out options, and following TCPA (Telephone Consumer Protection Act) regulations. By complying with these rules, businesses can avoid costly fines and legal issues, while also demonstrating their commitment to ethical and responsible messaging practices.
7. Customizable Features
10DLC registration offers businesses a range of customizable features, allowing them to tailor their messaging strategy to their specific needs. For example, businesses can choose between shared or dedicated 10DLC numbers, set up multiple campaigns with different keywords, and use advanced messaging features such as MMS (Multimedia Messaging Service). These features can help businesses to create more targeted and effective messaging campaigns.
8. Improved Customer Engagement
SMS messaging is a highly effective way to engage with customers, and 10DLC registration can make it even more effective. By using 10DLC, businesses can send personalized messages that are tailored to the specific interests and needs of their customers. This can lead to higher engagement rates, increased brand loyalty, and ultimately, more sales.
9. Scalability
As businesses grow, their messaging needs may change. 10DLC registration offers a scalable solution that can accommodate businesses of all sizes. Whether a business is just starting out or has a large customer base, 10DLC can provide a reliable and cost-effective messaging solution.
10. Competitive Advantage
Finally, 10DLC registration can provide businesses with a competitive advantage. By using the latest messaging technology and best practices, businesses can create more effective and efficient messaging campaigns than their competitors. This can help to increase market share, boost sales, and establish a stronger brand identity.
In conclusion, 10DLC registration is a necessary step for businesses that want to use SMS messaging to engage with their customers. By following the necessary steps to register and comply with regulations, businesses can enjoy improved delivery rates, increased message throughput, and greater customer trust. If you are considering using SMS messaging for your business, be sure to explore the 10DLC registration process and work with a trusted partner to ensure compliance and success.