In 2023 regulatory changes to text messaging went into effect to discourage spam and authenticate messaging. These regulatory changes now require businesses to register their 10-digit long code (10DLC) messaging number to enable dependable messaging.
When an Everyware account is created, a 10DLC number is automatically requisitioned and integrated with an Everyware site. Before you can start texting campaigns, links, or activate auto SMS workflows - Everyware works to ensure that every messaging number, brand, and campaign is registered correctly, guaranteeing full compliance with regulatory standards.
Everyware Blog on Understanding 10DLC and SMS Compliance
Getting Started with Messaging through Everyware
- Review Business Information: Ensure your site reflects accurate business details and reflected on EIN. Federal Tax ID is your EIN that is 9 digits (dash is not required) found on your SS-4 Letter. Must match exactly.
- Await Approval: After submission, the approval process is managed through The Campaign Registry (TCR) and typically takes a few days. You can check your approval status through your Everyware representative, who will inform you once you're approved.
- Start Texting: Even while your message number registration is pending, you can begin texting. Once approved, you'll enjoy the ability to send larger volumes of messages with confidence in their delivery.
- Refine: Work with the Everyware CS team to perfect your compliant SMS templates, automated workflows, and campaigns as your opt-in list grows and grows!
Support Every Step of the Way: Everyware is committed to supporting you throughout the 10DLC registration process. Our team is ready to assist you with any questions or needs, ensuring you can maximize your SMS strategies effectively.
Avoiding Common 10DLC Registration Roadblocks
Quick Reference: Everyware - Avoiding 10DLC Registration Blockers
Since the introduction of 10DLC regulations, we've identified some common issues that can prevent brands and campaigns from being quickly approved.
To help you navigate these challenges, we have outlined the top reasons for registration errors and the best practices to avoid them.
BUSINESS-BRAND APPROVAL TIPS
1) Verify your legal documentation
Ensure your Legal Company Name and EIN match exactly with federal (IRS) records.
The number one reason for 10DLC Brand registration failure is the Legal Company Name and EIN not matching what is filed with the Federal Government.
Note: New businesses under six months old may be required to submit an SS-4 document for 10DLC registration.
2) Confirm you have a valid, functional and secure business website
You must maintain an operational, secure (HTTPS), malware-free website in order to use A2P SMS services.
Some examples of reasons for failed approvals related to the valid website requirement include:
- Website is not functional or is not secure, no HTTPS.
- Website contains malware.
- Website does not represent the registered business.
3) No Website just establish a professional social media presence
If you do not have a business website, a professional social media business profile may be used instead if:
- the brand is clearly identified
- it shows an operational business that has active followers and engagement
- it is not a personal profile (not even a personal Linkedin profile for a Sole Proprietor.)
- email address and phone number shown match what you used for 10DLC registration
- it includes Privacy Policy and Opt-In Language disclaimers in About section or as pinned posts
We advise using an established website, Facebook, or Instagram, X (Twitter) page over a LinkedIn company page.
CAMPAIGN TEXTING MESSAGING APPROVAL TIPS
1) Ensure your Privacy Policy is clear and accessible
You must display a compliant Privacy Policy prominently on your website (or social media page) to be approved as 10DLC compliant and engage customers via text messaging.
A dedicated, separate privacy policy page, display privacy policy language at the footer of your website's home page or social media profile.
You must reassure customers that you’re not sharing or selling their mobile phone numbers with third parties for marketing purposes. Or, if you will, the Privacy Policy must specify the reasons.
*Here is an example of information that should be included in your Privacy Policy to qualify for messaging line carrier approval:
At [Company Name], no mobile information will be shared with third parties/affiliates for marketing/promotional purposes. All other categories exclude text messaging originator opt-in data and consent; this information will not be shared with any third parties.
2) Follow valid messaging consent requirements
As part of the registration process, carriers want to see how you're collecting people's contact information and whether they are clearly opting in to be contacted by your business. Customers must always have a way to opt in and out of messages from your company and requests must be honored promptly.
3 A) Website Form Opt In Requirements
Every form on your website must have:
- Explicit opt-in language
- A link to your company’s Privacy Policy & Terms of Service
- An check box defaulted to unchecked, to agree to be contacted by text next to the phone number field
We also recommend including:
- Entity sending messages (e.g. "ABC Realty group")
- Note on fees (e.g. "Msg/data rates may apply.")
- Expected essage frequency (e.g. "Msg frequency varies.")
These requirements are true for every form on your website where a phone number field is required:
- contact forms
- popup forms
- lead capture forms
- checkout page forms
- etc.
Here are some opt in language examples to include on your web forms to qualify for 10DLC approval:
By submitting your mobile number, you authorize [company name] to send text messages for conversational, informational or transactional purposes until you opt out by replying STOP. Consent is not a condition of a purchase. Message, data rates and all terms apply.
4 B) Verbal Opt-In Requirements
While written opt in consent to messaging is optimal, verbal consent by phone or in person can also be an acceptable form of express consent.
When registering for carrier approval, you must provide a transcript of how your staff will obtain verbal consent. Plan to use scripted conversations and maintain consent records for verbal opt-ins.
You might train staff to obtain verbal messzaging opt ins with a script like this,
"By agreeing now, you are consenting to receive text messages from [Company Name] regarding [specific service or offer]. You can expect to receive [frequency of messages]. You can cancel these messages at any time by replying 'STOP.'"
And then be sure to include verbal opt in documentation and a written confirmation of that opt in to customer with your standard operating procedures as well. You will need to record:
- Date & time of consent
- Customer’s name
- Name or ID of employee who obtained consent
- Brief description with transcript reference.
- Relevent consent details during verbal interaction.
- Send consent text, email confirmation
5) Ensure accurate and up-to-date business representation online
Regularly verify that your online profiles match your registered business information. Coordinate regular updates across all platforms and updates as changes are made to your IRS registration to maintain consistency.
Keep updated contact information on your digital platforms consistent with your 10DLC registration information.
Contact the Customer Success team at Everyware with questions or to strategize around optimizing SMS templates and Campaigns.
Read Everyware's Help Guide articles and blogs on B2C messaging best practices, and follow us for more on compliance with A2P SMS rules and standards.
The information provided is not intended to serve as legal advice or to create a legal relationship between Everyware and any party. Users are encouraged to seek legal counsel to ensure compliance with all relevant legal and regulatory requirements, including but not limited to those set forth by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), the Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA), and carrier-specific guidelines.