With the rise of SMS marketing and business communication, many organizations are turning to 10DLC (10-Digit Long Code) messaging to connect with their audiences. However, navigating 10DLC compliance can be confusing. Below, we answer some of the most frequently asked questions to help you better understand what 10DLC is, why it’s important, and how to stay compliant.
Q: What is 10DLC?
A: 10DLC stands for 10-Digit Long Code, a type of phone number used by businesses to send SMS and MMS messages to consumers. Unlike traditional long codes used for person-to-person (P2P) messaging, 10DLC is specifically designed for application-to-person (A2P) messaging. This means businesses can use 10DLC for customer service messages, marketing campaigns, appointment reminders, and more, all while maintaining higher throughput and deliverability than traditional long codes.
Q: Why is 10DLC Important for Businesses?
A: With the introduction of 10DLC, carriers aim to crack down on spam messages and improve the consumer experience. 10DLC provides businesses with a legitimate, registered channel for sending messages, ensuring better delivery rates and increased trust with customers. It also allows businesses to send higher volumes of messages while adhering to industry regulations, which is especially beneficial for SMS marketing and bulk messaging campaigns.
Q: What are the Benefits of 10DLC Over Other Messaging Channels?
- Higher Throughput: 10DLC allows businesses to send more messages per second compared to traditional long codes, making it ideal for bulk messaging campaigns.
- Improved Deliverability: Since 10DLC numbers are registered, carriers are less likely to filter out messages, ensuring higher delivery rates.
- Cost-Effective: Compared to short codes, which can be expensive, 10DLC is a more affordable option for businesses that want to send messages at scale.
- Reputation Management: By registering your 10DLC number, you build trust with carriers, reducing the risk of your messages being flagged as spam.
Q: What is 10DLC Registration and Why Do I Need It?
A: Registration is required for businesses using 10DLC to send messages. This process ensures that carriers know who you are and what type of messages you are sending. Registration includes providing details about your business and the type of messaging you intend to send (e.g., marketing, customer service). Failing to register your 10DLC number may result in fines or blocked messages, as carriers prioritize registered numbers for compliance reasons.
Q: How Do I Register for 10DLC?
A: To register for 10DLC, you’ll need to work with a messaging provider or carrier that supports 10DLC services. You will be asked to provide:
- Business information (legal name, address, etc.)
- Campaign details (type of messages being sent, intended audience)
- Consent mechanisms (how you collect customer consent for messaging)
Once your information is submitted, carriers will review and approve your registration, allowing you to send compliant messages through your 10DLC number.
Q: What Happens if I Don’t Comply with 10DLC Regulations?
A: Non-compliance can result in several penalties, including:
- Blocked Messages: Carriers can block non-compliant messages, reducing your ability to reach customers.
- Fines: You may be subject to financial penalties for non-compliance, including sending unregistered or spam-like messages.
- Reputation Damage: Non-compliance may lead to negative consumer experiences, which can harm your brand’s reputation and customer trust.
Q: How long does the 10DLC registration process take?
A: Registration can vary depending on your CSP, but it usually takes a few days to a couple of weeks. It’s best to work closely with your CSP to ensure you provide all required details upfront to avoid delays.
Q: Can I send messages before my registration is complete?
A: It’s recommended to wait until your registration is fully approved before sending messages. Unregistered numbers can be blocked by MNOs, reducing the effectiveness of your campaigns.
Q: What Type of Messaging Can I Send with 10DLC?
A: 10DLC supports a wide range of business communications, including:
- Promotional Messages: Special offers, product launches, and sales notifications.
- Transactional Messages: Order confirmations, appointment reminders, and shipping updates.
- Customer Support: Two-way communication for answering customer inquiries or resolving issues.
Q: What is the Difference Between 10DLC and Short Codes?
- 10DLC: Ideal for local, personalized, or mid-volume messaging with high throughput and lower costs. You register a 10-digit number that resembles a regular phone number but is designed for business messaging.
- Short Codes: Typically 5-6 digit numbers used for high-volume messaging. These are expensive but offer even higher throughput than 10DLC, making them popular for mass marketing campaigns.
Q: How Does 10DLC Improve SMS Deliverability?
A: By registering for 10DLC and following best practices, you reduce the likelihood of your messages being flagged as spam by carriers. 10DLC registration verifies your business, which enhances deliverability because carriers know the messages are coming from a trusted source. Additionally, when businesses send messages through registered 10DLC, they comply with industry regulations, ensuring that more messages make it to consumers’ inboxes.
Q: What Are Best Practices for 10DLC Messaging Compliance?
A: To stay compliant with 10DLC regulations and ensure a successful messaging campaign, follow these best practices:
- Obtain Consent: Always collect explicit consent from your customers before sending any SMS messages.
- Respect Opt-Out Requests: Allow customers to easily opt-out and promptly honor those requests.
- Send Relevant Content: Only send messages that are relevant and valuable to your audience. Avoid sending spam-like or unsolicited messages.
- Follow Frequency Guidelines: Don’t overwhelm your customers with too many messages; find a balance that keeps them engaged without being intrusive.
Q: What type of language do I need to put on my website or contact form(s)?
A: Each Campaign Service Provider can determine their own requirements for language that they want to see on your website(s). Be sure to check with your provider for any specific required language. Below you will see three very different examples of language provided by three different providers.
- “I agree to receive communications by text message about my inquiry. You may opt-out by replying STOP or ask for more information by replying HELP. Message frequency varies. Message and data rates may apply. You may review our Privacy Policy to learn how your data is used.“
- “I consent to receive SMS text messages from [YOUR BUSINES NAME HERE]. Msg&data rates may apply. Reply STOP to opt out.—“
- “By providing a telephone number and submitting this form you are consenting to be contacted by SMS text message. Message & data rates may apply. You can reply STOP to opt-out of further messaging.”
Q: How Do I Know If My Business Needs 10DLC?
A: If your business relies on SMS for marketing, customer engagement, or support, 10DLC is likely the best option for you. If you’re currently using long codes to send A2P messages, migrating to 10DLC will provide better throughput, deliverability, and compliance with carrier regulations.
Q: Are there additional 10DLC resources?
A: Sure are!
And if you need help identifying which type of brand you are or campaigns you’re running:
Conclusion
10DLC is an essential tool for businesses that rely on SMS communication. By registering your 10DLC number and following compliance guidelines, you can ensure that your messages are delivered effectively and that you maintain a trusted relationship with your customers.
At TiniTech Consulting, we’re here to help guide you through the registration process and manage your SMS messaging to ensure your business stays compliant while reaching your audience effectively.
For more information on how to get started with 10DLC, or to explore how it can benefit your business, feel free to reach out to us.
