In business communication, there’s a new player taking center stage: 10DLC. As a business owner, you might be asking yourself: What exactly is 10DLC? Why is it so important? And most critically, how can my business achieve compliance?
10DLC is a game-changer for the telecommunications world. In the United States, major carriers have introduced 10DLC compliance requirements to bolster message deliverability, reduce spam, and enhance end-user security.
If your business relies on A2P messaging, getting to grips with 10DLC is not just desirable—it’s crucial. Non-compliance isn’t an option if you want to maintain high deliverability rates and protect your brand’s reputation.
In this post, we’ll cut through the complexity and guide you through the process of achieving 10DLC compliance. We’ll explain its benefits and the simple yet critical steps your business needs to take right now.
If you’re ready to make 10DLC compliance work for your business, let’s get started.
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Understanding 10DLC and Its Importance
10DLC is a type of long code number specifically designed for Application-to-Person (A2P) messaging. It allows businesses to send text messages to customers using a dedicated 10-digit phone number. The introduction of 10DLC compliance by major carriers in the United States aims to improve the overall messaging ecosystem, offering increased deliverability, reduced spam, and enhanced end-user security.
Key points about 10DLC:
- It enables businesses to use a dedicated phone number for A2P messaging.
- 10DLC compliance ensures your messages are recognized as legitimate by carriers.
- Compliance protects your business from being flagged as spam, ensuring better message deliverability.
As a business owner, understanding 10DLC is essential because it directly impacts how effectively you can communicate with your customers. Without proper compliance, your messages may not reach their intended recipients, leading to missed opportunities and decreased customer satisfaction.
Key Benefits of 10DLC Compliance
10DLC compliance might seem like just another box to tick off in your ever-growing list of business tasks. But it’s far more than that. Embracing 10DLC compliance is about enhancing your business messaging strategy, improving your customer communication, and driving your business growth. This section of our post will explore the core benefits of 10DLC compliance and explain why it’s more than worth your time and effort to ensure your business is fully compliant.
Higher Deliverability Rates
Deliverability rate refers to the percentage of your sent messages that successfully reach the intended recipients’ devices.
Carriers have established stringent filtering mechanisms for A2P messaging to protect consumers from spam and fraudulent messages. Non-compliant or unregistered messages can easily be flagged by these filters, resulting in lower deliverability rates. This scenario can drastically affect your customer communication, potentially impacting customer engagement, satisfaction, and, ultimately, your bottom line.
Conversely, when you comply with 10DLC regulations and register your messaging campaigns, carriers recognize your messages as legitimate. Consequently, your messages are less likely to be marked as spam or blocked by carriers, thus ensuring higher deliverability rates.
Benefits of higher deliverability rates:
- More consistent and reliable customer communication.
- Reduced chances of messages being flagged as spam.
- Improved customer engagement and satisfaction.
Enhanced Security
Under 10DLC regulations, businesses are required to register their company and each individual messaging campaign with The Campaign Registry (TCR). This process serves as a verification step, confirming the company and its messaging activities are legitimate. As a result, it reduces the chances of malicious entities sending spam or fraudulent messages through the 10DLC system.
Additionally, each registered campaign is assigned a trust score by TCR. This score is based on various factors, including the content and purpose of the campaign. A higher trust score indicates the messaging campaign is less likely to be a source of spam or fraudulent activities, further enhancing end-user security.
Key security advantages:
- Verification of legitimate messaging activities.
- Assignment of trust scores to campaigns.
- Reduced risk of your messages being associated with spam.
Through its registration process, 10DLC compliance protects consumers from potential threats and assures them of the credibility and legitimacy of your business’s communication, building trust between your company and its customers.
More Brand Recognition
When your business complies with 10DLC regulations and obtains a dedicated 10-digit number, it creates a consistent identity for your messaging campaigns. This consistency is vital for brand recognition. Whether you’re sending promotional messages, transactional alerts, or customer service updates, they all come from the same recognizable number.
As a result, your customers start to identify and associate this number with your brand. Over time, this recognition can breed familiarity and trust, significantly improving the effectiveness of your communication efforts.
Impact on brand recognition:
- Consistent identity across all messaging campaigns.
- Increased customer familiarity and trust.
- Enhanced brand reputation and professionalism.
Moreover, having a dedicated number adds a layer of professionalism to your communication. It signals to your customers that your business is established and trustworthy, further enhancing your brand’s image and reputation.
Increased Local Presence
Similarly, the 10-digit number you receive includes an area code. You can select this code based on the geographic areas where your business operates or where your customers are located.
By choosing a local area code for your 10DLC number, your business can establish a local presence in the eyes of your customers. When customers receive messages from a number with a local area code, they may perceive your business as being local or having a local presence, even if your operations aren’t physically located in that area.
Advantages of a local presence:
- Higher customer engagement with a familiar area code.
- Increased trust and reliability in your business.
- Enhanced customer perception of your accessibility.
This local presence can increase the likelihood that customers will read and engage with your messages, as they may feel more comfortable and familiar with a local number. Additionally, it can enhance the perceived accessibility and reliability of your business, potentially leading to increased trust and loyalty among your customers.
6 Steps to Achieve 10DLC Compliance
Navigating the path to 10DLC compliance can seem daunting due to the complexities and evolving nature of telecom regulations. However, achieving this compliance is a systematic process that, when understood and executed correctly, can become a routine part of your business operations. Here’s a detailed guide to achieving 10DLC compliance:
1. Register Your Company with The Campaign Registry (TCR)
The first step in achieving 10DLC compliance is to register your company with The Campaign Registry (TCR). TCR is an independent organization that oversees campaign registration and vetting, ensuring that messaging activities are legitimate.
Steps to Register:
- Provide Accurate Business Information: Submit detailed and accurate information about your business, including your company’s name, address, and industry classification.
- Obtain Your Company’s Unique ID: After registration, you will receive a unique ID from TCR. This ID is essential for future steps in the compliance process.
- Ensure All Details Are Up to Date: Regularly review and update your business information to maintain accuracy and compliance.
Registration with TCR is crucial for verifying your business and protecting your communication from being flagged as spam. It establishes your legitimacy in the messaging ecosystem.
2. Register Your Campaigns
Once your company is registered with TCR, you need to register each messaging campaign individually. This process involves providing detailed information about the content, purpose, and target audience of your campaign.
Campaign Registration Process:
- Submit Campaign Details to TCR: Provide comprehensive information about your campaign, including the type of messages you’ll send, the audience you’re targeting, and the campaign’s objectives.
- Ensure Content Compliance: Your campaign content must align with TCR regulations to prevent it from being blocked or filtered. Ensure that your messages adhere to guidelines regarding content and frequency.
- Monitor the Assigned Trust Score: TCR assigns a trust score to each campaign, which affects your messaging throughput. Keep track of this score and take steps to improve it if necessary.
Registering your campaigns ensures that they are recognized as legitimate by carriers, minimizing the risk of delivery issues and compliance violations.
3. Obtain a 10DLC Number Through a CPaaS Provider
To use 10DLC (10-digit long code) for your messaging campaigns, you must obtain a 10DLC number through a Communications Platform as a Service (CPaaS) provider. These providers facilitate the acquisition and provisioning of 10DLC numbers.
Choosing a CPaaS Provider:
- Experience with 10DLC: Select a CPaaS provider with a proven track record of working with 10DLC numbers.
- Support and Integration Options: Ensure that the provider offers robust support and integrates well with your existing systems.
- Compliance Monitoring: Confirm that the provider can assist with ongoing compliance monitoring and support.
Your CPaaS provider is key to ensuring that your 10DLC number is set up correctly and meets all compliance requirements.
4. Configure Your 10DLC Number
Once you have obtained a 10DLC number, you need to configure it to work with your messaging platform. This step involves setting up routing, messaging templates, and API integrations.
Configuration Steps:
- Integrate the 10DLC Number with Your Platform: Ensure seamless integration of the 10DLC number with your messaging system.
- Set Up Routing and Messaging Templates: Configure routing rules and create messaging templates to ensure that messages are sent and received correctly.
- Test the Setup: Perform thorough testing to confirm that your configuration works as intended and resolves any issues before going live.
Proper configuration is essential to ensure smooth operations and compliance with 10DLC regulations.
5. Monitor Your Campaign Performance
Maintaining 10DLC compliance requires regular monitoring of your campaign performance. This includes tracking deliverability rates, opt-out requests, and carrier feedback.
Performance Monitoring Tips:
- Track Deliverability Rates: Monitor how well your messages are being delivered and make adjustments as necessary to improve performance.
- Respond to Opt-Out Requests: Handle opt-out requests promptly to maintain compliance and avoid potential penalties.
- Keep an Eye on Carrier Feedback: Stay informed about carrier feedback and make necessary adjustments to your campaigns to address any issues.
Regular performance monitoring helps ensure that your campaigns remain compliant and effective.
6. Maintain Records and Documentation
Accurate record-keeping and documentation are crucial for 10DLC compliance. This includes maintaining detailed records of your registration, campaign details, and performance metrics.
Key Documentation Practices:
- Keep Detailed Records of All Campaign Registrations: Ensure that you have complete records of each campaign registration, including associated details and approval statuses.
- Document Performance Metrics Regularly: Maintain records of campaign performance metrics to track compliance and address any issues promptly.
- Ensure Easy Access to Compliance Information: Organize your documentation so that it is easily accessible for audits or compliance checks.
Proper documentation not only supports compliance but also facilitates effective management and reporting of your messaging activities.
Common Challenges in 10DLC Compliance
Implementing and adhering to 10DLC (10-digit long code) compliance involves several challenges. Addressing these challenges effectively is crucial for maintaining seamless messaging operations and ensuring compliance with telecom regulations.
Complexity of Registration and Setup
The registration and setup process for 10DLC compliance can be intricate and time-consuming. This complexity often arises from:
- Detailed Documentation Requirements: Businesses must provide comprehensive details about their company and messaging campaigns. This includes information about the nature of the messages, target audiences, and the purpose of the campaigns.
- Verification and Vetting Processes: TCR (The Campaign Registry) and carriers conduct thorough vetting to ensure that all registrations are legitimate. This process can be time-consuming and may require multiple rounds of revisions and clarifications.
- Integration with Messaging Platforms: Configuring 10DLC numbers with existing messaging platforms involves technical integration, which can be challenging for businesses without technical expertise.
Navigating this complexity requires careful planning and attention to detail to ensure that all registration and setup requirements are met efficiently.
Costs Associated with Compliance
Achieving and maintaining 10DLC compliance involves various costs, which can be a significant challenge for businesses:
- Registration Fees: Fees for registering your company and individual campaigns with TCR can add up. These fees vary depending on the number of campaigns and the level of service required.
- CPaaS Provider Costs: Working with a Communications Platform as a Service (CPaaS) provider to obtain and manage 10DLC numbers involves additional costs. These costs can include setup fees, monthly charges, and fees for additional services.
- Ongoing Compliance Monitoring: Regular monitoring of compliance and performance metrics can incur costs related to tools and services used for tracking and reporting.
Balancing these costs while ensuring compliance can be challenging, particularly for small to mid-sized businesses.
Message Throughput Limitations
Message throughput limitations refer to the restrictions on the volume of messages that can be sent through 10DLC numbers. Challenges associated with throughput limitations include:
- Impact on Delivery Rates: High throughput limits can affect the speed and deliverability of your messages. If your messaging volume exceeds the allowed limits, your messages may be delayed or blocked.
- Adjustment to Campaign Strategy: Businesses may need to adjust their messaging strategies to fit within throughput limits, which can impact campaign effectiveness and customer engagement.
Understanding and managing these limitations is essential to maintaining effective communication with your audience while complying with 10DLC regulations.
Navigating Carrier-Specific Requirements
Different carriers may have specific requirements and guidelines for 10DLC messaging. Challenges in this area include:
- Variability in Carrier Policies: Each carrier may have different policies regarding message content, frequency, and compliance. Adhering to these varying requirements can be complex and time-consuming.
- Handling Carrier Feedback: Receiving and responding to feedback from carriers about compliance issues or message rejections can be challenging, especially if feedback is not clearly communicated.
Businesses must stay informed about carrier-specific requirements and ensure that their messaging practices align with these guidelines to avoid compliance issues.
How to Choose the Right CPaaS Provider for 10DLC Compliance
Selecting the right Communications Platform as a Service (CPaaS) provider is crucial for effective 10DLC compliance. Here’s a guide on what to consider when choosing a CPaaS provider:
Provider’s Experience with 10DLC
- Track Record with 10DLC: Look for providers with a proven history of working with 10DLC numbers. Experience with 10DLC can ensure that the provider understands the nuances of compliance and can offer valuable insights.
- Successful Case Studies: Review case studies or testimonials from other businesses that have used the provider’s services for 10DLC compliance.
A provider with significant experience in 10DLC will be better equipped to handle compliance requirements and offer effective solutions.
Customer Support and Troubleshooting Services
- Availability of Support: Ensure that the provider offers robust customer support, including timely assistance with any issues or questions that arise.
- Troubleshooting Capabilities: Evaluate the provider’s ability to address and resolve technical issues related to 10DLC compliance and messaging.
Strong customer support is essential for resolving issues promptly and ensuring smooth operations.
Integration with Your Existing Systems
- Compatibility: Confirm that the CPaaS provider’s services are compatible with your existing messaging platforms and systems.
- Ease of Integration: Look for providers that offer seamless integration options and support for integrating 10DLC numbers with your current setup.
Effective integration ensures that you can easily incorporate 10DLC compliance into your existing processes without significant disruptions.
Pricing and Scalability Options
- Cost Structure: Review the provider’s pricing model to ensure it aligns with your budget. Consider both upfront costs and ongoing fees.
- Scalability: Choose a provider that offers scalability options to accommodate future growth and changes in your messaging needs.
Selecting a provider with flexible pricing and scalability options helps manage costs effectively and supports business growth.
The Role of Content in 10DLC Compliance
Content plays a significant role in ensuring 10DLC compliance. Here’s how to create compliant content and the impact of content on compliance:
Avoiding Trigger Words That May Be Flagged as Spam
- Identify Spam Triggers: Certain words and phrases can trigger spam filters and affect deliverability. Avoid using language that may be flagged as spam by carriers.
- Use Clear and Professional Language: Craft your messages using clear, professional language that conveys your intended message without triggering spam filters.
By avoiding spammy language, you enhance the chances of your messages being delivered successfully.
Crafting Clear and Concise Messaging
- Clarity and Precision: Ensure that your messages are clear, concise, and to the point. Avoid unnecessary jargon or complex language that may confuse recipients.
- Relevance to Campaign Purpose: Align your message content with the purpose of the campaign and the interests of your target audience.
Clear and relevant messaging improves engagement and helps maintain compliance with 10DLC regulations.
Ensuring Alignment with Campaign Purpose
- Consistent Messaging: Ensure that your content consistently reflects the purpose and objectives of your campaign.
- Compliance with Regulations: Make sure that your messaging adheres to the guidelines and regulations set forth by TCR and carriers.
Alignment with your campaign’s purpose helps prevent compliance issues and enhances the effectiveness of your messaging.
Regularly Reviewing and Updating Content
- Ongoing Content Review: Regularly review and update your message content to ensure it remains compliant with current regulations and effective for your audience.
- Adapt to Feedback: Incorporate feedback from carriers and recipients to make necessary adjustments to your content.
Regular updates and reviews help maintain compliance and improve overall messaging performance.
Conclusion
10DLC compliance represents a significant evolution in the A2P messaging landscape. By adhering to these regulations, businesses can enjoy higher deliverability rates, enhanced security, greater brand recognition, and an increased local presence. These benefits combined can significantly improve the effectiveness of your business’s communication efforts, leading to stronger customer relationships and, ultimately, increased growth and success.
With the right knowledge and resources, navigating the complexities of 10DLC compliance is a manageable process. The key is understanding the regulations, implementing the necessary steps, and choosing a reliable partner to guide you through the process.