10DLC Compliance Guide for Business

What is 10DLC Compliance?

10DLC compliance refers to the rules and regulations businesses must follow when sending text messages to customers in the United States using 10-digit long code numbers. But what exactly does this mean? Let's break it down.

What is the full form of 10DLC?

10DLC stands for 10-Digit Long Code. It's a system introduced by U.S. mobile carriers to improve the way businesses send text messages to their customers.

What is the 10DLC code?

The 10DLC code isn't a specific code you need to remember. It's simply a regular 10-digit phone number (like 555-123-4567) that's been registered for business texting under the new system.

Why Does 10DLC Compliance Matter?

1. Improved Message Delivery: Registered numbers are less likely to be blocked or filtered.
2. Higher Sending Limits: You can send more messages per day compared to unregistered numbers.
3. Spam Reduction: It helps prevent spam and fraudulent messages, protecting both businesses and consumers.
4. Legal Requirement: As of August 31, 2023, compliance is mandatory for businesses texting U.S. customers.

Key Components of 10DLC Compliance

1. 10DLC Registration

10DLC registration is a crucial step in achieving compliance. Here's what you need to know:

• Brand Registration: You must register your business with The Campaign Registry (TCR).
• Campaign Registration: Each type of messaging campaign (e.g., marketing, customer service) needs separate registration.
• Information Required: You'll need to provide details like your business name, tax ID, address, and website.

2. Trust Score

After registration, your business receives a Trust Score. This score affects:

• How many messages you can send per day
• Your overall credibility with carriers

3. 10DLC Privacy Policy

While not explicitly part of the 10DLC registration process, having a clear privacy policy is crucial for compliant text messaging. Your policy should cover:

• How you collect phone numbers
• What messages customers can expect
• How customers can opt out
• How you protect customer data

Steps to Achieve 10DLC Compliance

1. Determine Your Registration Type:
   • Low Volume (under 6,000 messages/day)
   • Standard Volume (over 6,000 messages/day)
   • Sole Proprietor (for businesses without a tax ID)
2. Gather Required Information:
   • Business name and type
   • Tax ID or EIN (for non-sole proprietors)
   • Business address
   • Website URL
   • Authorized signer information
3. Complete Brand Registration:
   • Register through your SMS provider or directly with TCR
   • Pay any associated registration fees
4. Register Your Campaigns:
   • Define each type of message you'll send (marketing, transactional, etc.)
   • Provide sample messages for each campaign
5. Link Your Phone Numbers:
   • Associate your 10-digit numbers with your registered campaigns
6. Update Your Privacy Policy:
   • Ensure it covers your text messaging practices
7. Implement Best Practices:
   • Get clear consent before texting
   • Provide easy opt-out methods
   • Keep messages valuable and relevant

Consequences of Non-Compliance

• Message Blocking: Unregistered messages may not be delivered
• Higher Fees: Carriers may charge more for unregistered traffic
• Reputation Damage: Non-compliance can harm your business's credibility

FAQs About 10DLC Compliance

1. Do I need to buy new phone numbers for 10DLC?No, you can use your existing 10-digit numbers after registering them.
2. How long does 10DLC registration take?It can take anywhere from a few days to a couple of weeks, depending on your business type and campaign complexity.
3. Does 10DLC affect toll-free numbers?No, 10DLC regulations don't apply to toll-free numbers.
4. Can I use 10DLC for voice calls?Yes, 10DLC numbers can be used for both voice calls and text messaging.

Conclusion

10DLC compliance might seem complex, but it's ultimately about creating a better, more trustworthy text messaging ecosystem. By following these guidelines, you're not just complying with regulations – you're setting your business up for more effective customer communication.

Remember, the world of business messaging is always evolving. Stay in touch with your SMS service provider and keep an eye on industry updates to ensure your texting strategy remains compliant and effective.

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