Regulatory Compliance for SMS Text Marketing in the U.S.

SMS text marketing is governed by the same regulatory compliance laws as email and phone communications, with regulations varying by country. In the U.S., SMS text messaging marketing must comply with the Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA).

According to the TCPA and other industry guidelines, businesses using text marketing campaigns must:

• Verify the legal age of consent based on the recipient’s location.
• Obtain the recipient’s “express written consent” before sending any automated SMS marketing messages.
• Clearly explain the purpose of the SMS marketing campaign.
• Inform subscribers of the approximate number of messages they can expect weekly or monthly.
• Notify subscribers of any potential fees once they sign up for a program.
• Provide straightforward opt-out instructions.
• Avoid sending prohibited SMS content (e.g., Sex, Hate, Alcohol, Firearms, and Tobacco, profanity, discriminatory speech, depictions of violence, etc.).
• Only communicate during business hours.

What Are the Penalties for TCPA Violations?

As mobile text marketing regulations become stricter in response to spam and privacy concerns, businesses must adhere to these requirements to avoid violations.

Penalties for non-compliance, in the form of statutory damages, can reach up to $500 per violation and $1,500 per willful violation, with no cap on the total amount, potentially leading to substantial fines.

Protect your brand from TCPA violations by entrusting your SMS marketing campaigns to a professional SMS marketing company that ensures compliance with the TCPA and other industry regulations.

At DiscoverMyBusiness, We Ensure Your SMS Marketing Campaign Is TCPA Compliant

DiscoverMyBusiness is a trusted provider of SMS marketing services, dedicated to helping businesses leverage SMS marketing to generate high-quality leads and build loyal customer relationships. Our SMS marketing services have helped numerous companies enhance customer awareness and strengthen brand connections – and we can do the same for you!

Partner with our SMS marketing company and let us help you maximize the potential of SMS mobile marketing.

How Does SMS Text Marketing Work?

Build a Strong Mobile Opt-In List

Businesses and organizations utilize top-notch text marketing services for various reasons, with its independence from an internet connection making SMS marketing a vital part of omnichannel strategies.

Omnichannel marketing integrates both online and offline channels to engage with your target audience and guide them through the sales funnel. Incorporating text message marketing into your strategy ensures consistent messaging and a cohesive brand experience across all touchpoints.

SMS marketing is typically used to share time-sensitive information like offers, updates, and alerts with individuals who have opted in for brand-related messages. Due to its immediacy, many organizations now use SMS for more than just marketing:

• Review generation campaigns
• Automated responses
• Customer surveys and ratings
• Corporate communication
• Content sharing
• Appointment reminders

Whatever your goal, investing in a top-tier text marketing solution is a reliable way to reach your audience more effectively and quickly.

4 Key Steps to SMS Mobile Marketing Success

Planning to launch personalized SMS marketing campaigns? Here are the basic steps to get started:

1. Choose the Best Text Marketing Platform for Your Business

There are numerous cloud-based text marketing tools available today, but you need to find a platform that allows easy connection with your audience.

Our SMS marketing company uses Klaviyo to ensure the successful delivery of mobile text marketing campaigns.

Klaviyo offers competitive features and pricing plans. When you partner with us, we work closely with you to maximize its SMS capabilities.

Note: Additional fees for Klaviyo services apply on top of our SMS marketing service fees.

2. Apply for an SMS Short Code

A short code is a 5- or 6-digit number used to send bulk SMS messages quickly. Short codes are leased in the U.S. and cannot be purchased. You can lease either random or vanity short codes, depending on your preference.

A random short code is a text number randomly assigned by the Short Code Registry and costs $500 per month, making it the most affordable option.

A vanity short code, specifically chosen for your brand, costs $1,000 per month.

Klaviyo also supports sending SMS through toll-free numbers (U.S. or Canada) and alphanumeric sender IDs (UK only).

3. Manage Your SMS Consent Opt-Ins

Before launching SMS campaigns, ensure your recipients have given explicit permission to receive automated messages. Remove anyone with unconfirmed consent to avoid compliance issues.

During our strategy call, our SMS specialists will review your opted-in list to ensure compliance with regulations. Our SMS marketing company only works with contact lists where recipients have clearly opted in for messages from our clients.

4. Craft Your Message and Track Results

SMS marketing companies often use pre-saved message templates with personalization tags to streamline the process. Personalization tags automatically insert the recipient’s details, like their first name, making each message unique, even in bulk campaigns.

Text messages are limited to 160 characters, so keep your content short, engaging, and direct. You can also include a link for recipients to visit your landing page.

After launching your SMS campaign, track performance to identify areas for improvement and adjust your strategy accordingly for future campaigns.