10DLC outbound SMS registration tips

Get your brand details verified and use cases approved smoothly by following these helpful tips!

Mobile carriers and their vetting partners will carefully review each response in your submissions for consistency and compliance. Telzio has compiled a list of tips to consider during the registration process to help along the path to approval and compliance.

Tips for registering your brand

When registering your brand, select the appropriate company type that matches your Employer Identification Number (EIN).

The brand details you enter, such as your company name, must match the information tied to your EIN and what the IRS has on file for your business.

Make sure to include a link to your website or online presence. The spelling of your website's URL, email address, and brand name needs to be consistent and align with each other.

Support for sole proprietors is currently unavailable and will be coming soon.

Tips for registering message content

Describe your message content

Provide a simple but explicit description detailing the type of content you plan on sending in your messages and how you use SMS to communicate with consumers. Ensure that the description aligns with the selected use case type.

For instance, your use case can be rejected if you sign up for a customer care use case but send marketing messages instead.

Non-profits collecting donations must declare that they are collecting donations.

Number pooling

If you plan to register more than 49 phone numbers for this use case, you must select YES. Additional vetting and fees may apply.

Direct lending or loan arrangement

If your brand engages in lending, you must select YES, even if your messages are not related to lending.

Select YES if you plan on sending embedded links in your messages.

If you select YES, include the embedded link example in your sample message.

Embedded phone number

Select YES if you plan on sending embedded phone numbers in your messages.

If you select YES, include a phone number in your sample message.

Age-gated content

You must select YES if your message content includes any age-gated materials.

Sample messages

Sample messages must correspond to the registered use case. For instance, your use case can be rejected if you sign up for a customer care use case but send marketing messages instead.

Provide a message sample demonstrating the type of messages you typically send. The sample should include:

  • Your brand name.
  • If you selected YES for embedded phone numbers or links, include each in the sample message.
  • Opt-out language. For example, "To stop receiving messages, reply STOP."

If you include a phone number or link in your sample message, but selected NO to the embedded attribute, then your submission will be rejected.

Example: "An appointment was scheduled for 8 AM. If you have any questions, you can call [brand name] at [phone number] or visit [website] to reschedule. Reply STOP to stop receiving further messages from [brand name]."

Tips for registering opt-in

Call to action and message flow

Clearly outline the steps customers must take to opt in and give explicit consent to receive messages from your brand. Consent cannot be assumed. If a customer casually messages your number first, they must explicitly opt-in before continuing any conversation if they haven't already.

  • The call-to-action must be explicitly clear. Keep it simple and spell out the exact steps to opt in. If multiple opt-in methods are available, list them.
  • Provide a script, link, or attachment of the opt-in collection material (e.g., web form, physical form, verbal opt-in script, keyword marketing material, etc.).

In other words, explain where the opt-in process begins and how it ends.

Opt-in disclosures

All opt-in methods must include a visible and understandable messaging disclosure at the time of opt-in. Your messaging disclosure must contain the following details:

  • Your brand name
  • List of the types of messages being sent
  • Message frequency disclosure ("Message frequency varies" or "X messages per day/week/month")
  • "Message and data rates may apply" disclosure
  • HELP information ("Text HELP for support")
  • STOP or opt-out information ("Text STOP to opt-out")
  • Link to your privacy policy and terms & conditions

Example: "By providing your phone number, and pressing submit, you agree to receive recurring messages from [brand name] regarding [content categories]. Message frequency varies. Message and data rates may apply. If you need support you can call or text HELP to [phone number], visit our website at [website], or email [email address]. Reply STOP to any text message you receive from [brand name] to opt-out. For more information, visit our Privacy Policy link or Terms and Conditions link."

Here are some examples of opt-in methods you can implement, and are not limited to:

1. Website opt-in (strongly recommended)

Example: "Customers opt in by visiting [link to website's opt-in form]. They will fill out their phone number, contact information, read the messaging disclosure, check a box agreeing to receive messages from [brand name], and then submit the contact form to opt in."

You must provide the direct URL to opt-in in your explanation. If the online opt-in is hidden or obscured behind a log-in or application, you can provide also provide a screenshot link and explain that the opt-in screenshot is attached.

2. Keyword opt-in

Example: "Our customers opt in by texting START to (111) 222-3333."

You will need to explain how the customer or message recipient is informed to text the keyword/initiate the text messaging conversation. Include a link directing the reviewer where the keyword for opt-in is advertised.

3. Verbal opt-in (point of sale or on-site)

If opt-in is collected verbally, you must provide a copy of the script read to the customer.

Example: "[Brand name] will collect opt-ins verbally from customers at a physical office location or over a phone call. When a customer registers for the first time, they are asked to provide their phone number, and staff are trained to ask if they would like to opt in to receive SMS-based appointment and billing notifications. Staff will inform customers that message and data rates may apply, message frequency may vary, they can text HELP for more information, they can text STOP to unsubscribe at any time, their phone number will not be shared with third parties for marketing or promotional purposes, and they can find the Privacy Policy and Terms & Conditions at [link to privacy policy] and [link to terms & conditions]."

In this field, enter a link that takes the reviewer and consumers directly to your brand's privacy policy. You must create and implement your own privacy policy rather than adopting another party’s policy as your own.

Make sure your privacy policy link is included in your messaging disclosure, terms and conditions, and website footer.

Your privacy policy must include language that:

  • Contains your brand name.
  • Explains in detail how customer data is used and handled.
  • Ensures the customer's opt-in data will not be shared with third parties.
  • Instructs the customer on how to opt-out of receiving future communications.

Data privacy example: "Mobile information will not be shared with third parties/affiliates for marketing/promotional purposes. All the above categories exclude text messaging originator opt-in data and consent; this information will not be shared with any third parties."

Opt-out example:
"If you wish to be removed from receiving future communications from [brand name], you can opt out by texting STOP."

In this field, enter a link that takes the reviewer and consumers directly to your brand's terms and conditions. You must implement your own terms and conditions and cannot assume or adopt another party's terms as your own.

Make sure your terms and conditions link is included in your messaging disclosure and website footer.

Your messaging terms and conditions must include:

  • Your brand name
  • List of the types of messages being sent
  • Message frequency disclosure
  • "Message and data rates may apply" disclosure
  • HELP information
  • STOP or opt-out information
  • Link to your privacy policy

Example statement:
"Messaging Terms & Conditions: You agree to receive informational messages (appointment reminders, account notifications, etc.) from [brand name]. Message frequency varies. Message and data rates may apply. For support, reply HELP or email us at [email address]. You can opt out at any time by replying STOP. For more information, visit [link to your privacy policy]."

Subscriber messages

For any use case, you must have a method to respond to customers when they text your phone number with opt-in, opt-out, or HELP keywords. Automation is not required, responses can be handled manually.

Subscriber opt-in Provide an opt-in keyword (prefilled with START). The opt-in message must include:

  • Your brand name
  • Message frequency disclosure
  • "Message and data rates may apply" disclosure
  • HELP instructions ("Text HELP for help")
  • STOP instructions ("Text STOP to stop receiving messages")

Opt-in example:
"Thank you for opting in to receive recurring messages from [brand name]. Msg frequency varies. Msg & data rates may apply. Reply HELP for help. Reply STOP to cancel."

Subscriber opt-out Provide a response when a customer replies STOP. The opt-out message must include:

  • Your brand name
  • Confirmation that the customer will receive no further messages.

Opt-out example:
"You have successfully opted out of messages from [brand name]. You will receive no further messages."

Subscriber help

Provide a response when someone replies HELP. The HELP Message must include:

  • Your brand name
  • Support contact information
  • STOP instructions

Help message example:
"Thank you for reaching out to [brand name]. Please call us at [phone number] or email us at [email address] for support. Reply STOP to opt-out."

Contact us

If you have any questions or need further assistance with the 10DLC registration process, you can check out our other guides (take me there) or contact our Support Team.