VanillaSoft's SMS feature is designed for person-to-person messaging, allowing for meaningful interactions between callers and contacts. However, with increased regulations from cell phone carriers to combat spam and abuse, it's essential to use this tool in compliance with carrier policies. This guide provides recommendations to help ensure your SMS messages are delivered successfully and are in line with carrier guidelines. Click to expand for more information:
Velocity Thresholds and Throttles
Velocity refers to the rate at which SMS messages are sent. To avoid being flagged, consider the following guidelines:
- 60 messages per minute from a single originating telephone number.
- 125 messages per 60 minutes from a single originating telephone number.
- 1,000 messages per 24 hours from a single originating telephone number.
These are general guidelines and may vary depending on the recipient's carrier.
Traffic Balance
Carriers also monitor the balance between incoming and outgoing messages. A ratio close to 1:1 is recommended, meaning for every outgoing message, there should be a roughly equal number of incoming responses. High volumes of non-responsive text messages can raise red flags.
Content Filtering & Fingerprinting
Carriers scrutinize each message for spam indicators, such as website URLs, commonly flagged phrases, or repetitive content. Messages flagged as spam are "fingerprinted," and future messages with similar content may also be blocked. To reduce the risk of filtering, keep your messages conversational and avoid sending marketing material or sales pitches.
Blacklisting
Repeated violations of carrier criteria can result in your phone number being blacklisted, meaning your messages may not be sent or received. Blacklists typically last for 30 days but can vary. It's crucial to adhere to carrier guidelines to avoid blacklisting.
Steps to Take
If you suspect your messages are being filtered, immediately pause your texting activities to assess the situation. If your messaging frequency aligns with the velocity thresholds, your content may be the issue. VanillaSoft's pre-filter helps catch potential violations before they reach the carrier, so pay attention to any notifications about undelivered messages and adjust your SMS habits accordingly.
If you experience issues with SMS delivery, refer to the Troubleshooting SMS Delivery Issues article for further guidance and solutions.
Summary
SMS messaging can be a powerful engagement tool when used correctly. Following carrier guidelines and maintaining a conversational approach can help ensure your messages are delivered successfully and your number remains in good standing.
Disclaimer
The suggestions provided are best practices for avoiding accidental flagging of legitimate communications. This is not legal advice and does not guarantee TCPA compliance.