A new regulation called A2P 10DLC is now in effect, and registering for it can significantly improve your message delivery rates and build trust with your audience. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about A2P 10DLC, including its benefits, registration steps, and some best practices to maximize success.
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How to Register
Registering for A2P 10DLC is a straightforward process. Here's what you need to do:
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Fill out the 10DLC Campaign Registration form: Click here to access the registration form. It will ask for information about your business and your text message campaigns.
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Submit the information to VanillaSoft: Once you've completed the form, submit it to VanillaSoft by clicking "Submit" at the bottom of the form.
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VanillaSoft submits to carriers: VanillaSoft will take care of submitting your registration information to the necessary mobile carriers. They will handle the entire registration process and notify you so you can keep up-to-date of the status of your registration.
What is A2P 10DLC?
Imagine A2P 10DLC as a system that verifies who you are and what you're sending by text message. This helps protect consumers from spam and lets them know who's contacting them. It's an extra layer of security set in place.
Do I Need to Register?
Yes, if you send text messages (SMS) to people in the US, you'll need to register. This applies to all text messages sent through VanillaSoft.
What Happens if I Don't Register?
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Lower Delivery Rates: Without A2P 10DLC registration, your text messages might be flagged as spam by mobile carriers. This can significantly reduce the number of people who actually receive your messages.
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Higher Fees: Carriers might charge you more per message if you're not registered. So, not only might your messages not reach their destination, but you could also end up paying more for the ones that don't.
Benefits of Registering
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Higher Chance of Delivery: When you register for A2P 10DLC, your messages are more likely to be seen by your customers. This is because carriers recognize you as a legitimate business and won't filter your texts out as spam.
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Builds Trust with Customers: People are more likely to trust messages from registered businesses. A2P 10DLC shows your customers that you're following the rules and committed to ethical communication.
What's the Cost?
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$10 Monthly Campaign Fee: There's a $10 monthly fee associated with each campaign you run. This covers the cost of registration and maintaining your A2P 10DLC status.
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Slight Increase in SMS License Cost: Mobile carriers might charge slightly more per message for A2P 10DLC traffic. However, the idea is that this increase will be offset by the improved delivery rates you'll experience.
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VanillaSoft Doesn't Markup Costs: Whatever fees the carriers establish, VanillaSoft will pass them on to you without any additional charges. There is no markup on the cost to you.
Tips for Success
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Include Unsubscribe Option: Make sure your first message (and the samples you submit for registration) include a clear and easy way for people to unsubscribe from your text messages. This shows carriers you're following best practices and helps build trust with your customers.
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Avoid Spam Words: There are certain words and phrases that can trigger spam filters, even if your message is legitimate. Avoid using words like "loan," "debt," "credit repair," or "work from home" in your texts. You can find a more complete list of restricted terms in the A2P 10DLC SMS Best Practices article. By avoiding these words, you'll help ensure your messages get delivered.
Once you've submitted your registration, VanillaSoft will notify you of the status. In the meantime, you can continue using VanillaSoft to send text messages as usual.